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How do I reset an iPad to factory and use it

I Inherited an iPad but don’t have the passcode. How do I get it reset to factory and use it?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Feb 1, 2021 6:26 AM

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5 replies

Feb 1, 2021 6:30 AM in response to Ellafern

A forgotten device Passcode cannot be recovered. The iPad must be restored - however, this will likely trigger an activation lock which will require the AppleID and associated Password.



Activation Lock


Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be turned off:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support


As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, or unless you can secure the cooperation of the previous owner, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. Without documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple won’t assist - and nobody here will be able to help you.



Disabled iPad or forgotten Passcode


If your iPad is disabled, or you have forgotten your iPad passcode, you’ll need to follow this process:

If you’ve forgotten the passcode on your iPad, or your iPad is disabled – Apple Support


You’ll need access to either a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS).



AppleID


You’ll also need your AppleID and associated password. If these have also been forgotten, they can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com


To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to one of the following:

  • Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
  • Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
  • Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID


Unless you AppleID account has not been fully/correctly configured, or has been seriously neglected, recovery of the AppleID and password should not be difficult.


More information about recovery of your AppleID:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support


More information about recovery of your AppleID password:

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


When you recover access to your credentials, you would be well advised to log-in to your AppleID account from a web browser - and verify/update any email addresses and trusted telephone numbers:

https://appleid.apple.com


Feb 1, 2021 9:30 AM in response to Ellafern

If you can't get the info or help you need to get this iPad to work for you, then this iPad is a paperweight.

This is a dead, useless device to you.

Without the info needed from the previous owner of this iPad, you will never, ever get this iPad to work for you.


Sorry.


There will be nothing more to be done.


Please recycle this device responsibly.

How do I reset an iPad to factory and use it

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