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Locked out from second hand ipad

I bought an iPad mini from a friend a few years back. Now I'm locked out of it and my friend says he has forgotten all of his passwords and usernames. I'm irritated about the situation. What can I do?

Posted on Apr 4, 2020 12:50 PM

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2 replies

Apr 4, 2020 1:28 PM in response to b4ckfroms4msung

If the iPad is currently stuck demanding an AppleID, that isn’t your account, to release the Activation Lock - then you have a problem. Without the cooperation of the previous owner who (a) last activated the device, and (b) who failed to correctly prepare it for transfer to a new owner, you’re out of luck.


You now have an excellent example of Apple’s minimalist industrial design to adorne your coffee table.


Levity aside, unless the previous owner from whom you acquired your iPad can/will help, it is now useless to you.


Here is Apple’s help page covering the Activation Lock:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201365


This is the process that should have been followed to prepare the device for a new owner:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201351


Here is a very informative document from a fellow community contributor that makes clear the hazards of acquiring a pre-owned device:

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250001038


Sorry, I guess this is not what you were hoping to hear - but hope that this information is at least helpful in making clear your situation - and any potential ways forward.


Locked out from second hand ipad

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