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.

Locked iPad

My sister in law passed away back in May 2021 and I have been given her iPad. Unfortunately, it is locked and I do not have her iPhone or password to unlock it and transfer it for my use. Is there a procedure with Apple to do this? THANKS!

iPad, iPadOS 15

Posted on Oct 14, 2021 11:45 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 14, 2021 11:49 AM

What you are encountering is Activation Lock or related to it. This is a security feature, in part to deter re-selling of stolen devices. Click on the link to read more about 'Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch' --> http://support.apple.com/HT201365


An activation lock can only be removed using information for the account that applied the lock. If you know this information follow the onscreen steps to enter the Apple ID and password used to set up the device, or enter the device passcode. Click on this link to learn 'How to remove Activation Lock' --> https://support.apple.com/HT201441


If the required information is not known, the official owner of the deceased person's things as can be proven by documentation needs to try one of these things:


Read this link to discover "How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple accounts" [and devices] - https://support.apple.com/HT208510


OR


- Apple can remove a lock if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Do this online here --> https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not state what constitutes proof. This might be similar to what is required in the previous section.


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 14, 2021 11:49 AM in response to 6Gunsam

What you are encountering is Activation Lock or related to it. This is a security feature, in part to deter re-selling of stolen devices. Click on the link to read more about 'Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch' --> http://support.apple.com/HT201365


An activation lock can only be removed using information for the account that applied the lock. If you know this information follow the onscreen steps to enter the Apple ID and password used to set up the device, or enter the device passcode. Click on this link to learn 'How to remove Activation Lock' --> https://support.apple.com/HT201441


If the required information is not known, the official owner of the deceased person's things as can be proven by documentation needs to try one of these things:


Read this link to discover "How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple accounts" [and devices] - https://support.apple.com/HT208510


OR


- Apple can remove a lock if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Do this online here --> https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not state what constitutes proof. This might be similar to what is required in the previous section.


Locked iPad

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