Activation Lock persists on iPad after removing device and resetting Apple ID password

Hi everyone,


I’m stuck with an activation-locked iPad and would really appreciate guidance. Here’s the situation and what I’ve already tried:

Problem:


• iPad shows Activation Lock and asks for the Apple ID and password used to set up the device.

What I have / can provide:


• I have full access to my Apple ID (email & password).


Steps I already tried:


  1. Removed the iPad from my Apple ID devices — device no longer appears under my devices.
  2. Reset my Apple ID password
  3. I have not signed up for iCloud


Questions / Request:


• Why is the Activation Lock still active after removing the device and changing my password?


• What exact steps can I take now to unlock it?


• I purchased the iPad second-hand, and have no proof of purchase


Please provide a step-by-step solution or guidance on how to unlock my IPAD. Thank you.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iPad activation locked — removed device from account & reset Apple ID Password but still locked

Posted on Oct 27, 2025 3:06 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 27, 2025 4:00 AM

If the iPad disabled or Activation Locked, unless you can independently obtain assistance from the previous owner, the iPad is (and will remain) useless to you. If you are able to contact the original owner, they will require this information:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be satisfied:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support


As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. With documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as the original sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.


The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community



Here is what Apple suggests when purchasing a previously used device:


Check for Activation Lock before you buy a device from someone else


Before you buy an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller, make sure that the device is erased and no longer linked to the previous owner’s account. Follow these steps to check if the device is ready to use: 

  1. Turn on and unlock the device. 
  2. If the passcode lock screen or the Home screen appears, the device hasn't been erased. Ask the seller to completely erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it's been erased.
  3. Begin the device setup process.
  4. If you're asked for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, the device is still linked to their account. Hand the device back to the seller and ask them to enter their password. If the previous owner isn't present, contact them as soon as possible and ask them to use a browser to remove the device from their account. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.

You will know that a device is ready for you to use when you're asked to "Set up your iPhone," “Set up your iPad," or “Set up your iPod” the first time you turn it on.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 27, 2025 4:00 AM in response to mamirad

If the iPad disabled or Activation Locked, unless you can independently obtain assistance from the previous owner, the iPad is (and will remain) useless to you. If you are able to contact the original owner, they will require this information:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be satisfied:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support


As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. With documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as the original sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.


The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community



Here is what Apple suggests when purchasing a previously used device:


Check for Activation Lock before you buy a device from someone else


Before you buy an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller, make sure that the device is erased and no longer linked to the previous owner’s account. Follow these steps to check if the device is ready to use: 

  1. Turn on and unlock the device. 
  2. If the passcode lock screen or the Home screen appears, the device hasn't been erased. Ask the seller to completely erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it's been erased.
  3. Begin the device setup process.
  4. If you're asked for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, the device is still linked to their account. Hand the device back to the seller and ask them to enter their password. If the previous owner isn't present, contact them as soon as possible and ask them to use a browser to remove the device from their account. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.

You will know that a device is ready for you to use when you're asked to "Set up your iPhone," “Set up your iPad," or “Set up your iPod” the first time you turn it on.

Oct 27, 2025 3:17 AM in response to mamirad

activation lock is not a thing on the ipad it's a theft protection on apples servers


it needs to be removed How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


if you don't know your appleID password If you have forgotten your Apple ID password – Apple Support (UK)


then you

will need the assistance of apple Activation Lock - Support (apple.com)

and or

Apple Support

And or

Contact - Official Apple Support

and or

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Oct 27, 2025 8:34 PM in response to Rudegar

Agree, It's a theft protection on apples servers

I tried to remove the IPad from cloud but faced below issue

Tried:

You can find your device, mark it as lost, or erase it remotely at iCloud.com/find.

Result:

"The Apple Account “ek******@gmail.com” has web-only access to iCloud, which doesn’t include Find Devices. You can use other apps, like Drive, Notes and Numbers. To use Find Devices, sign in with an Apple Account you use with an Apple device."


Question is that if I have full access of my apple ID, why can not I removed this activation lock?



Oct 28, 2025 3:39 AM in response to mamirad

mamirad wrote:

Agree, It's a theft protection on apples servers

Question is that if I have full access of my apple ID, why can not I removed this activation lock?


Should you choose to read it, full information has already been provided within my earlier reply to this thread. The first referenced support page is of particular relevance to your predicament:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Follow the section entitled "If you no longer have your iPhone or iPad".

Activation Lock persists on iPad after removing device and resetting Apple ID password

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