User name inactive & want to erase old ipad

I have several old ipads laying around which I would like to give away after resetting and erasing all data.


Unfortunately I changed by Apple User Name some time ago and cannot remember the password for the old user name which is required when I reset the ipad.


Is there a way to re-activate the account so I can change the password or to get the old password from Apple?

iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Aug 13, 2025 7:57 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 13, 2025 8:24 AM

This is Activation Lock. It is intended as a theft deterrent. It is intentionally difficult to bypass.


You will need to regain access to the Apple Account, or — if you have the original purchase receipts from Apple or an authorized retailer — you might be able to convince Apple to unlock three.


Otherwise, no. Recycle them. Apple will recycle at no cost to you.


How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


If the iPads are sufficiently old and cannot run semi-recent iPadOS versions, the new owners may end up back here, asking questions about the difficulties of getting apps, and of making connections to network services:


i have the ipad model MF442LL/A and it wo… - Apple Community

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 13, 2025 8:24 AM in response to vico177

This is Activation Lock. It is intended as a theft deterrent. It is intentionally difficult to bypass.


You will need to regain access to the Apple Account, or — if you have the original purchase receipts from Apple or an authorized retailer — you might be able to convince Apple to unlock three.


Otherwise, no. Recycle them. Apple will recycle at no cost to you.


How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


If the iPads are sufficiently old and cannot run semi-recent iPadOS versions, the new owners may end up back here, asking questions about the difficulties of getting apps, and of making connections to network services:


i have the ipad model MF442LL/A and it wo… - Apple Community

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User name inactive & want to erase old ipad

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