How can I factory reset an iPad that's in someone else’s name?

How can I factory reset a iPad that is in someone else’s name.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad Air, iOS 12

Posted on Jan 11, 2023 10:41 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 11, 2023 11:20 AM

Apple has two related features, Activation Lock ( Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support ) and Find My ( iCloud - Find My - Apple ), which are designed to prevent anyone else from using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's ever lost or stolen. Deactivation of either requires knowing the Apple ID and password that set the feature, or by placing a special request to Apple to reset the device. This Apple ID information essentially defines the current ownership of the device.


Click on this link to learn how to remove Activation Lock --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

or this one for disabling Find My if activation lock has not yet engaged --> Turn off Find My on your iPhone or other devices - Apple Support


If you do not know the required information and you are not the owner, get the owner of the account to remove the lock, or return the device for a refund, or recycle the device. The device is otherwise useless to you. If the owner is unknown and has not provided contact information as a message showing in the login screen, there is no way to contact the owner unless the person who gave you the device knows them.


Here are additional resources if you are the original owner or can find the original owner:


Help with a lost Apple ID or password:

• For help with a forgotten Apple ID (this is likely an active email address or one used in the past), click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID email address or phone number - Apple Support

• For help with a forgotten Apple ID password, click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


Once you have unlocked the device you can then do this to set it to factory settings: How to factory reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support


Alternatively, Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online at: Activation Lock support request -

https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support

Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide many details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the first owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership transfer).


*Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> https://support.apple.com/HT202711




1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 11, 2023 11:20 AM in response to Harleygirl_52

Apple has two related features, Activation Lock ( Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support ) and Find My ( iCloud - Find My - Apple ), which are designed to prevent anyone else from using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's ever lost or stolen. Deactivation of either requires knowing the Apple ID and password that set the feature, or by placing a special request to Apple to reset the device. This Apple ID information essentially defines the current ownership of the device.


Click on this link to learn how to remove Activation Lock --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

or this one for disabling Find My if activation lock has not yet engaged --> Turn off Find My on your iPhone or other devices - Apple Support


If you do not know the required information and you are not the owner, get the owner of the account to remove the lock, or return the device for a refund, or recycle the device. The device is otherwise useless to you. If the owner is unknown and has not provided contact information as a message showing in the login screen, there is no way to contact the owner unless the person who gave you the device knows them.


Here are additional resources if you are the original owner or can find the original owner:


Help with a lost Apple ID or password:

• For help with a forgotten Apple ID (this is likely an active email address or one used in the past), click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID email address or phone number - Apple Support

• For help with a forgotten Apple ID password, click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


Once you have unlocked the device you can then do this to set it to factory settings: How to factory reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support


Alternatively, Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online at: Activation Lock support request -

https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support

Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide many details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the first owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership transfer).


*Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> https://support.apple.com/HT202711




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How can I factory reset an iPad that's in someone else’s name?

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