Activation lock delima

Hi adbarden2, thank you for posting in Apple Support Communities:

Activation Lock is a great security feature that prevents unauthorised access to your iPad. It keeps your iPad and data secure, even if its in the wrong hands.

However, it is linked to your AppleID and Password.

Because of the high level of security, there are two approaches to removing the Activation Lock:

If you have forgotten your AppleID and/or Password, the following link will help you go through the steps to recover them https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201487, or

However, it seems you traded this iPad and as such it may be locked to another AppleID. If you cannot resolve this issue with the person you traded the iPad from it will be very difficult to remove the Activation Lock.

Nevertheless, if the Activation Lock is under another AppleID and Password, you can contact Apple Support. You can do this as follows:

• Online:--> Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple;
• Contacting a local Apple Store or AASP among the list provided above but also again as follows Apple – Location Selector; or
• Using the "Apple Support" app, available and downloadable from App Store.

Please note: when contacting Apple Support it will help if you can provide as much information of ownership as possible such as Purchase Information, Receipts, Photos.

An Activation Lock cannot be bypassed. The iPad is useless to you.

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, 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.

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

Here is what Apple suggests when purchasing used:

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.

You cannot bypass activation lock. You'll need to use the credentials that are registered to the device to unlock it. It sounds like you received the iPad from someone else, they'll need to unlock it for you. Otherwise, return it or recycle it responsibly as it will never be usable by you.

Return the iPad for a refund - that would be the easiest.