How can I reset my iPad without using an Apple ID? Back story: I let my coworker use my iPad 2 years ago so I set up a different Apple ID for her. We lost all of the information containing the email address and passcode for the Apple ID and I am no longer in communication with the coworker.
iPad mini, iOS 9
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. In letting her sign in you gave her ownership of the iPad.
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
Since you say you can no longer contact the coworker, your remaining option is 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. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support
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. In letting her sign in you gave her ownership of the iPad.
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
Since you say you can no longer contact the coworker, your remaining option is 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. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support
iPad Apple ID
