can I find my Ipad when the location function is not turned on

No - and the Find My feature cannot be remotely enabled.

Here is Apple’s advice for lost or stolen devices:

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch is lost or stolen – Apple Support

Use the Find My app to locate a lost or stolen device – Apple Support

If the Find My iPad feature was enabled prior to it being “misplaced”, then if active, you would stand a good chance of locating it. 

However, if the feature was not activated prior to being misplaced - or the iPad has been inactive for more than 24 hours, the last known location will not be available - and the opportunity to use technical means to recover the iPad have been lost.

jes1066 Said:

"can I find my Ipad when the location function is not turned on: I misplaced my device, and the locate me is not turned on...is there a way to turn it on via a desktop computer or my other iPad?"

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Perhaps.

Locating Lost iPads:



If Find My is Not an Option:

Try the following...

A. Backtrack your Locations:

Do it the olde fashioned way and backtrack your locations. For instance, if you were at a retail store, then stop in, asking the store manger if it was placed aside.

B. Lost-&-Found:

Chick with the Lost & Found department of the facility you were in, seeing if it has been handed over.

C. Contact Local Authorities:

See if the community police, or local security guards at the front door, can across it.

D. Use Craigslist:

Put a post on Craigslist, seeing if they have been found.

E. Go Here: How to Find your Lost AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max - Apple Support

no