You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

📢 Newsroom Update

The new iPad mini is available today. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

iPad Activation Lock

My iPad has Activation Lock on. My iPad can’t be used.

iPad, iPadOS 15

Posted on Oct 9, 2021 1:43 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 9, 2021 1:54 PM

Did you buy the device second-hand (used)? 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).

 

If you are unable to contact him to do this then 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.

If on the other hand you bought it new, and the ID it's asking for is yours but you've forgotten it, 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 can produce legitimate proof that you are the original owner (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.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 9, 2021 1:54 PM in response to MatthewZayas

Did you buy the device second-hand (used)? 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).

 

If you are unable to contact him to do this then 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.

If on the other hand you bought it new, and the ID it's asking for is yours but you've forgotten it, 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 can produce legitimate proof that you are the original owner (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.

iPad Activation Lock

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.