Found ipad, want to use

Question

Found ipad, want to use

This is a iPad mini, first generation So I found a iPad in the dumpster, when I turned it on, it had already been reset and it was on the hello /language selection screen. It eventually asked me for the previous email and password, wanting me to sign in as whoever owned it before. I don’t know their information and dont want it, but is there a way to go around this so I can use it? I’ve ran into this problem before where I found an Apple device or it was given to me, but it was asking for the previous owners information and if I didn’t have it, then I wasn’t able to use the device. How can I get use any Apple device that I find that has already been reset but is asking for the previous owner‘s information

iPad mini (7th generation)

Posted on Dec 8, 2025 10:47 PM

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Answer 1

Dec 10, 2025 12:00 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks for the help

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Answer 2

Dec 9, 2025 2:18 AM in response to IsaacReynolds

Perhaps whoever previously "found" and discarded said iPad was unable to bypass its very effective security measures. Resetting the iPad alone will not disassociate the iPad from the original owner's Apple Account.

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.

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Answer 3

Dec 8, 2025 10:56 PM in response to IsaacReynolds

You don’t

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