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.

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

I just bought an iPad from someone but it's locked.

Is there a way around that or will i have to file theft charges? I just bought an ipad from someone but its locked. and they wont answer now.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]


iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 3rd Gen, Wi-Fi

Posted on Apr 28, 2022 12:20 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 28, 2022 2:11 PM

You just told me everything that was said on the first page I looked at about it. My problem is, I bought it off of someone. I have absolutely no idea what the Apple ID is or password

5 replies

Apr 28, 2022 12:35 PM in response to Nationk93

Remove Activation Lock on the device.

Follow the onscreen steps to enter the Apple ID and password you used to set up your device or your device passcode.


Learn how to find your Apple ID or reset your Apple ID password.


Remove Activation Lock on the web if a device is offline.

  1. Go to www.iCloud.com/find.
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
  3. At the top, click All Devices.
  4. Select the device that you want to remove from iCloud.
  5. Click Remove from Account.


Start a support request.

If you need help removing Activation Lock and have proof of purchase documentation, you can start an Activation Lock support request.

Apr 28, 2022 3:00 PM in response to Nationk93

Nationk93 wrote:

Is there a way around that or will i have to file theft charges? I just bought an ipad from someone but its locked. and they wont answer now.


If the iPad disabled or Activation Locked, the iPad 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, 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.

I just bought an iPad from someone but it's locked.

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