I can't unlock an iPad because it asks for an old Apple ID

I have an ipad which has been reset before but i can't use it because it asks for the old apple id which i don't know the password for it. Also, the mail address is deleted (i can't reset the password) because it was my old jobs mail address so i can't use my ipad can you help?


[Re-titled by Moderator]

Posted on Sep 24, 2023 02:57 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 24, 2023 04:29 PM

Presumably you are being prompted for your AppleID credentials - so as to satisfy the Activation Lock. You will require the AppleID an associated password that was last used to successfully activate the device - which, for the bona-fide owner, should be straightforward.


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 sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.


If you have the necessary documentation, Apple have introduced a portal though which you may be able to request release of an Activation Lock:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support & start an Activation Lock support request.


However, recovery of the AppleID credentials should be possible…


If you have forgotten your AppleID or associated password, these can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com/


To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to any one of the following:

  • Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
  • Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
  • Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID



More information about recovery of your AppleID and associated Password:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support



2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 24, 2023 04:29 PM in response to efe81

Presumably you are being prompted for your AppleID credentials - so as to satisfy the Activation Lock. You will require the AppleID an associated password that was last used to successfully activate the device - which, for the bona-fide owner, should be straightforward.


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 sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.


If you have the necessary documentation, Apple have introduced a portal though which you may be able to request release of an Activation Lock:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support & start an Activation Lock support request.


However, recovery of the AppleID credentials should be possible…


If you have forgotten your AppleID or associated password, these can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com/


To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to any one of the following:

  • Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
  • Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
  • Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID



More information about recovery of your AppleID and associated Password:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support



Sep 24, 2023 03:18 PM in response to efe81

If the iPad is Activation Locked to an AppleID that you no longer have access to, then I’m afraid that you’re iPad is no longer useful until you get back into that AppleID. You could get in touch with Apple Support here AppleID - Official Apple Support and work with them to see if there is a way that you can get into the AppleID so you can remove the iPad from that ID to remove the activation lock.


There is nobody here in the Community Forums that are going to be able to assist you with that as we are users like yourself and we are not associated with Apple in any way.

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.

I can't unlock an iPad because it asks for an old Apple ID

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