Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

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

Bought used iPad and not able to unlock it

I bought two ipads in a carboot sale here in UK, from a guy who had a few tens of Apple products, Ipads, Iphones, etc, with active screen, and it was very cheap, I bought two ipads for 235£,it was working well, but after reaching home, it was locked and the clown who sold forgot to unlock, i went back next time, i couldn't find him, now i cant find him or, get it unlocked or registered to my name, kindly suggest how can i fix this issue


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Jun 7, 2022 2:40 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jun 7, 2022 3:15 AM

i couldn't find him, now i cant find him...how can i fix this issue


Buy purchasing a new device from an authorised Apple reseller or an Apple store. The devices you have are useless to you if you can't unlock them.


See

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

How to remove Activation Lock

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


4 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Jun 7, 2022 3:15 AM in response to Shatzz

i couldn't find him, now i cant find him...how can i fix this issue


Buy purchasing a new device from an authorised Apple reseller or an Apple store. The devices you have are useless to you if you can't unlock them.


See

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

How to remove Activation Lock

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


Jun 7, 2022 4:56 AM in response to Shatzz

Is the iPad disabled or Activation Locked? If so, unless you can independently obtain assistance from 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.

Jun 7, 2022 3:22 AM in response to Shatzz

You can't, only the original owner can remove the activation lock. If you can't find the guy you bought it from then it's completely useless to you, the only thing you can do with it now is recycle it. If it was "very cheap" then my hunch would be that it wasn't his to sell (ie you're now in possession of stolen goods).


Anyway, there's absolutely nothing you can do to make it usable.



Bought used iPad and not able to unlock it

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