iPad: Forgotten old iCloud password after restore

I just bought an iPad but forgot the first password that I used to set it up. After restoring (because I forgot the password), it still requires me to remember my first password to access iCloud data. What can I do if I can't remember my old password? (There does not seem to be an option for 'forgot password').


I am a first-time Apple user (with no other Apple devices).

iPad

Posted on Feb 11, 2026 4:40 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 11, 2026 6:30 AM

Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be turned off:

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, or unless you can secure the cooperation of the previous owner, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. Without documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple won’t assist - and nobody here will be able to help you.


If you are the owner of the AppleID that previously activated the device - and you have forgotten your AppleID or associated password, these 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


Unless you AppleID account has not been fully/correctly configured, or has been seriously neglected, recovery of the AppleID and password should not be difficult.


More information about recovery of your AppleID:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support


More information about recovery of your AppleID password:

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


When you recover access to your credentials, you would be well advised to log-in to your AppleID account from a web browser - and verify/update any email addresses and trusted telephone numbers:

https://appleid.apple.com

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 11, 2026 6:30 AM in response to y_x00

Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be turned off:

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, or unless you can secure the cooperation of the previous owner, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. Without documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple won’t assist - and nobody here will be able to help you.


If you are the owner of the AppleID that previously activated the device - and you have forgotten your AppleID or associated password, these 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


Unless you AppleID account has not been fully/correctly configured, or has been seriously neglected, recovery of the AppleID and password should not be difficult.


More information about recovery of your AppleID:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support


More information about recovery of your AppleID password:

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


When you recover access to your credentials, you would be well advised to log-in to your AppleID account from a web browser - and verify/update any email addresses and trusted telephone numbers:

https://appleid.apple.com

Feb 11, 2026 5:09 AM in response to y_x00

activation lock is not a thing on the ipad it's a theft protection on apples servers


it needs to be removed How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


if you don't know your appleID password If you have forgotten your Apple ID password – Apple Support (UK)


then you will need the assistance of apple Activation Lock - Support (apple.com)

and or


Apple Support

And or

Contact - Official Apple Support

and or

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

iPad: Forgotten old iCloud password after restore

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