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How do I wipe iPads I owned through my business when they are still registered to ex employees who I can’t contact?

I bought multiple iPads for my team when I had my business several years ago. I have now decided to sell & restored & reset the iPads using ITunes but they are still saying they are linked to ex employees apple accounts even though the business ( and their emails) are gone with no way for me to contact them. What can I do?

Posted on Jan 29, 2023 9:20 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 29, 2023 9:42 AM

If the devices are not centrally managed by an MDM platform and you permit your staff to configure the device with their own (possibly private) account credentials to set-up and use devices, there is a very real risk that you’ll lose the ability to access or use the device if the employee forgets their Passcode or AppleID credentials. 


Similarly, if the staff member were to leave your employment without properly unlocking the device, as a business you might totally lose access to (and use of) the unmanaged device. If you don’t have robust exit procedures, this is a real risk.


If the device is disabled or Activation Locked, you will require your original purchase documentation that proves ownership - usually the sales invoice. Documentation must clearly show the Serial/IMEI number of the device. With this documentation, Apple may at their absolute discretion assist with unlocking.


If you have the necessary documentation, Apple have 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.




1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 29, 2023 9:42 AM in response to FFMama

If the devices are not centrally managed by an MDM platform and you permit your staff to configure the device with their own (possibly private) account credentials to set-up and use devices, there is a very real risk that you’ll lose the ability to access or use the device if the employee forgets their Passcode or AppleID credentials. 


Similarly, if the staff member were to leave your employment without properly unlocking the device, as a business you might totally lose access to (and use of) the unmanaged device. If you don’t have robust exit procedures, this is a real risk.


If the device is disabled or Activation Locked, you will require your original purchase documentation that proves ownership - usually the sales invoice. Documentation must clearly show the Serial/IMEI number of the device. With this documentation, Apple may at their absolute discretion assist with unlocking.


If you have the necessary documentation, Apple have 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.




How do I wipe iPads I owned through my business when they are still registered to ex employees who I can’t contact?

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