ex-roommate owed 2 months rent gave iPad to hold until pays cash, was arrested for domestic violence, restraining order, never paid money owed, he left message to keep iPad. Did not give log in or passcode, iPad locked to owner, he is nowhere to be found. How can I access iPad?
iPad Pro (3rd generation)
If the iPad locked with an unknown Passcode, is disabled or Activation Locked, unless you can independently obtain assistance from the previous owner, the iPad is (and will remain) useless to you. If you are able to contact the original owner, they will require this information:
What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
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 the original sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.
For future reference, here is what Apple suggests when 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:
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.
If the iPad locked with an unknown Passcode, is disabled or Activation Locked, unless you can independently obtain assistance from the previous owner, the iPad is (and will remain) useless to you. If you are able to contact the original owner, they will require this information:
What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
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 the original sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.
For future reference, here is what Apple suggests when 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:
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.
Not without the Apple-Registered Owner/User’s cooperation.
Hello~ No there isn’t. These iPads were not prepared to be resold. You are better off to return them and get your money back for you will not be able to use them…ever. Sorry.
~Katana-San~
You raise a point I'm looking for help on. I too am in the "Locked to owner" situation. I purchased two iPads from one of these companies that buys bulk used electronics from companies, and resells them. Both of them came "Locked to owner". I'm more than happy to contact the original owner/user, but as we know, the email address is redacted on the sign-in screen. I've tried going to Apple, but apparently the receipt I have isn't sufficient for them to reset them. I'm trying to be completely above board. Is there some way of finding the complete email address for the sign-in, to try to contact them?
Re: “… I purchased two iPads from one of these companies that buys bulk used electronics from companies, and resells them …”
I’d add that since your purchased them from a company …
… they were re-sold under the pretence that they would work.
See: Warranty of Merchantability
Activation Lock is NOT a secret.
They SHOULD have known better … and probably DID (it IS their business) … but they apparently chose to take the low road — AND your money — anyway.
I’m NOT a lawyer, but this sounds like fraud to me.
UNLESS … the purchaser was given reasonable opportunity to examine the product prior to purchase and find the “glaringly obvious” defect.
Double-edged sword here … Activation Lock is NOT a secret.
Caveat Emptor.
Sorry it wasn’t a “better” answer from your perspective.
Hello~ Most excellent addition!!
~Katana-San~
iPad locked to owner
