Activation locked - tried everything

Hello, I have an old iPad. I think it is a iPad 2. I bought it about 3 or 4 years ago. The OP updated itself one day on its own when I left it open and I have not been able to use it ever since, about 6 months ago. I do not know the operating system because I can't access it. It updated itself around March of this year so that should indicate the operating system.


I want to unlock this thing but I can't figure it out. I followed all of the instructions and it is just not working.


I changed my apple ID. check

I changed my icloud ID. check


When I go to the iPad it says:

Activation Lock

This iPad is linked to an Apple ID. Enter the Apple ID and password that were used to set up this ipad. (m****@icloud.com)


It is suggesting that that my ID begins with an m and ends with an @icloud.com (m****@icloud.com), but it says to use my apple ID which is my personal email address. When I go to icloud, it is my personal email that it accepts as my ID/username. It doesn't end in @icloud.com.


My username (my personal email) and password is working fine on both the apple and icloud website.


But when I enter this info into the iPad for activation, it rejects it. I tried changing the username to end in @icloud.com, it rejects it. I tried changing the username to end in @apple.com it rejects it. I have no idea what to do.


I live overseas and cannot use the phone support system because the form will not allow me to enter my phone number.



Any suggestions would be appreciated.


Marija

iPad 2

Posted on Sep 11, 2016 12:57 AM

Reply
6 replies

Sep 11, 2016 1:38 AM in response to marsinafrica

That link applies to any iOS device (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch), it's just that Apple calls it ' Find My iPhone'


The id that it's asking for is the account that you were using in Settings > iCloud on the iPad - which, based on what you've posted, started with an 'm' and ended in @icloud.com. You are entering that account on the activation screen, m...@icloud.com ? Only that account can re-activate it.


If you can't remember that account then have you tried : If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support ?


If you can't find or remember the id that you were using in Settings > iCloud on it, and if you were the original purchaser of the iPad (i.e. it wasn’t bought used), you could try going to an Apple Store (make a Genius Bar appointment if you do) or try contacting iTunes Support online (https://www.apple.com/emea/support/itunes/contact.html) and see if they can remove the iPad from the account - they are likely to want to see proof of ownership before they might help e.g. original receipt with the serial number on it

Sep 11, 2016 2:41 AM in response to King_Penguin

I went to If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support and am not able to check my iPad. I followed the instructions with my iMac and saw the correct password which I just changed. It also showed my @icloud name and I was able to see that the mistake I was making was not putting both my first and last name. I tried it and it still did not work with the new password (which works online).

I am wondering if I tried too many times today and have to wait 24 hours.

I bought this iPad at the same time as my iMac probably 4 years ago when traveling home to the states. I have no receipt. If this does not work tomorrow, I will contact support. Hopefully they will accept a passport copy as proof that it is me.

Thank you for your help.

Sep 11, 2016 2:48 AM in response to marsinafrica

Only the m****@icloud.com ID, and the password for it, will unlock the iPad; no other ID will work. Is that an old ID of yours? If so you may be able to recover it by going to http://appleid.apple.com and clicking 'Find your Apple ID'.


Or did you originally buy the iPad second-hand (used)? - in which case only the person who set the lock can unlock it.


If you bought the iPad new and can't retrieve the ID then the only recourse is to take it and the original purchase documents to an actual Apple Store and ask them if they can lock it. They won't do it over the phone or by email, and your passport alone won't be acceptable.


If you bought the iPad second-hand and cannot contact the original owner there is absolutely nothing you can do.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Activation locked - tried everything

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.