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I am unable to unlock my ipad and need to provide proof of purchase as I can not reset an old apple id

I do not remember the phone used when I created my original apple id therefore unable to reset password


Posted on Aug 19, 2023 10:04 AM

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Posted on Aug 19, 2023 10:06 AM

Presumably you are being prompted for your AppleID credentials - so as to satisfy the Activation Lock. You will require the AppleID an associated password that was last used to successfully activate the device - which, for the bona-fide owner, should be straightforward.


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 recently 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, recovery of the AppleID credentials should be possible…


If you have forgotten your AppleID or associated password, these can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com/


To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to any one of the following:

  • Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
  • Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
  • Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID



More information about recovery of your AppleID and associated Password:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support



2 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Aug 19, 2023 10:06 AM in response to gutiedf0519

Presumably you are being prompted for your AppleID credentials - so as to satisfy the Activation Lock. You will require the AppleID an associated password that was last used to successfully activate the device - which, for the bona-fide owner, should be straightforward.


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 recently 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, recovery of the AppleID credentials should be possible…


If you have forgotten your AppleID or associated password, these can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com/


To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to any one of the following:

  • Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
  • Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
  • Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID



More information about recovery of your AppleID and associated Password:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support



Aug 19, 2023 10:29 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thank you for the guidance. I do however take exception to your comment of "should be straightforward". Regrettably my experience with apple has been less than easy. Nevertheless, I have receipt of purchase with serial number identifying me as the owner. iPad I am trying to remove the activation unlock and the apple id associated has not been used in over 4 years and phone number associated has long been forgotten. Therefore trying to reset a password has been - CATASTROPHIC. They will NOT use my email address to verify identity, the phone number which I can not for the life of me remember is the ONLY thing they want so the recovery ID credentials directions you have posted I fear are useless. Again, thank you for the guidance and allowing me to vent !! Extremely frustrating.

I am unable to unlock my ipad and need to provide proof of purchase as I can not reset an old apple id

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