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.

how to wipe my ipad

I just purchased an iPad and it still has the old user in the Ipad, how do get it to

reset to be used by me

iPad mini 6 Wi-Fi, Cellular

Posted on Jun 20, 2022 9:44 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 20, 2022 9:51 AM

You don't. Only the person who locked the iPad can unlock it. If you don't know or can't reach this user, you have purchased a useless iPad, one which you can never use. Apple won't help you. We can't help you.


If you know the person you purchased the iPad from this is what they needed to do (again, you can't do this, only they can) before selling the iPad to you --> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support


If you can get a refund that would be the next best option and if you can't, recycle the iPad responsibly as you simply can't use it.


Read this about buying used devices --> The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 20, 2022 9:51 AM in response to Claray435

You don't. Only the person who locked the iPad can unlock it. If you don't know or can't reach this user, you have purchased a useless iPad, one which you can never use. Apple won't help you. We can't help you.


If you know the person you purchased the iPad from this is what they needed to do (again, you can't do this, only they can) before selling the iPad to you --> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support


If you can get a refund that would be the next best option and if you can't, recycle the iPad responsibly as you simply can't use it.


Read this about buying used devices --> The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

Jun 20, 2022 10:26 AM in response to Claray435

Is the iPad disabled or Activation Locked? If so, unless you can independently obtain assistance from the previous owner, the iPad is (and will remain) 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.


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.

how to wipe my ipad

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