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I have an old ipad that I am trying to use. However I have an authorization lock on it since i havent used the device in years. How can I hard reset it so that I can use it

I have an old ipad that I am trying to use. However I have an authorization lock on it since i havent used the device in years. How can I hard reset it so that I can use it

Posted on Mar 15, 2021 3:45 PM

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Posted on Mar 15, 2021 3:48 PM

If iti's Activation Locked resetting it won't do you any good. Go to https://iforgot.apple.com to retrieve the ID and reset the password. See also If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support


Failing that, as long as you are the original owner and can produce a proof of purchase (which must include the serial, IMEI or MEID number) you can request unlocking as detailed here: Activation Lock - Support. Note that the process will completely erase the device.

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Question marked as Best reply

Mar 15, 2021 3:48 PM in response to crwgurl08

If iti's Activation Locked resetting it won't do you any good. Go to https://iforgot.apple.com to retrieve the ID and reset the password. See also If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support


Failing that, as long as you are the original owner and can produce a proof of purchase (which must include the serial, IMEI or MEID number) you can request unlocking as detailed here: Activation Lock - Support. Note that the process will completely erase the device.

Mar 15, 2021 3:54 PM in response to crwgurl08

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.


If you are the owner of the AppleID that previously activated the device - and you have forgotten your AppleID or associated password, these 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


I have an old ipad that I am trying to use. However I have an authorization lock on it since i havent used the device in years. How can I hard reset it so that I can use it

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