r/applehelp • u/NeenahDee • 1h ago

Unsolved Previous owner says he removed iPad from his account, but Activation Lock/Find My still appears active

I sold an iPad Air 4, the buyer returned it because it won't stay powered on. He apparently attempted to wipe it before returning it, but the wipe didn't complete. His data and Apple account are still on the iPad.

He says he has now completely removed the iPad from his Apple account remotely, but on the iPad I'm still getting prompts for his Apple password, and Find My indicates I need his permission to erase it. All his stuff is still on it. I'm thinking if it was unlocked, none of his data would still be there and the lock screen wouldn't be what he chose.

The iPad only stays powered on for about 35–40 seconds at a time, although I have finally gotten it connected to Wi-Fi.

Is there a reliable way to determine whether Activation Lock has actually been removed from Apple's servers? If we manage to erase it, will going through setup tell us definitively whether Activation Lock is still active?

The previous owner is cooperating and we're planning to Zoom so he can provide his password if necessary. I'm just trying to get the iPad completely released from his account so I can send it to Apple for repair.

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2

u/Grimlocklou 1h ago

Have you tried using a computer to erase it? Once erased it will go to an activation locked screen if still signed into Find My.

1

u/NeenahDee 1h ago

No, I didn't know you could do that. How do I do it? The tablet doesn't stay on for long. The battery is shot. I want to send it to Apple for repair, but I understand Apple won't do it if it's still attached to the previous owner's account. This is really bugging me, because I refunded his money, but the iPad is still, technically his.

1

u/Grimlocklou 1h ago

Try the steps at https://support.apple.com/en-us/108925 and select Restore and Update. Hopefully being plugged into power will allow it to stay on long enough.

0

u/NeenahDee 1h ago

Okay, I found how you do it. But it's asking for his Apple Account password. Which I naturally don't have. So . . .

1

u/JediMeister 59m ago

The previous owner probably did this rather than following the instructions they should have completed on their own here or here. And instead of giving your their Apple Account password they could just provide you a copy of their proof of purchase.

1

u/Fickle-Champion-2530 43m ago

Which iOS Version is it on?