can a stolen ipad be reset by the thief

My daughters iPad was stolen this weekend. I submitted a request to erase it, but it has not occured yet. Is that because the thief is locked out because of the required access code that my daughter has on it? Or, is it because they were able to reset the iPad and we will never be notified that it was erased?

iPad 2

Posted on Jan 7, 2013 9:49 AM

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10 replies

Jan 7, 2013 9:57 AM in response to Brendeno

Brendeno wrote:


If it was locked then it would be difficult as itunes will only reset ipads/iphones/ipods after the screen has been unlocked. eventually after several failed unlock attempts it will go into disabled mode and be temporally "bricked"


Not true - any iOS device can always be restored as new in iTunes, without knowing the passcode lock. This is, in fact, the only way to recover a device if you forget your own passcode.


Of course, restoring as new wipes everything off the device, os your privacy is still secured.

Jan 7, 2013 9:57 AM in response to lafittemom

If it was locked then it would be difficult as itunes will only reset ipads/iphones/ipods after the screen has been unlocked. eventually after several failed unlock attempts it will go into disabled mode and be temporally "bricked" however if you had the "Find My Iphone" app which also works with ipads, and it is connected to the Internet via 3G or Wifi you should find it, if not then your out of luck. I'm sorry

Jan 7, 2013 10:41 AM in response to lafittemom

Find my also only works if the iPad is visible....such as on wifi or the cellular network. Wifi iPads are very easily wiped without ever being seen. As folks have stated, if it was passcode locked, then your data is very much more secure, if it wasn't passcode locked, then a bad guy could have theoretically nosed around for info before wiping it (general impressions are that most stolen devices aren't stolen for their content, rather themselves..so most thieves' goal is to wipe it so they can resell it)


As a precaution you can change any password entered on that device, e-mail, apple ID, etc.


You will also want to register the theft with the police (which I'm sure you've already done)


In most states, if you've registered it as stolen and you ever come across it, you can reclaim you merchandise (long shot at best but has happened)


You can also keep an eye on local pawn stores, craigs list, the paper, etc.

Jan 7, 2013 9:58 AM in response to lafittemom

Report to police along with serial number. Change all your passwords.


These links may be helpful.


How to Track and Report Stolen iPad

http://www.ipadastic.com/tutorials/how-to-track-and-report-stolen-ipad


Reporting a lost or stolen Apple product

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2526


Report Stolen iPad Tips and iPad Theft Prevention

http://www.stolen-property.com/report-stolen-ipad.php


How to recover a lost or stolen iPad

http://ipadhelp.com/ipad-help/how-to-recover-a-lost-or-stolen-ipad/


How to Find a Stolen iPad

http://www.ehow.com/how_7586429_stolen-ipad.html


Apple Product Lost or Stolen

http://sites.google.com/site/appleclubfhs/support/advice-and-articles/lost-or-st olen


Oops! iForgot My New iPad On the Plane; Now What?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303459004577362194012634000.html


If you don't know your lost/stolen iPad's serial number, use the instructions below. The S/N is also on the iPad's box.

How to Find Your iPad Serial Number

http://www.ipadastic.com/tutorials/how-to-find-your-ipad-serial-number


 Cheers, Tom 😉

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can a stolen ipad be reset by the thief

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