Unlocking a 4th Gen iPad with forgotten passcode and no access to original email

A forgotten or unknown iPhone/iPad passcode cannot be recovered - and neither can it be reset or modified from another device. If you see a waiting period you can wait and try again to input the correct Passcode; otherwise, the iPad must be restored.

If the iPad is restored, you will almost certainly encounter an Activation Lock - for which you will require the associated Password. If that has also been forgotten, you'll need access to the email address that identifies the Apple account; if this is inaccessible, the journey to reusing the iPad will end.

You may find this support page to be helpful:

If you see an iPhone or iPad unavailable message or Security Lockout screen - Apple Support

iPadOS 17 or later with a forgotten Passcode

If you have changed your passcode in iOS/iPadOS 17 and later - and have since forgotten the new Passcode - you may be able to recover access using your previous Passcode. Passcode Reset gives you 72 hours to use your old Passcode to access your device; when you access your device in this way, you must change your passcode again immediately:

Temporarily use your old passcode when you forget your new passcode on iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If you cannot use the new Passcode Reset feature, you must use another method.

iOS/iPadOS 15.2 or later with a forgotten Passcode

Apple has introduced a procedure with which to reset an iPad or iPhone with a forgotten Passcode - allowing you to use your AppleID and associated Password to reset your device.

How to reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch when you forgot your passcode - Apple Support

You will be able to restore data from a pre-existing iCloud backup without the use of a computer, but will require a PC/Mac to restore data from an iTunes backup.

iPadOS 15.1 and earlier - and all devices that are Disabled



If your iPhone/iPad indicates that it is disabled/unavailable/locked-out, or you have forgotten your iPad passcode, you have no alternative other than to follow this process:

If you’ve forgotten the passcode on your iPad, or your iPad is disabled – Apple Support

You’ll need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed -or more recent Apple Device App) or a Mac computer (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS).

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS

Use of a PC or Mac is unavoidable. If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store will be delighted to assist:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Activation Lock

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 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.

AppleID

You may also need your AppleID and associated password. If these have also been forgotten, they can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com

To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to 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

Only your brother can remove the Activation Lock with his password …

… or request from Apple that the activation lock be released; although he’ll need the original receipt to do so.

See details here:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

If he removed the device from iCloud.com/find then it should no longer be activation locked and restoring it to factory Settings, should let you set it up again without the Apple ID, its password or the current screen unlock passcode.

click here ➜ Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings using a computer - Apple Support

But by that same token, if it's on his Apple Account, then he should be able to just log out of the iPad directly with his password.

There seems to be a disconnected here. Is it logged in with an Apple Account he currently access, or not?

OrangeLoon wrote:

My brother gave me an iPad (Gen4; circa 2012) but the original email address/server used in activation no longer exists and given that it has not been used for almost a decade, he cannot remember the passcode. He removed iPad from the "Find My Device" from his Apple account but it still shows locked to his account.

I can get an email or letter from him stating he gave it to me (as opposed to sold) and he does not have the receipt from 2012. What else will appease the Apple Activation gods?

Lastly, how to I go about contacting Apple regarding this. The only link I found is for a purchase item.

No you need the original receipt. Your brother can use forgot apple id and password.

But pretty much the ipad is useless, recycle it.