How do I set up a previously owned iPad?

Dayna1987 wrote:

I purchased an iPad from someone but I don’t know how to factory set it without knowing the original owner.

Is the iPad disabled or Activation Locked? If so, unless you have the assistance of the previous owner, the iPad is (and will remain) 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, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. With documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.

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

Here is what Apple suggests when purchasing used:

Check for Activation Lock before you buy a device from someone else

Before you buy an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller, make sure that the device is erased and no longer linked to the previous owner’s account. Follow these steps to check if the device is ready to use: 

1. Turn on and unlock the device. 
2. If the passcode lock screen or the Home screen appears, the device hasn't been erased. Ask the seller to completely erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it's been erased.
3. Begin the device setup process.
4. If you're asked for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, the device is still linked to their account. Hand the device back to the seller and ask them to enter their password. If the previous owner isn't present, contact them as soon as possible and ask them to use a browser to remove the device from their account. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.

You will know that a device is ready for you to use when you're asked to "Set up your iPhone," “Set up your iPad," or “Set up your iPod” the first time you turn it on.

Hi Dayna1987, thank you posting in Apple Support Communities.

The issue is the comment you made about not knowing the original owner which indicates that the owner is still registered to the iPad and factory reset will not fix it.

If you do not have the details of the original owner and they are still registered to the iPad you will need to take the iPad to an Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider with proof of ownership such as a receipt or invoice clearly showing the iPad details and purchase confirmation.

The original owner should have followed the procedure in the following link before selling it to you:

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201351

The above link provides more information about this.

Without the help from the original owner or the previous owner of this iPad, you will never, EVER get this iPad to EVER work for you.

Attempt to get your money back!

This is a dead and useless device to you.

You will NEVER get this device unlocked, unless you can contact the seller who sold you this iPad.

NO ONE here can help you.

Apple WILL NOT help you.

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

Sorry.

If you decide to go down the path of purchasing used, secondhand Apple devices, again, here is how to avoid purchasing an Apple iOS/iPadOS device with user activation lock, in the future.

If you purchase any iPad, or any Apple iOS device, for that matter, 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 sold 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, then 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!

Sorry & Good Luck to You!

https://youtu.be/g6tppaNiEHY - check out this video from the Apple Support channel

The process should be the same for an iPad

This WILL NOT WORK!