How to switch iCloud ID on a reset iPad with previous owner's account?

Question

How to switch iCloud ID on a reset iPad with previous owner's account?

My boyfriend’ iPad app store was being used via his own apple ID, but the iCloud belonged to the person he bought the ipad from whom he lost contact with and he ignored to sign it out. My Boyfriend already has the iPad in his device list and the box is available. He reset and restored the iPad and he has trouble using it because it asks about the previous owners apple ID.

How can he switch the iCloud ID to his own ?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Switching iCloud ID

iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Feb 4, 2026 10:16 AM

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Answer 1

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Feb 4, 2026 10:26 AM in response to ZahraFereydouni

You don't. It requires the original owner to provide their Apple Account or they can request Activation Lock removal with the purchase receipt from Apple or Authorized Apple Seller. They can also do this remotely if you are able to gain contact with them. Apple does not get involved in third party sales, so nothing else has been seen here that works. Here is what the original owner would have needed to do before giving their device away.

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

If there was a way to bypass the Activation Lock, then it would make the theft deterrent feature useless and your device would also be able to be reset by someone else.

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