You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

My iPad is locked and the applied has been disabled

My iPad is locked and the old Apple ID has been disabled - how do I deactivate it?

Posted on Jul 6, 2021 10:28 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 6, 2021 10:34 AM

You are referring to things that are likely unrelated and could have multiple interpretations. It would help if you could narrow it down:


'Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch' is a security feature that's designed to prevent anyone else from using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, if it's ever lost or stolen. To learn more click here --> http://support.apple.com/HT201365


For an individual to remove an activation lock absolutely requires the information for the account that applied the lock. Click on this link to learn 'How to remove Activation Lock' --> https://support.apple.com/HT201441


If you do not know the required information and you are not the original owner, get the owner of the account to remove the lock or return the device for a refund or recycle it. The device is otherwise useless to you. If the owner is unknown and has not provided contact information as a message showing in the login screen, there is no way to contact the owner unless the person who gave you the device knows them.


For help dealing with lost Apple ID or password:

• "If you forgot your Apple ID" [this is likely an email address you are using or used in the past] click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201354

• "If you forgot your Apple ID password" click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201487


Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Do this online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not state what currently constitutes proof. Prior to this new online service Apple typically required the original receipt issued by an Apple Authorized dealer and documented provenance (so typically it would be the original owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership).


====


If you have a forgotten/unknown device passcode, or have a disabled device, unfortunately you have no option but to erase the device. However, you can eventually restore the data and settings from a backup you made before the device was disabled. You must have a computer to use the method below. If you don't have a computer, borrow one from a friend, or go to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can also use a PC with iTunes. You will likely also need your Apple ID and password. All Apple mobile devices follow the same general procedure but the link below and other links off it provide model-specific instructions:


If you forgot the passcode on your iPhone, or your iPhone is disabled", click here --> http://support.apple.com/HT204306


Here is a related video which to me has more complete and clearer instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s8-zLG9ySQ


Steps:

1. With the device disconnected from a computer use the model-specific instructions in the links above to shut down the device.

2. Connect it to a computer with Finder or iTunes (Mojave or earlier, or PC).

3. Restart into recovery mode (black screen with a cable indicating attach to computer).

4. When prompted, click "Restore" to erase data & settings, and update system software. May take some time.

5. Set up your device ( https://support.apple.com/kb/HT202033 ). Partway through you are offered the opportunity to restore your data and settings from a backup, or you can do this at a later stage ( https://support.apple.com/HT204184 ). Even if you have no backup, if you were using some iCloud services to sync items such as Contacts or Photos those may reappear once you sign back into your iCloud account --> Set up iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - https://support.apple.com/HT208681


'If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod' click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT204095


---

On the contingency you are asked for your Apple ID and password AND you have forgotten those:


If you forgot your Apple ID, click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201354 ; your Apple ID password, click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201487 , or to jump directly to the forgotten sign-in information help site, click here --> http://iforgot.apple.com/


What to do after [or before] you change your Apple ID email address or password - https://support.apple.com/HT204071


If you still need help, contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security --> https://support.apple.com/HT204169



2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 6, 2021 10:34 AM in response to carin256

You are referring to things that are likely unrelated and could have multiple interpretations. It would help if you could narrow it down:


'Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch' is a security feature that's designed to prevent anyone else from using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, if it's ever lost or stolen. To learn more click here --> http://support.apple.com/HT201365


For an individual to remove an activation lock absolutely requires the information for the account that applied the lock. Click on this link to learn 'How to remove Activation Lock' --> https://support.apple.com/HT201441


If you do not know the required information and you are not the original owner, get the owner of the account to remove the lock or return the device for a refund or recycle it. The device is otherwise useless to you. If the owner is unknown and has not provided contact information as a message showing in the login screen, there is no way to contact the owner unless the person who gave you the device knows them.


For help dealing with lost Apple ID or password:

• "If you forgot your Apple ID" [this is likely an email address you are using or used in the past] click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201354

• "If you forgot your Apple ID password" click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201487


Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Do this online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not state what currently constitutes proof. Prior to this new online service Apple typically required the original receipt issued by an Apple Authorized dealer and documented provenance (so typically it would be the original owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership).


====


If you have a forgotten/unknown device passcode, or have a disabled device, unfortunately you have no option but to erase the device. However, you can eventually restore the data and settings from a backup you made before the device was disabled. You must have a computer to use the method below. If you don't have a computer, borrow one from a friend, or go to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can also use a PC with iTunes. You will likely also need your Apple ID and password. All Apple mobile devices follow the same general procedure but the link below and other links off it provide model-specific instructions:


If you forgot the passcode on your iPhone, or your iPhone is disabled", click here --> http://support.apple.com/HT204306


Here is a related video which to me has more complete and clearer instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s8-zLG9ySQ


Steps:

1. With the device disconnected from a computer use the model-specific instructions in the links above to shut down the device.

2. Connect it to a computer with Finder or iTunes (Mojave or earlier, or PC).

3. Restart into recovery mode (black screen with a cable indicating attach to computer).

4. When prompted, click "Restore" to erase data & settings, and update system software. May take some time.

5. Set up your device ( https://support.apple.com/kb/HT202033 ). Partway through you are offered the opportunity to restore your data and settings from a backup, or you can do this at a later stage ( https://support.apple.com/HT204184 ). Even if you have no backup, if you were using some iCloud services to sync items such as Contacts or Photos those may reappear once you sign back into your iCloud account --> Set up iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - https://support.apple.com/HT208681


'If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod' click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT204095


---

On the contingency you are asked for your Apple ID and password AND you have forgotten those:


If you forgot your Apple ID, click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201354 ; your Apple ID password, click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201487 , or to jump directly to the forgotten sign-in information help site, click here --> http://iforgot.apple.com/


What to do after [or before] you change your Apple ID email address or password - https://support.apple.com/HT204071


If you still need help, contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security --> https://support.apple.com/HT204169



Jul 6, 2021 10:34 AM in response to Limnos

Select your situation from one of the cases below. What you need to do depends upon what message you are seeing. (Including exact error messages when you start a topic helps us help you.)


● If you see a message that says "Your account has been disabled in the App Store and iTunes," there might be a problem with the payment method that you have on file. Click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT208856 and read what you need to do.


● If a message says your Apple ID is locked or disabled "for security reasons", click here and read what to do --> https://support.apple.com/HT204106 If you or someone else enters your password, security questions, or other account information incorrectly too many times, your Apple ID automatically locks to protect your security and you can't sign in to any Apple services.


Also note "What to do after [or before] you change your Apple ID [email address] or password". Click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT204071 - "After you change your Apple ID email address or password, you might need to update your sign-in information with any Apple services you're using."


Recover your Apple ID when you can’t reset your password - "If you use two-factor authentication and can’t sign in or reset your password, you can regain access after an account recovery waiting period." - https://support.apple.com/HT204921


If you cannot resolve it yourself try one of these contact methods:


- Click here --> https://support.apple.com/choose-country-region/ Select your country, then a product.


- Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security - https://support.apple.com/HT204169


- Contact Apple for support and service - "See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world." - https://support.apple.com/HT201232


● Apple may disable accounts for other reasons in accordance with the terms and conditions of various services ( https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/ ). Use the contact methods I just provided in the previous section to ask Apple about that.


● If you only see this in an email, a text message, or somebody called you to report this, it is phishing. Do not respond. Forward emails to: reportphishing@apple.com

My iPad is locked and the applied has been disabled

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.