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What if I need help removing an Activation lock and do not have proof of purchase?

I bought a second hand ipad for my child from Offer Up and I'm being asked to remove an Activation lock. Is there a way to remove it without a receipt for proof of purchase?

iPad Pro 10.5-inch, Wi-Fi

Posted on Mar 9, 2021 9:59 AM

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Posted on Mar 9, 2021 10:01 AM

Regrettably, no...


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.


The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

3 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Mar 9, 2021 10:01 AM in response to Jdg1091

Regrettably, no...


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.


The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

Mar 9, 2021 10:10 AM in response to Jdg1091

No.

And the sales receipt from OfferUp will not help ypu.

It has to be the original Apple sales receipt.

No one here can help you. Apple will NOT help you.


If you can, attempt to return the device and get your money back.



Failing that, there is nothing more to be done, other than to recycle the device.


You will never get this device to ever work for you.



Sorry.

Mar 9, 2021 10:14 AM in response to Jdg1091

If you purchase any iPad used/second hand, online, or even in-person, make sure this iPad does NOT have user activation lock and has been properly reset for sale.

A properly reset for sale iPad should initially power up to an animated, multi-language “Welcome” screen.

DO NOT take the iPad seller's word that this iPad is user activation lock free,

We have seen plenty of used iOS device purchasers get scammed.

User Activation Lock can never be bypasss, circumvented or worked around IF there is no correct previous/original user information to be able to do so.

Apple doesn't get involved with ANY user activation locked, used/second-hand devices, either.


So, buyer beware.


If purchasing a used device in-person, power the iPad ON

If the iPad DOES NOT display the initial animated, multi-language “Welcome” screen, the pass on purchasing this iPad.

If the iPad powers up to any other screen, then forget purchasing this iPad.

You cannot trust that the seller actually has the correct needed info to properly reset the iPad back to factory settings right then and there before the actual purchase and exchange of money for the iPad, in question.

Pass on the device.


If you are purchasing this used iPad online, ask the seller to provide multiple images, either online or be sent to you via email, showing this animated, multi-language “Welcome” screen of the interested in purchasing iPad model.

Even better, ask for a short video be sent to you showing this animated, multi-language “Welcome” screen, in action and in its entirety, posted to the online ad or emailed to you.

If the online iPad seller refuses any of these requests, pass on the iPad. DO NOT buy.

What if I need help removing an Activation lock and do not have proof of purchase?

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