An iPad has an activation lock that was given to a family member from someone who is no longer a part of the family and we do not want to contact them for passwords etc. Is there a way to get this iPad working again. We tried to switch it to our account to purchase an app and it locked
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Given the criteria you present, the short answer is no.
My standard reply:
You are encountering the Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support feature or its related service iCloud - Find My - Apple . Activation Lock is designed to prevent anyone else from using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's ever lost or stolen. Deactivation requires knowing the Apple ID and password that set the feature, or by placing a special request to Apple to reset the device. This Apple ID information essentially defines the current ownership of the device.
Click on this link to learn how to remove Activation Lock --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support
If you do not know the required information and you are not the owner, get the owner of the account to remove the lock, or return the device for a refund, or recycle the device. The device is otherwise useless to you. If the owner is unknown and has not provided contact information as a message showing in the login screen, there is no way to contact the owner unless the person who gave you the device knows them.
Here are additional resources if you are the original owner or can find the original owner:
Help with a lost Apple ID or password:
• For help with a forgotten Apple ID (this is likely an active email address or one used in the past), click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID email address or phone number - Apple Support
• For help with a forgotten Apple ID password, click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support
Reset device:
Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide many details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the first owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership transfer).
*Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support
Given the criteria you present, the short answer is no.
My standard reply:
You are encountering the Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support feature or its related service iCloud - Find My - Apple . Activation Lock is designed to prevent anyone else from using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's ever lost or stolen. Deactivation requires knowing the Apple ID and password that set the feature, or by placing a special request to Apple to reset the device. This Apple ID information essentially defines the current ownership of the device.
Click on this link to learn how to remove Activation Lock --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support
If you do not know the required information and you are not the owner, get the owner of the account to remove the lock, or return the device for a refund, or recycle the device. The device is otherwise useless to you. If the owner is unknown and has not provided contact information as a message showing in the login screen, there is no way to contact the owner unless the person who gave you the device knows them.
Here are additional resources if you are the original owner or can find the original owner:
Help with a lost Apple ID or password:
• For help with a forgotten Apple ID (this is likely an active email address or one used in the past), click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID email address or phone number - Apple Support
• For help with a forgotten Apple ID password, click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support
Reset device:
Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide many details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the first owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership transfer).
*Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support
Gifted iPad has Activation Lock
