User level: Level 1 (4 points)How can I delete the bound Apple ID from my old iPod? It was my mom's, and she deleted her mail, which was bound to the device, so I can't do anything to bypass the activation. Can I bypass it at home, or do I need to pay a visit to an Apple Store? I do not have its receipt
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Bounded Apple Id
Posted on Oct 9, 2026 7:59 PM
User level: Level 10 (462,771 points)Oct 10, 2026 6:18 AM in response to mimizard
You say she deleted her "email" but do you mean she deleted her Apple Account? If yes, carefully and thoroughly read this support article about what happens and how to delete an Apple Account—> How to delete your Apple Account - Apple Support
and what happens when you delete an Apple Account. For example:
"Make sure that you sign out of all your devices to avoid issues with apps that use your Apple Account or iCloud. After your account is deleted, you can’t sign out of iCloud or turn off Find My iPhone Activation Lock on your devices. If you forget to sign out, you might not be able to use your device when your account is deleted."
An Apple Store probably cannot help you with this since the removal service has been moved to an online one here --> https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support. However, that requires that you have the original purchase receipt from Apple or an Apple authorized dealer.
At this point your only hope is if she can restore the account. Agaon from the support article:
"What happens if I change my mind after I have requested that my account be deleted?
While your request is being processed, you can contact Apple Support [call them at a telephone number for your country --> Contact Apple Support - Apple Support ] with the unique alphanumeric access code you received, and we’ll help you cancel your request. After your account is deleted, Apple can't cancel the request, reopen your account, or restore your data."
If you cannot get the account working again and you cannot find the receipt then the device cannot be used by anybody. From the very bottom of Apple Trade In - Apple :
"Does Apple offer recycling?
Yes. Apple Trade In lets you recycle any Apple device (including devices from Apple-owned brands) at any Apple Store and on Apple for free. That includes your batteries and old electronic products as well as free, on-demand packaging recycling for our commercial, education, and institutional customers. When we receive your device, it will be thoroughly inspected to determine if components can be recycled or reused. Whether recycled or reused, all activities relating to the processing of your device will be managed in an environmentally responsible way."
User level: Level 10 (105,996 points)Oct 9, 2026 8:22 PM in response to mimizard
When deleting an Apple Account you must sign out of that account on all devices to avoid the account being locked to the device since there is no longer a password to a deleted account that can be used to remove it.. That is detailed here in the Support Article about deleting an Apple Account.
How to delete your Apple Account - Apple Support
To remove the account now, it will require the purchase receipt.
https://al-support.apple.com/#/al/agreement
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256373444