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📢 Newsroom Update
Apple introduces powerful new iPad mini built for Apple Intelligence. Learn more >
Apple introduces powerful new iPad mini built for Apple Intelligence. Learn more >
I bought a used iPad mini, can't restore without old owners credentials. What do I need to do. I restored it but when you try setting it up for use, it requires the old username and passcode which I don't have.
I don't care about any data I just want to be able to use the device.
iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi
Attempt to return this iPad and get your money back!
You will never, ever get this iPad to work for you.
No one here can help you. Apple WILL NOT help you!
Without the previous owner's info, you will never defeat the activation lock.
If you must purchased used devices from unknown sources, you must ask
more questions of the iOS device sellerr.
Ask for more photo/images, ask if the iPad has user/iCloud activation lock and ask for photos/images/short video
proof that such an iPad has been reset factory settings and shown proof of the iOS device's start up screen showing the animated, moving, multi-language “Hello” Welcome to iPad screen.
DO NOT just take the seller's “word“ for it! Ask for actual, visual proof!
If the iOS device seller is unwilling to do all of this, pass on the iOS device and look at other iOS device sellers.
Sorry.
Attempt to return this iPad and get your money back!
You will never, ever get this iPad to work for you.
No one here can help you. Apple WILL NOT help you!
Without the previous owner's info, you will never defeat the activation lock.
If you must purchased used devices from unknown sources, you must ask
more questions of the iOS device sellerr.
Ask for more photo/images, ask if the iPad has user/iCloud activation lock and ask for photos/images/short video
proof that such an iPad has been reset factory settings and shown proof of the iOS device's start up screen showing the animated, moving, multi-language “Hello” Welcome to iPad screen.
DO NOT just take the seller's “word“ for it! Ask for actual, visual proof!
If the iOS device seller is unwilling to do all of this, pass on the iOS device and look at other iOS device sellers.
Sorry.
Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be turned off:
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, or unless you can secure the cooperation of the previous owner, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. Without documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple won’t assist - and nobody here will be able to help you.
The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community
You got scammed.
Activation Lock is a theft deterrent feature with no bypass or workaround.
Without the owner's authorisation (Apple ID & password), no thief or anyone including you can re-use the device.
Thanks, I appreciate the info, its a friend's device, so no problem getting what I need. I just thought rather than bother him there might be a way around it. Thanks for the info. you've saved me the time of trying to figure something out that would have been fruitless.
I bought a used iPad mini, can't restore without old owners credentials
