Symptoms
- Setup screen asks for a previous owner's Apple ID and password
- iPad was bought secondhand or recovered after being lost
- Can't get past the initial setup screen
Likely causes
- CommonFind My iPhone/iPad was left enabled by the previous ownerThis is Apple's anti-theft feature and activates automatically unless the previous owner signs out first.
- CommoniPad purchased secondhand without the seller removing their accountSellers should sign out and erase the device before selling, but this step is sometimes skipped.
What to do
- If you know the previous owner, ask them to remove the device from their Apple ID via account.apple.com or their Settings > Find My.
- If you bought it secondhand, contact the seller with your proof of purchase and ask them to release the lock.
- If the device is genuinely yours and you've lost your Apple ID access, use Apple's account recovery process to regain access to your own ID.
- Keep your original purchase receipt or proof of ownership, since Apple Support can sometimes assist directly with valid proof.
- Do not use third-party 'bypass' services or tools — these don't legitimately remove the lock and can involve unlocking a device you don't rightfully own.
When to call a pro
Contact Apple Support directly with proof of purchase if you're the legitimate owner and can't resolve it with the previous owner — they are the only reliable path for a legitimately locked device.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.