My department purchased iPad's prior to my being hired. The people who originally purchased and signed into the iPad's are no longer employed, how do I reset the iPad and apple ID so they may be used? We can't use the phone number because the people who originally purchased used their personal phone numbers during set up.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Apple has two related features, Activation Lock ( Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support ) and Find My ( iCloud - Find My - Apple ), which are designed to prevent anyone else from using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's ever lost or stolen. Deactivation of either requires knowing the Apple ID and password that set the feature, or by placing a special request to Apple to reset the device. This Apple ID information essentially defines the current ownership of the device.
Click on this link to learn how to remove Activation Lock either on the device itself or on the web --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support
or this one for disabling Find My if activation lock has not yet engaged --> Turn off Find My on your iPhone or other devices - Apple Support
If you do not know the required information, are not the signed-in owner, or do not have Apple accepted proof of purchase, get the owner of the account to remove the lock (the section: "If you no longer have your iPhone or iPad" in: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support ).
Here are additional resources if you are the account owner, can find the previous device owner, or have an Apple accepted proof or purchase:
● Reset device if you can prove to Apple's satisfaction you are the owner:
Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide many details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the first owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership transfer).
*Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support
Two things you may wish to investigate:
Apple Business Essentials --> https://support.apple.com/guide/apple-business-essentials/intro-to-apple-business-essentials-axmca7e28554/web
Apple Business Essentials includes all the features of Apple Business Manager and more. Apple Business Essentials is one complete subscription that seamlessly brings together device management, 24/7 support, and cloud storage so your small business can easily manage every employee’s iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV (that your organization owns)—every step of the way. Apple Business Essentials is currently available only in the United States." 20220427
Apple has two related features, Activation Lock ( Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support ) and Find My ( iCloud - Find My - Apple ), which are designed to prevent anyone else from using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's ever lost or stolen. Deactivation of either requires knowing the Apple ID and password that set the feature, or by placing a special request to Apple to reset the device. This Apple ID information essentially defines the current ownership of the device.
Click on this link to learn how to remove Activation Lock either on the device itself or on the web --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support
or this one for disabling Find My if activation lock has not yet engaged --> Turn off Find My on your iPhone or other devices - Apple Support
If you do not know the required information, are not the signed-in owner, or do not have Apple accepted proof of purchase, get the owner of the account to remove the lock (the section: "If you no longer have your iPhone or iPad" in: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support ).
Here are additional resources if you are the account owner, can find the previous device owner, or have an Apple accepted proof or purchase:
● Reset device if you can prove to Apple's satisfaction you are the owner:
Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide many details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the first owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership transfer).
*Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support
Two things you may wish to investigate:
Apple Business Essentials --> https://support.apple.com/guide/apple-business-essentials/intro-to-apple-business-essentials-axmca7e28554/web
Apple Business Essentials includes all the features of Apple Business Manager and more. Apple Business Essentials is one complete subscription that seamlessly brings together device management, 24/7 support, and cloud storage so your small business can easily manage every employee’s iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV (that your organization owns)—every step of the way. Apple Business Essentials is currently available only in the United States." 20220427
How to reset an iPad's Apple ID?
