iPad Activation Lock with unknown original owner

I have an activation lock issue and I don’t know who’s the original owner I was given the iPad by the sheriffs department so it’s not stolen

iPad (7th generation)

Posted on Jun 15, 2026 11:30 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 15, 2026 11:54 PM

you still can't bypass it though


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

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 15, 2026 11:54 PM in response to alden266

you still can't bypass it though


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

Jun 16, 2026 1:18 AM in response to alden266

If the iPad disabled or Activation Locked, 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.


For future reference, here is Apple's advice for checks that you should perform 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.

Jun 16, 2026 2:01 AM in response to alden266

Re: “… I was given the iPad by the sheriffs department so it’s not stolen …”


Think about this statement for a moment.


If it came from a Sheriff’s department, there’s a high probability that it WAS stolen. (Just not by you)


Law enforcement entities generally don’t simply “give away” their agency-owned computing devices.


It’s journey thru the Sheriff’s Department doesn’t miraculously make it any less-stolen.

iPad Activation Lock with unknown original owner

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