How to reset a used/second-hand iPad and delete the old owners email and settings.

Do you have a complete email address or just a partial one for

the previous owner? If only partial, there is no way to find who

initiated the Activation Lock.

If you have a complete email for them, you can email them.

They need to do the items in this link before you will be

able to log on using your own AppleID:

 What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Since you seem to be able to use some of the functions of the iPad,

ask Siri "Who owns this iPad?" and you may get some more information

about the previous owner.

You have encountered the Activation Lock - this being a core security feature that is intended (and very effectively) prevents reuse of a device that has not been properly prepared by the previous owner.

Once triggered, 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.

Here is what Apple suggests when purchasing or 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.

SilverPhoenix222 wrote:

I bought a used iPad from the Thrift Shop, it turns on and I can do simple things like surf the web, but it's not even really mine yet cuz it still has someone else's email attached to it... how do I please reset my new iPad to factory settings and make it my own. This is my first ever Apple Product. I went ahead and signed up on the iCloud site and got an Apple ID, so I'm ready to be an i-guy... if yall will have me. :D

I did try and research this topic quite a bit before finally trying to ask you, professionals. I can't do a regular reset from within the iPad because it requires the previous owner's passcode to do so. I downloaded iTunes and tried doing a reset by holding the home button, inserting the cord connected to the computer, and following the steps this way as well.. but the device continually just goes back to the previous screen with the previous owner's Apple ID and wallpaper and such. Thanks very much in advance.

Can't be done without the previous owners information. That ipad is useless How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

SilverPhoenix222 wrote:

Can someone on this site try and get ahold of them with the email I have and ask them to please transfer the iPad to its new owner?

No, there is no Apple here and Apple doesn't do that either.

log out of apple account

ok i didnt think about that

Return it and get your money back.

There is no way to remove the activation lock.