Set up older iPad
Was given an older iPad (still has old connection plug). How do I get it set up?
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The answer to this question would largely depend upon the current state of the iPad. Is the iPad disabled, or Activation Locked?
Very old 32-bit models of iPad are all obsolete. The original iPad1 can only be updated to iOS 5.1.1; iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models); iPad4 is similarly limited to iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only) or iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi+Cellular).
These models of iPad cannot be updated as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed; these are 32-bit architecture devices, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms. iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 are obsolete.
iPad Air1, mini2, mini3 (all 64-bit devices) are also restricted to iOS 12.5.5.
You may need to consider that compatible Apps for your iPad may be impossible, or at best difficult, to find - as Developers have dropped all support for 32-bit devices and most for iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13. As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them - which may severely limit the usefulness and utility of the iPad. In such cases, if you want or need to access most current Apps requiring more recent versions of iOS than the iPad is capable of support, you’ll need to consider replacement with a newer or current model.
Assuming the iPad is unlocked and responsive to input, you can reset and start again by following this process:
What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
Otherwise…
Activation Lock
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.
If you have the necessary documentation, Apple have recently introduced a portal though which you may be able to request release of an Activation Lock:
How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support & start an Activation Lock support request.
Disabled
If your iPad is disabled, or you have forgotten your iPad passcode, you have no alternative other than to follow this process:
If you’ve forgotten the passcode on your iPad, or your iPad is disabled – Apple Support
You’ll need access to either a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS).
AppleID
You’ll need the AppleID and associated password. For which you’ll need the owner to assist. If these credentials have also been forgotten, they can be recovered by the owner here:
To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to one of the following:
- Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
- Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
- Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID
Unless you AppleID account has not been fully/correctly configured, or has been seriously neglected, recovery of the AppleID and password should not be difficult.
More information about recovery of your AppleID:
If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support
More information about recovery of your AppleID password:
If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support
When you recover access to your credentials, you would be well advised to log-in to your AppleID account from a web browser - and verify/update any email addresses and trusted telephone numbers: