My wife has an iPad (iOS 16) where the Apple id’s email account does not exist and the password is forgotten. You go through a reset process with all the additional info and then get a message the result is being sent to the non-existent email account. What can I do to rest the password and then change the email account?
iPad, iPadOS 16
If by "reset process" you mean account recovery then contact Apple about not receiving the email (I presume you checked your junk mail).
Refer to this page for Apple Support features ➔ Contact - Official Apple Support
Select from the presented options until you find a solution for your issue, or see if there is a chat or phone call contact method offered lower on the page under “Get more help” (you sometimes have to narrow down the options multiple times before this is shown). If you do not see your issue, keep experimenting with any series of selections until you reach one that offers a chat session or a telephone call and get the representative to redirect you.
If that fails, you may still regain use of the equipment.
Refer to How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support There are only two ways to remove a lock:
#1 If you have the necessary information you or the signed in owner can do this yourself by simply signing in with the owner account and password information. If you use this method and this is a new device to you, follow unlocking by doing as outlined in What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support or What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support . If you do not have the required information then you can try method 2 —>
#2 Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Read the requirements and steps for an Activation Lock support request at: https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says you need to have "proof of purchase documentation” and “proof of ownership documentation”, but does not detail what currently constitutes proof other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” User reports on this community indicate that typically Apple will ONLY accept an original receipt issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. Presumably this is the only kind Apple can authenticate against fraud since Apple is not involved in third party sales. Apple recommends that you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support
If Apple resets the device this will give you access to the device but won't restore access to the account used to lock it. There is nothing that can be done to expedite an Activation Lock request.
If you cannot get the device unlocked then read this section from the very bottom of Apple Trade In - Apple :
"Does Apple offer recycling?
Yes. Apple Trade In lets you recycle any Apple device (including devices from Apple-owned brands) at any Apple Store and on Apple for free. That includes your batteries and old electronic products as well as free, on-demand packaging recycling for our commercial, education, and institutional customers. When we receive your device, it will be thoroughly inspected to determine if components can be recycled or reused. Whether recycled or reused, all activities relating to the processing of your device will be managed in an environmentally responsible way."
And this one for future purchases: The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community
Unable to reset Apple ID password on iPad
