iPad Air 2 stuck in Account Authentication Mode

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Level 1

61 points

iPad Air 2 stuck in Account Authentication Mode

My sister passed away a couple of months ago and got a hold of her iPad Air 2. I did not know her password to get into it. So I hooked it to my Macbook Air M1 and did a factory reset on it however when trying to set it up with a new account it asks for me to enter the password for an email account I do not have to Authentication the account. I have not set up an account it is factory reset and have no idea what password is connected to that email. It was my sisters email address. Why would the iPad ask me for the password for her email in the activation mode when it was factory reset? Any know how I can fix this or if there is a work around that I can do to make this iPad work? Or am I stuck with a bricked iPad that is just as good as a door stop.

Posted on Apr 4, 2023 3:00 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

LotusPilot

Level 10

303,974 points

Apr 4, 2023 3:54 PM in response to James Panza

As described, you’ve encountered the Activation Lock - triggered when you attempted reset of the iPad. This mechanism is a security feature - contrived to ensure that a device can only be used by the owner.

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.

If you have the necessary documentation, Apple have introduced a new 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.

However, this isn’t necessarily the end of the story...

A close Family member or Executor, with the required supporting paperwork, can make application to Apple to be granted access to the Apple accounts of the deceased:

How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple accounts - Apple Support

If your intent is to wipe/reset the device(s) for reuse by a new user, you would be best advised to prepare them properly:

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

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Answer 2

LotusPilot

Level 10

303,974 points

Apr 7, 2023 3:24 AM in response to James Panza

Unfortunately, it is technically impossible to code an “honesty” filter. Unless the correct AppleID can be provided, you are indistinguishable from anyone else - honest or otherwise.

As a security and anti-theft measure, if the Activation Lock could be bypassed, it would be useless; the bypass would be ruthlessly exploited - and would would have no value.

While your predicament and frustration are fully (and sympathetically) understood, you are beholden to exactly the same technical controls as everyone else. Mechanisms exist to overcome the Activation Lock; by all accounts, as you appear unable to successfully use them, the device that is now in your possession cannot be (re)used.

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Answer 3

James Panza Author

Level 1

61 points

Apr 5, 2023 3:31 PM in response to James Panza

Hello

Thank you for your quick response. This sounds like to much and way to complicated for me. I think I am going to cut my losses and let the iPad go. Not worth my time or energy to find all these documents and get with Apple to prove she has died. I have another iPad and do not really need this one. I will put it back in its box with a note on it and check on how you dispose of these things. I just thought after my sister passed away in February it would be nice to reset her iPad to have a second one for my niece to have to play with. No big deal.

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Answer 4

imobl

Level 7

21,150 points

Apr 6, 2023 6:30 AM in response to James Panza

Your local Apple store or Apple authorized service provider

will recycle the iPad for you at no cost. Apple will even send

you a box for you to return the iPad at no cost to you.

You may wish to start with this link:

Apple Trade In - Apple

Many big box electronics stores such as Staples also

accept iPads to be recycled.

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Answer 5

James Panza Author

Level 1

61 points

Apr 6, 2023 6:35 PM in response to imobl

Thank you for your reply. It is really frustrating that Apple does this. I know that it is a safety feature to make sure that if your device is stolen and reset no one can use your device. It is just annoying when you get an honest person like me who lost a family member and want to be able to reuse there Apple product for another member of the family ( the daughter of the deceased family member). It never used to be that way. I had an iPod mini that I was able to factory reset once and give to my sister years ago when I got a new one. She was able to use that for years till she upgraded. Why can't Apple make there products that easy to reuse.

I know I can go through what the first person that posted a response said to do and prove that my sister passed away and I was the original purchaser of the device but that was so many years ago and I don't know where that receipt even is. Nor do I have the time or energy to find that. Who saves that type of thing. You buy the device use it and don't expect to have to throw it away or have to reset it. It would just make sense that Apple would make it easier to fix this sort of situation.

Sorry for the rant.

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Answer 6

James Panza Author

Level 1

61 points

Apr 18, 2023 3:11 PM in response to LotusPilot

Understandable. I am not planning on doing anything with it to be honest. I have given up and find no reason to go ahead and go through all the trouble that it takes to prove that I purchased the device for her over 5 years ago for her birthday as a gift. It really is not that important that I get it reset. I have many more bigger things to deal with. Like going through the rest or her belongings and things like that. An old iPad is the least of my worries. It is not a pressing issue. I will send it to the electronic recycling center and to the electronic heaven

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iPad Air 2 stuck in Account Authentication Mode

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