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My grandma gave me her old iPad and I want to clear out the data on it but I cant without her Apple password and she has memory issues and doesn’t know. Is there any solution for me to be able to clear this iPad?

My grandma gave me her old iPad and I want to clear out the data on it but I cant without her Apple password and she has memory issues and doesn’t know. Is there any solution for me to be able to clear this iPad?

iPad mini 6 Wi-Fi

Posted on Feb 15, 2023 7:23 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 16, 2023 5:42 AM

Apple has two related features, Activation Lock ( Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support ) and Find My ( iCloud - Find My - Apple ), which are designed to prevent anyone else from using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's ever lost or stolen. Deactivation of either requires knowing the Apple ID and password that set the feature, or by placing a special request to Apple to reset the device. This Apple ID information essentially defines the current ownership of the device.


Click on this link to learn how to remove Activation Lock either on the device itself or on the web --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

or this one for disabling Find My if activation lock has not yet engaged --> Turn off Find My on your iPhone or other devices - Apple Support


If you do not know the required information, here are additional resources for you to help your grandmother:


● Help with a lost Apple ID or password:

• For help with a forgotten Apple ID (this is likely an active email address or one used in the past), click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID email address or phone number - Apple Support

• For help with a forgotten Apple ID password, click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


● Reset device if she can prove to Apple's satisfaction she is the owner:

Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide many details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the first owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership transfer).


*Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support



2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 16, 2023 5:42 AM in response to Aputnam97

Apple has two related features, Activation Lock ( Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support ) and Find My ( iCloud - Find My - Apple ), which are designed to prevent anyone else from using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's ever lost or stolen. Deactivation of either requires knowing the Apple ID and password that set the feature, or by placing a special request to Apple to reset the device. This Apple ID information essentially defines the current ownership of the device.


Click on this link to learn how to remove Activation Lock either on the device itself or on the web --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

or this one for disabling Find My if activation lock has not yet engaged --> Turn off Find My on your iPhone or other devices - Apple Support


If you do not know the required information, here are additional resources for you to help your grandmother:


● Help with a lost Apple ID or password:

• For help with a forgotten Apple ID (this is likely an active email address or one used in the past), click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID email address or phone number - Apple Support

• For help with a forgotten Apple ID password, click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


● Reset device if she can prove to Apple's satisfaction she is the owner:

Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide many details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the first owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership transfer).


*Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support



Feb 16, 2023 1:41 AM in response to Aputnam97

she has memory issues and doesn’t know.

That is not pleasant, maybe you can assist her to take the following action:

Has she forgotten her Apple ID?, -> Check your Apple ID via your email box, see this Apple article: If you forgot your Apple ID -> If you forgot your Apple ID email address or phone number - Apple Support                  

 

OR see -> Having trouble signing in?

https://iforgot.apple.com/password/verify/appleid

 

See also -> If you can't connect or sign in to iCloud

If you can't connect or sign in to iCloud - Apple Support


Has she forgotten her password? -> See this Apple article: If you forgot your Apple ID password

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


-----

Then your grandma has to read -> this Apple article: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

 

Then she has to remove the iPhone from her account, see this Apple article:

Check your Apple ID device list to see where you're signed in

Check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in - Apple Support

 

Then you can sign in with your own Apple ID.

 

See the following Apple articles:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

 

How to remove Activation Lock

How to remove Activation Lock – Apple Support (UK)

 

You can also contact Apple support for help, -> Get Support (apple.com)

You have to show proof of ownership of your product, provide all documentation showing your purchase of the device.

If you do not have additional proof of ownership, contact the reseller. They may be able to provide the original purchase document.

Once Apple receive your proof of ownership, Apple will further review your request and provide an update.


If you still need help, get more help and assistant from Apple directly, see Contact Apple for support and service -> Contact Apple for support and service – Apple Support (UK) 


My grandma gave me her old iPad and I want to clear out the data on it but I cant without her Apple password and she has memory issues and doesn’t know. Is there any solution for me to be able to clear this iPad?

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