Factory reset used iPad to set up with my Apple ID

I have acquired a used iPad that luckily had no passcode and so works fine but has all the last owners details and apps

can i factory reset it and then setup again with my apple id and password

iPad (7th generation)

Posted on Feb 8, 2026 6:13 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 8, 2026 6:21 AM

If the previous owner has properly deactivated the Activation Lock, a full reset will permit you to set-up again. However, if the previous owner is still signed-in with their own Apple Account, you may simply trigger the Activation Lock.


If the Activation Lock is triggered by the proposed reset, unless you can independently obtain assistance from the previous owner, the iPad will be (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.


Here is what Apple suggests when purchasing or 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: 

  1. Turn on and unlock the device. 
  2. If the passcode lock screen or the Home screen appears, the device hasn't been erased. Ask the seller to completely erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it's been erased.
  3. Begin the device setup process.
  4. If you're asked for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, the device is still linked to their account. Hand the device back to the seller and ask them to enter their password. If the previous owner isn't present, contact them as soon as possible and ask them to use a browser to remove the device from their account. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.

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.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 8, 2026 6:21 AM in response to Larrytronical

If the previous owner has properly deactivated the Activation Lock, a full reset will permit you to set-up again. However, if the previous owner is still signed-in with their own Apple Account, you may simply trigger the Activation Lock.


If the Activation Lock is triggered by the proposed reset, unless you can independently obtain assistance from the previous owner, the iPad will be (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.


Here is what Apple suggests when purchasing or 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: 

  1. Turn on and unlock the device. 
  2. If the passcode lock screen or the Home screen appears, the device hasn't been erased. Ask the seller to completely erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it's been erased.
  3. Begin the device setup process.
  4. If you're asked for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, the device is still linked to their account. Hand the device back to the seller and ask them to enter their password. If the previous owner isn't present, contact them as soon as possible and ask them to use a browser to remove the device from their account. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.

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.

Feb 8, 2026 6:24 AM in response to Larrytronical

No. You will not be able to remove their Apple Account without providing the Password they used. It is a gamble if you attempt to reset the iPad, you may be faced with the Activation Lock Screen that says "Locked to Owner", and the device will be bricked until the owner releases the device from their account. They can also choose to lock it on their own at any time. If Find My is turned on, they can also track your location, so that is something to be aware of.

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community


Factory reset used iPad to set up with my Apple ID

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.