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Q: I bought a slightly used ipad. However, it appears it is still connected to the previous users account.
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Jul 16, 2016 9:05 AMby Jonathan UK,Hi
You are describing Find My iPhone Activation Lock, which prevents unauthorised use of an iOS device if it is lost or stolen.
To remove the lock, you will need to arrange for the previous owner to follow the steps here:
If you cannot arrange this, you should return the iPad for a refund or exchange, as you will not otherwise be able to use the device (there is no way around this security feature).
More information:
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Jul 16, 2016 9:06 AMby nana1479,Thanks for the prompt response Csound1. I have no idea who the previous owner is. In my place, slightly used products "second hand goods" are normally imported from Europe, Asia and the US. It is an example of such product and thus do not have an idea of who the previous user it. The touch is responding alright only that I asked to connect to iTunes to enable me to enable me do my setup. Is it possible to work on it for me or contact the previous user on my behalf? If nothing can be done to help me use it, then it would seem my money ($155) have just gone down the drain and that would be a great loss for me because it is quite a lot for me.
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Jul 16, 2016 9:07 AMby Winston Churchill,Unfortunately, you cannot do very much with your phone unless you get assistance from the previous owner, they should either provide you with the password to unlock it or remove their account from the phone entirely remotely through iCloud.com > Find My Phone.
If you aren't able to get assistance from the owner and are unable to get a refund for your purchase, please dispose of the device responsibly by sending it for recycling.
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Jul 16, 2016 9:11 AMby Jonathan UK,You are not talking with Apple here - this is a user-based community.
Note also that Apple will not remove the lock, which is a security feature.
Your only options are as outlined in my previous reply (either arrange for the previous owner to unlock it or return it for a refund / exchange).
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Jul 16, 2016 9:13 AMby Csound1,nana1479 wrote:
Thanks for the prompt response Csound1. I have no idea who the previous owner is. In my place, slightly used products "second hand goods" are normally imported from Europe, Asia and the US. It is an example of such product and thus do not have an idea of who the previous user it. The touch is responding alright only that I asked to connect to iTunes to enable me to enable me do my setup. Is it possible to work on it for me or contact the previous user on my behalf? If nothing can be done to help me use it, then it would seem my money ($155) have just gone down the drain and that would be a great loss for me because it is quite a lot for me.
Then the iPhone is useless to you, in future verify that any iPhone you plan on buying is unlocked
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Jul 16, 2016 9:22 AMby nana1479,Jonathan, thanks. I have been to that shop and according to them, the one I bought it from doesn't work at the shop. He had also come to the place to get some items for his shop. According to them, people from other shops also come around to get some of those items;m phones, laptops, phones and other electronic devices once the things are offloaded from the truck that brings them. Since it is also a "black market" they cannot guarantee a refund if I'm even able to find the person. This seem to be a very bad time for me if nothing can't genuinely be done about it. But is there a possibility of getting in touch with apple. They do not seem to have an office in Ghana.
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Jul 16, 2016 9:29 AMby Jonathan UK,HelpfulI'm afraid that, even if you contacted them, you would only find that it is Apple's policy not to remove the lock in situations like yours.
I am sorry, but - given the situation that you have described - you have unfortunately bought an iPad that neither you nor anyone else will be able to use.
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Jul 20, 2016 4:01 AMby Ralph9430,HelpfulIf you are trying to activate an iPad or iPhone and it is asking for a previous owners Apple ID and password, you have encountered the Activation Lock. This is a security feature that prevents thieves from setting up and using a stolen or lost iPad or iPhone. You have no alternative. You must contact the previous owner to get permission to use the device. If you cannot contact the previous owner return the device to where you bought it and get a refund. You will never be able to activate the device and no one can help you do it.
