User level: Level 1 (4 points)I have an old iPad that is associated with an unknown apple account. is there a possibility to get the user that the device is connected with? i can not access the device as it is locked (online activation failes) after upgrade...
Posted on Oct 15, 2026 5:55 AM
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)Oct 15, 2026 6:54 AM in response to thomasbü
Presumably the iPad is Activation Locked. 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 and iPad - Apple Support
How to remove Activation Lock – Apple Support
As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, or unless you can independently identify and secure the cooperation of the previous owner, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. Without documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple won’t assist - and nobody here will be able to help you.
If you are the owner of the AppleID that previously activated the device - and you have forgotten your AppleID or associated password, these can be recovered here:
To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to one of the following:
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:
If you forgot your Apple Account primary email address or phone number - Apple Support
More information about recovery of your AppleID password:
If you forgot your password and can’t sign in to your Apple Account - 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:
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256376653