Need help activation lock

Hi undring what do with my iPad because got lock old iCloud without any reason Have recpit store buy bout Apple refused

Posted on Jun 29, 2026 2:08 PM

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Posted on Jun 29, 2026 2:59 PM

There are many unauthorized stores that you may have a receipt for that are not acceptable to remove an Activation Lock. It has been seen over and over again, that the only acceptable receipt that can be validated by Apple are those from Apple or Authorized Apple Seller.


For example, you could certainly buy a stolen iPad from a location and have the receipt for that purchase, but that does not mean Apple is going to unlock it for you. If you recently purchased this device, then return it to that seller.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 29, 2026 2:59 PM in response to aboa177

There are many unauthorized stores that you may have a receipt for that are not acceptable to remove an Activation Lock. It has been seen over and over again, that the only acceptable receipt that can be validated by Apple are those from Apple or Authorized Apple Seller.


For example, you could certainly buy a stolen iPad from a location and have the receipt for that purchase, but that does not mean Apple is going to unlock it for you. If you recently purchased this device, then return it to that seller.

Jul 9, 2026 1:56 PM in response to aboa177

Welcome and thank you for reaching out. šŸ¤—


If you are not the original owner, then Activation Lock is a security feature to protect the owner from theft. In that case, only the original owner can unlock it. šŸ”“


↓ If you are the original owner: ↓


According to Apple:


Remove Activation Lock on the device

Follow the onscreen steps to enter the Apple Account and password you used to set up your device or your device passcode. If you don't remember your Apple Account, try to sign in with an email address or phone number that you regularly use for Apple services.


Learn how to find your Apple Account or reset your Apple Account password.


If your device is owned by a business or educational institution, please contact your IT department or manager. 


Remove Activation Lock on the web if a device is offline

For iPhone, you might be able to remove Activation Lock on the web even if your device isn't offline.

  1. Go to www.iCloud.com/find.
  2. Sign in to your Apple Account.
  3. Select the device that you want to remove from iCloud.
  4. Click Remove This Device.


Start a support request

If you need help removing Activation Lock and have proof of purchase documentation, you can start an Activation Lock support request.


Thanks again for reaching out. šŸ‘šŸ¼


SmiliƱ šŸ˜Ž Brian | Community Volunteer

Jun 29, 2026 3:14 PM in response to aboa177

If this is a second-hand iPad – as seems likely, if it is locked to someone else – see:

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone – Apple Community


If a second-hand iPad is Activation Locked to someone else, that means at the very least that it was not prepared properly for a new owner – and could mean that the iPad is lost or stolen property.

Need help activation lock

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