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activation lock

I have a iPad that i got from surplus and it has a activation lock. How do I take this off

Posted on May 30, 2021 8:13 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 30, 2021 8:25 AM

You don't. If a used iOS device has been 'Activation locked' then only the previous owner can unlock it, either by providing you with the account ID and password, or by carrying out the steps detailed in How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support (as he should have done before selling it).

 

You will presumably be unable to contact him to do this so I'm afraid you will not be able to use the device - there is no other way of unlocking it at all. Apple cannot unlock it for you, nor find the previous owner for you, and neither can the websites that offer to unlock it for a fee: these are scams.


You should if possible return it to wherever you bought it and ask for a refund as in this event the device is completely useless.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 30, 2021 8:25 AM in response to rainer805

You don't. If a used iOS device has been 'Activation locked' then only the previous owner can unlock it, either by providing you with the account ID and password, or by carrying out the steps detailed in How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support (as he should have done before selling it).

 

You will presumably be unable to contact him to do this so I'm afraid you will not be able to use the device - there is no other way of unlocking it at all. Apple cannot unlock it for you, nor find the previous owner for you, and neither can the websites that offer to unlock it for a fee: these are scams.


You should if possible return it to wherever you bought it and ask for a refund as in this event the device is completely useless.

May 30, 2021 10:38 AM in response to rainer805

If the iPad is Activation Locked, it is useless to you.


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

activation lock

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