I have purchased an ex-corporate ipad air. it has come locked to the previous users ID. The purchase is from a reputable auctioneer of which receipts can be produced. How can i process the unlocking/deactivation of the previous apple ID.
i understand i can not do this myself and i need to contact Apple - however there is no easy process to go through.
I'm not sure Apple will do anything, considering this is not an original sale. I've not read of any second hand devices being unlocked. However, any devices that have been unlocked have to be handled in an physical Apple Store. It cannot be handled via telephone or email.
Whatever corporate entity owned that iPad should have unlocked and wiped it before they sold it.
You should go back to them and make them unlock it. If they can't or won't then you should get your money back.
Im sure they dont readily advertise this process for obvious reasons but i have heard i can get it done through formal apple channels as it was a legitimate and reputable auctioneer.
Apple will assist you if you can provide incontrovertible proof (i.e., proof that will hold up in court) that you are the legal owner. If an Apple Store is within reasonable distance, make an appointment with the resident "Genius." If a store is not within reasonable distance, you'll have to ship the unit to Apple. Call to make arrangements - 800-275-2273 in the U.S.A. and I think Canada.
Well picked up the iPad from the auction house and drove straight to the Genius Bar with receipts and entire story. Got sent packing with no further explanation of what I'd could or should do other then try and find the previous owner - which will be difficult given it was an employee of a company that has gone into liquidation!
Obviously you failed to provide proof that the auction house obtained the iPad legally. Be reminded that I specifically stated "incontrovertible proof." You should address your frustration at the auction house.
Unfortunately the situation as we understand it is that Apple will unlock phones locked by the original owner if they themselves provide proof of purchase. They will not unlock it at all for a subsequent owner who has bought it second-hand, however legitimately.
The auction house have sold you an item which is not working as described and your argument is with them. They must take it back and refund your money. If as you imply the previous owner is absolutely not available then this phone is permanently unusable and there is no way whatever round that.
Because of these forum issues, I had a lengthy discussion on this topic the last time that I was at an Apple Store. Apple does not limit its assistance to the original owner. However, the "incontrovertible proof" that I keep stating does go back to the original owner. It's similar to the "chain of command" with regard to maintenance of evidence.
That's new information - thanks. Apple have not previously made that clear (or indeed anything else in the process). Since few people provide their original receipts when selling on second-hand items it's unlikely to arise very often. At least the OP here didn't buy his phone from some shady geezer in a bar.
Roger Wilmut1 wrote:
At least the OP here didn't buy his phone from some shady geezer in a bar.
Hey, watch it. Some of us geezers are offended by that term!
Which - shady, geezer or bar?
"Bar" would never offend me!
Some light at the end of the tunnel....i have contacted the liquidator who is contact with the book keeper and the director of the company. I may be able to either get the original receipt and possibly the apple id resolved.
stay tuned!
Good to hear. Good luck with resolving it.
I have purchased an ex-corporate ipad air. it has come locked to the previous users ID. The purchase is from a reputable auctioneer of which receipts can be produced. How can i process the unlocking/deactivation of the previous apple ID.
