How do I prove ownership?

Question

Level 1

4 points

How do I prove ownership?

I use an iPad provided by a client to test that client's software. I need to update the software, but can't do so because no one knows the password to the iCloud account the device is registered under.

The company changed hands and the previous owner left the company, so neither the email address nor the domain exist any longer. Or we would just recreate a previousowner@oldcompanyname.com email and click Lost Password.

"Everyone" thinks that the Genous Bar is the only solution, but how can I prove that the iPad belongs to me? Even my email address at the old domain is no longer accessible because of the acquisition and name change.

TIA

iPad Pro Wi-Fi, iOS 10.3.2

Posted on Jun 16, 2017 6:13 AM

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Answer 1

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,306 points

Jun 16, 2017 2:07 PM in response to ChrisW828

This is an Anti-Theft measure that has no user work around outside of Apple Computer.

You need to provide the original receipt and it needs to be from an Apple Authorized reseller if it was not from Apple

A device from eBay, Amazon, etc are not authorized resellers. If the company purchased the device they may have the receipt but if the user was required to do with or without reimbursement from the company then ownership as far as Apple is concerned is still with the previous owner despite the possession is 9/10ths of the law (it's not, but that's beside the point)

That stated if you can prove ownership with the purchase from the authorized reseller make an appointment at the Genius bar to have them address the issue, until then no one here as the ability to do what you ask outside of Apple Computer.

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Answer 2

SergZak

Level 6

10,984 points

Jun 16, 2017 1:57 PM in response to ChrisW828

The Genius Bar cannot help you either if you don't have proving credentials...the device will remain Activation Locked.

Proving credentials would be the original sales receipt which includes the device's serial number on it.

Even bequeathed devices are not immune to this.

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Answer 3

Jun 16, 2017 7:04 AM in response to ChrisW828

The simple reality is, from what you wrote, that you are not the owner. The client that provided the device to you would be the owner assuming they actually purchased it originally at retail from Apple or an Apple Authorized seller. They are the ones who need to prove to Apple the device belongs to them and their company if they wish help disabling activation lock.

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Answer 4

ChrisW828 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 16, 2017 2:06 PM in response to ChrisW828

Thank you all.

The device isn't locked. I just can't update the company's app from the app store without the password.

I agree the client is the owner, but they don't seem to know where to begin looking for the receipt.

Company 1 bought it and gave it to me.

Company 2 bought everything, lock stock and barrel. They retained my services, so no action needed.

Company 1 wasn't the best record keeper, so no one even knows if the receipts were filed or how the previous owner did the transaction.

There are about a half-dozen relatively new iPads in this predicament, so I can't imagine this is uncommon or that the new owner can't prove ownership somehow, but I guess he has to do it. He told me to research since I am the only one needing this update and there isn't an admin or IT department. Small-ish company.

Thanks again! Putting this back in their laps. 😟

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