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How to remove activation lock on iPad without Apple ID and password?

I need k advice and guidance on a challenge I've recently encountered with an iPad. I have an iPad that's currently locked with an activation lock, and unfortunately, I do not have access to the original Apple ID and password that was used to set it up. This situation arose because the iPad was handed down to me by a family member who has since passed away, and we did not realize the importance of having this information beforehand.


I understand the activation lock is a crucial security feature designed by Apple to prevent unauthorized use of the device, and I fully respect the intentions behind it. However, I'm now looking for a legitimate way to remove the activation lock under these circumstances so I can make use of the iPad.


I appreciate any guidance, advice, or experiences you can share. I aim to resolve this issue while respecting all legal and ethical considerations surrounding the use of Apple devices.


Thank you very much for your time and help.

iPad Pro (4th generation)

Posted on Mar 4, 2024 11:49 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 16, 2024 9:40 AM

I got a ipad from my uncle n he is no alonger alive n i donot know the apple ID n password to open the ipad to use it can u plz help me or can u take off the account from there


36 replies

Mar 13, 2024 7:04 AM in response to Alisonzil00

Alisonzil00 wrote:

If this iPad is brought from someone else and is still connected to the previous owner's iCloud account , it's possible to disconnect it by reaching out to the seller and guiding them through the removal process. Utilizing a free iCloud bypass service can also unlock your device. This option is viable only with cooperation from the previous owner, enabling the deactivation of the Activation Lock on the iPad without necessitating the original Apple ID and password.

Here's how to remove activation lock on iPad without Apple ID and password:

Navigate to icloud.com1. using a web browser on your computer.
2. Log in using your Apple ID credentials.
3. Select "Find My iPad," followed by "All Devices."
4. Choose your iPad from the displayed list of devices, click on "Erase iPad," and then finalize by selecting "Remove from Account."

If the methods mentioned do not resolve the issue with the iPad Activation Lock without the Apple ID, your final recourse is to seek assistance from Apple Support. To do this, arrange an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar through their official site. Be prepared to present documentation proving ownership of the device or evidence that the initial purchase was made by the original owner. This could include requesting the original purchase receipt to be forwarded to you via email.

How come this post makes no sense.

  • You suggest reaching out to the seller, when the OP clearly stated it was handed down to them from a person who has passed away.
  • You suggest a method to remove the lock with the "cooperation from the previous owner". How is that possible?
  • There is no free iCloud bypass service.
  • Your instructions to remove the Activation Lock without the password, clearly states to enter the password.
  • The Genius Bar does not remove an Activation Lock. You have to do that by an online request.

Mar 7, 2024 9:32 PM in response to Olsonbenz

To remove activation lock on iPad without Apple ID and password, there are the steps you can follow:


1. Go to Apple's support page and select "iPad."


2. Choose "Unlock Activation Lock" from the available options.


3. Provide Apple with your iPad’s serial number or IMEI number.


4. Explain your situation and provide any required documents, such as a death certificate or proof of purchase.


5. Wait for Apple's verification process to complete, which may take several days.


6. If approved, Apple will remove the activation lock remotely, and you'll receive an email confirmation.


Keep in mind that Apple may have conditions and limitations regarding the removal of activation lock. Also, if you purchased the iPad from a third party seller, make sure it is not stolen or blacklisted before requesting Apple's assistance.

Mar 5, 2024 1:27 AM in response to Olsonbenz

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.


If you have the necessary documentation, Apple have introduced a portal though which you may be able to request release of an Activation Lock:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support & start an Activation Lock support request.


However, this isn’t necessarily the end of the story...


A close Family member or Executor, with the required supporting paperwork, can make application to Apple to be granted access to the Apple accounts of the deceased:

How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple accounts - Apple Support


You should note that if successful, this process will grant access to some information stored in iCloud - but will not, of itself, resolve access to the iPad.


Quite often, close family also have sufficient knowledge - and access to likely recovery paths - that access to the AppleID account of the deceased family member can be recovered. Having done so, it is then possible to release the Activation Lock that prevents reuse of an iPad/iPhone.


The following guidance is written from the perspective of the owner - but a family member will get the idea as they run through the process.



If your device is Activation Locked, this help page will provide most of the information that you’ll need:

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


If you have forgotten your AppleID or associated password, these can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com/


To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to any one of the following:

  • Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
  • Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
  • Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID


Unless you AppleID account has not been fully/correctly configured, or has been seriously neglected, recovery of the AppleID and password should not be difficult.


More information about recovery of your AppleID and associated Password:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


When you recover access to your credentials, you would be well advised to log-in to your AppleID account from a web browser - and verify/update any email addresses and trusted telephone numbers:

https://appleid.apple.com/


Having recovered access to the AppleID account (and therefore the AppleID username and associated Password), Activation Locks can be removed. There are several routes to this, but for brevity, I’ll refer you to this support page:

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support


If the passcodes of any devices are unknown, the data stored on the device itself is now gone - but from your question I surmise that data recovery is not you immediate aim. That said, if the device(s) have an associated iCloud backup, you can restore the backup data to the device. To do so, you would need to follow this procedure:

If you’ve forgotten the passcode on your iPad, or your iPad is disabled – Apple Support


You’ll need access to either a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). At the end of the process, you’ll have the option to restore data from the backup.


If your intent is to wipe/reset the device(s) for reuse by a new user, you would be best advised to prepare them properly:

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


I hope to have covered all the likely scenarios - and similarly hope that this guidance is helpful in fully resolving your current difficulties.


Jul 27, 2024 3:38 AM in response to Prittygirl

Prittygirl wrote:

I just got a iPad that is locked and I'm trying to factory reset it


If the iPad disabled or Activation Locked, unless you can independently obtain assistance from the previous owner, the iPad is (and will remain) useless to you. If you are able to contact the original owner, they will require this information:

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


Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be satisfied:

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 the original sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.


The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community



Here is what Apple suggests when purchasing a previously used device:


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.

Jul 20, 2024 6:44 PM in response to ezombi3

ezombi3 wrote:

did you find an answer? i’m in the same exact boat and don’t know what to do.

Sorry, but there is not secret bypass method that will let you use the device if you do not have the credentials to provide in the Activation Lock Screen. Your only solutions are those that have been provided already.

  • If the Apple ID is yours, you can request a new password. If it is not, and you purchased the device new from Apple or Authorized Apple seller, then you can have the lock removed.
  • If you purchased the device from someone else and are unable to contact that person, then you are left with a device that will never be able to be used. This is seen many times when people sell stolen devices and the person who buys them is left with a brick.
  • If the device belonged to a family member and has deceased, the link has been provided to submit the appropriate information, which may include court documentation, to be able to reset the device. This is usually the job of the Personal Representative of the estate and has the information that can be provided. Simply saying you are a family member will not work.

Mar 13, 2024 3:01 AM in response to Alisonzil00

Alisonzil00 wrote:

Here's how to remove activation lock on iPad without Apple ID and password:

Navigate to icloud.com1. using a web browser on your computer.
2. Log in using your Apple ID credentials.
3. Select "Find My iPad," followed by "All Devices."
4. Choose your iPad from the displayed list of devices, click on "Erase iPad," and then finalize by selecting "Remove from Account."


Remotely erasing and removing a device from your AppleID account, via iCloud, will not remove the Activation Lock from device.

Jul 23, 2024 2:18 AM in response to Patemmy

Patemmy wrote:

How do I remove Activation lock from my iPad 16GB serial DYVKQ1GODFHW


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.


If you have the necessary documentation, Apple have introduced a portal though which you may be able to request release of an Activation Lock:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support & start an Activation Lock support request.

Mar 13, 2024 7:15 AM in response to Olsonbenz

If this iPad is brought from someone else and is still connected to the previous owner's iCloud account , it's possible to disconnect it by reaching out to the seller and guiding them through the removal process. This option is viable only with cooperation from the previous owner, enabling the deactivation of the Activation Lock on the iPad without necessitating the original Apple ID and password.


Here's how to remove activation lock on iPad without Apple ID and password:


  1. Navigate to icloud.com using a web browser on your computer.
  2. Log in using your Apple ID credentials.
  3. Select "Find My iPad," followed by "All Devices."
  4. Choose your iPad from the displayed list of devices, click on "Erase iPad," and then finalize by selecting "Remove from Account."


If the methods mentioned do not resolve the issue with the iPad Activation Lock without the Apple ID, your final recourse is to seek assistance from Apple Support. To do this, arrange an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar through their official site. Be prepared to present documentation proving ownership of the device or evidence that the initial purchase was made by the original owner. This could include requesting the original purchase receipt to be forwarded to you via email.


[Edited by Moderator]

Aug 6, 2024 10:25 PM in response to Djephej

Djephej wrote:

iPod locked


Are you referring to an iPod music player? Most of those were discontinued long ago, did not run iOS, and did not support Activation Lock. I'm not sure how you would reset one of those if you set a passcode, and forgot it.


There were iPod touches that ran iOS.

If you forgot your iPod touch passcode - Apple Support


If you are referring to an iPad (tablet) or an iPhone (smartphone), see the answers already provided in this thread.

Nov 11, 2024 4:53 PM in response to khamphong595

khamphong595 wrote:

I got a ipad air 5/256/cellular from my uncle n he is no alonger alive n i donot know the apple ID n password to open the ipad to use it can u plz help me or can u take off the account from there
Help me please 🙏🙏🙏😭😭


Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be satisfied:

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.


If you have the necessary documentation, Apple have introduced a portal though which you may be able to request release of an Activation Lock:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support & start an Activation Lock support request.


However, this isn’t necessarily the end of the story...


A close Family member or Executor, with the required supporting paperwork, can make application to Apple to be granted access to the Apple accounts of the deceased:

How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple accounts - Apple Support


You should note that if successful, this process will grant access to some information stored in iCloud - but will not, of itself, resolve access to the iPad.


Quite often, close family have sufficient knowledge - and access to likely recovery paths - that access to the AppleID account of the deceased family member can be recovered. Having done so, it is then possible to release the Activation Lock that prevents reuse of an iPad/iPhone.


The following guidance is written from the perspective of the owner - but a family member will get the idea as they run through the process.



If your device is Activation Locked, this help page will provide most of the information that you’ll need:

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


If you have forgotten your AppleID or associated password, these can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com/


To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to any one of the following:

  • Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
  • Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
  • Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID


More information about recovery of your AppleID and associated Password:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


Having recovered access to the AppleID account (and therefore the AppleID username and associated Password), Activation Locks can be removed. There are several routes to this, but for brevity, I’ll refer you to this support page:

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support


If your intent is to wipe/reset the device(s) for reuse by a new user, you would be best advised to prepare them properly:

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




How to remove activation lock on iPad without Apple ID and password?

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