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iPad stuck in activation lock

Greetings! New to the Applesphere, I have been given a previously loved iPad, and cannot get it properly into recovery mode to remove the activation lock on it from the previous owner. As I have no way of getting in touch with them to have it released from their Find My... I wondered if there is something I'm missing in trying to get it to update and restore to allow for new setup. any help would be much appreciated.

iPad (4th gen) Wi-Fi

Posted on Jan 18, 2023 3:46 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 18, 2023 4:01 AM

Many thanks! Will make a nice paperweight.


Cheers!

3 replies

Jan 18, 2023 3:50 AM in response to ISTVAN_HS

If the iPad is disabled or Activation Locked, 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 satisfied:

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 Activation Lock ensures that unless the iPad is properly prepared for reuse, it will remain useless to anyone other than the bona-fide owner of the device. As such, if stolen, it has no value:

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



Here is what Apple suggests when legitimately acquiring a previously used device:


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.

iPad stuck in activation lock

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