Unfortunately, if the iPad is locked with Activation Lock, which ties it to your friend’s Apple ID, factory resetting it through the standard methods will not bypass this lock. Once the iPad is reset, it will still require the Apple ID and password associated with it to be activated and used.
Without access to your friend’s Apple ID or proof of purchase, it’s nearly impossible for you to unlock and use the iPad through conventional means. Apple’s Activation Lock is a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized use of their devices.
However, there are a couple of avenues you might explore, although their success is not guaranteed:
1. Contact Apple Support with Documentation:
- Even without the original purchase receipt, you could try contacting Apple Support directly. Explain the situation and provide any documentation you might have, such as your friend’s death certificate.
- Apple has a process for dealing with deceased individuals’ accounts. They may be able to help remove the Activation Lock, but they will likely require legal documentation to verify the situation and your relationship (if any).
- You can find information on this process on Apple’s support page: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102431
- You might need to provide a death certificate and potentially other legal documents as required by Apple in your region.
2. Attempt to Access Your Friend’s Apple ID (if possible):
- While you mentioned it’s not accessible, think if there’s any possibility of recovering it. Could your friend have shared the password with anyone else? Did they have any recovery email addresses or phone numbers associated with the account that you might be able to access?
- Apple has a process for account recovery if you’ve forgotten the password, which might be worth exploring if any associated information is accessible. You can start this process here: https://iforgot.apple.com/
Regarding Factory Resetting a Locked iPad:
As mentioned before, performing a factory reset on a device locked with Activation Lock will not remove the lock. You can try to force the iPad into Recovery Mode and restore it via iTunes or Finder, but upon restarting, it will still ask for the original Apple ID and password.
Steps to put an iPad into Recovery Mode (for most iPads without a Home button):
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Power button until the iPad restarts and you see the Recovery Mode screen (a cable pointing to a computer).
For iPads with a Home button:
- Press and hold both the Home button and the Power button at the same time.
- Keep holding them until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
Once in Recovery Mode, you can connect the iPad to a computer with iTunes (on Windows or older macOS) or Finder (on newer macOS) and attempt to restore it. However, this will only erase the data; the Activation Lock will remain.
In summary, your best course of action is to contact Apple Support with any relevant documentation related to your friend’s passing. They are the only ones who can potentially remove the Activation Lock without the original Apple ID credentials.
I hope you can find a resolution. It’s a tough situation, and my condolences again for your loss.