Long unused iPad 2 has old AppleId listed for iCloud backup, using an email address that no longer exists. I can't remember the old password, but it can't be reset with the old email address as it is not recognized as a valid AppleId. Is there a way to change my iCloud credentials to be my current AppleId without knowing what the old credentials were?
Hi there quelcjlx,
If this iPad has Activation Lock enabled and you are not able to reset the Apple ID or the password that was originally used to set up the iPad, then the only way to remove this Apple ID account from the iPad and use it with another Apple ID would be by submitting an Activation Lock support request. In order to do so, the following is required:
You must be the owner of the device.
Proof of ownership documentation is required. Proof of ownership must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.
Your data on the device will be erased.
If Apple unlocks Activation Lock on your device, all files and data stored on your device will be permanently erased. Please note, restoring your device from a local backup will re-enable Activation Lock.
We can’t unlock a managed device.
If your device is owned by a business or educational institution, please contact your IT department or manager. We also do not accept bulk requests.
Your device must not be in Lost Mode.
This information as well as how to start the request can be found here: Request additional support for unlocking your device
We hope that helps!
Hi there quelcjlx,
If this iPad has Activation Lock enabled and you are not able to reset the Apple ID or the password that was originally used to set up the iPad, then the only way to remove this Apple ID account from the iPad and use it with another Apple ID would be by submitting an Activation Lock support request. In order to do so, the following is required:
You must be the owner of the device.
Proof of ownership documentation is required. Proof of ownership must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.
Your data on the device will be erased.
If Apple unlocks Activation Lock on your device, all files and data stored on your device will be permanently erased. Please note, restoring your device from a local backup will re-enable Activation Lock.
We can’t unlock a managed device.
If your device is owned by a business or educational institution, please contact your IT department or manager. We also do not accept bulk requests.
Your device must not be in Lost Mode.
This information as well as how to start the request can be found here: Request additional support for unlocking your device
We hope that helps!
Thanks. I'm not sure what an Activation Lock is, but I've decided to just erase the data and donate the iPad. I followed the steps to erase the data and this appears to have been effective. I have no other Apple devices, so backing up the data was not necessary. I assume if even I can't get access to my old iCloud back up, nobody else can either. If I decide to give the iPad to someone else, will there be a way for them to make use of it?
Hi quelcjlx,
If Activation Lock was enabled on the iPad, the person that receives it will not be able to use it. You can test this by attempting to set up the iPad and choosing to skip or configure options later in Settings when prompted. Activation lock will prevent set up from completing, and the removal of that feature is included in What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad.
Regards.
Thanks, Bill_T1. It let me complete the setup, so I guess I could either continue using it (with my actual Apple Id instead of the lost one), or erase it again and give it to someone else.
If you intend to give away your iPad, for reuse by somebody else, you must follow the correct process - as this (a) ensures that all sensitive and personal data is securely erased, and (b) removes the Activation Lock that will otherwise inhibit reuse:
What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
iPad has bad iCloud account stored
