Can I remove Activation lock locked to owner on my iPad?

I purchased Ipad 2 at a Estate sale. I have the ipad restored but now asking for Activation lock log in. I can not return Ipad nor get ahold of old owner. Anyway to unlock it?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 11, iOS 17

Posted on Dec 16, 2024 07:09 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 16, 2024 07:33 PM

No, there's no way for you to unlock it. It is still linked to the previous owners account and It can only be unlocked by them.

4 replies

Dec 16, 2024 09:38 PM in response to RubyNow

RubyNow wrote:

I can not return Ipad nor get ahold of old owner. Anyway to unlock it?


No. You cannot unlock it, we cannot unlock it, Apple will not unlock it for you, and you have just told us that you have no way of getting in contact with the only people who could help you to unlock it.


If you cannot return it, then you have an iPad-shaped paperweight / doorstop.


Apple will not give you any trade-in credit for it, but they might be willing to accept it, for free, for recycling.

Dec 17, 2024 01:15 AM in response to RubyNow

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.



For future reference, to avoid difficulties of this nature, 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.

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Can I remove Activation lock locked to owner on my iPad?

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