A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Unlock a Stolen iPad, RETURN it to the Owner, or Sell it LEGALLY
- Learn the five ways you can do to find the owner of a lost or stolen iPad in detailed steps.
- Find out how to legally sell a blacklisted iPad with an IMEI flagged as lost or stolen.
- Discover third-party software that can unlock an iPad.
You may see an iPad on the streets, parks, or restaurants. Holding onto it can cause trouble, and you may want to return it to its rightful owner. You may also wonder, “If you found an iPad, can you use it?” Yes, but it should be to find the owner of the device.
Sometimes, you may buy a lost or stolen iPad without knowing about it. In that case, you can sell or unlock the iPad legally. Read on to discover how and the methods you can use to return the iPad to the owner.
(TL;DR) Article Summary:
How to Return the iPad I Found to the Owner?
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Use Lost Mode: Wait for the owner to message the iPad if the device is turned on. It will be shown on the iPad screen even if it is locked. Make sure it is connected to the internet.
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Look into the Owner’s Contact Details: If the iPad doesn’t have a screen lock, go to Contacts and tap My Card to see the owner’s contact information that you can call or message.
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Ask Siri: Press and hold the home or top button. This will depend on the iPad model you have > When Siri appears, ask, “Call mom” or any family member.
- Check with the Carrier: Take note of the iPad’s IMEI, which you will see at the back of the device. Look for the device’s carrier through the lock screen or IMEI.info website and connect with the carrier to help you connect with the owner.
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Report to the Police: Visit your local law enforcement to help you locate the owner of the iPad.
How to Legally Sell iPads Flagged as Lost or Stolen?
If you were tricked into buying an iPad that turned out to be lost or stolen, you could choose to sell it to a trusted device buyer like BankMyCell, only if the police will not require it as a piece of evidence.
How Much is Your Blacklisted iPad Worth?
How to Return the Lost iPad to the Owner?
“I found an iPad. How do I unlock it to get the owner’s contact information?” We prepared some solutions on how you can possibly return a locked iPad to the owner.
Method 1: Using Lost Mode
Apple devices like iPhone, iPod Touch, Mac, Apple Watch, and iPad have Lost Mode settings. It is the best option when a device is stolen or lost along the way.
The owner may message the device using Lost Mode. You won’t need the screen passcode as it will display the message right on the lock screen. Most lost or stolen device users send their contact details for you to call.
Wi-Fi or a data network is needed for the Lost Mode feature to work.
Method 2: Look into the Owner's Contact Details
If the iPad doesn’t have set a lock screen password, you can open it and go to Contacts. You will see My Card at the top, which contains the owner’s contact information.
You also have access to the owner’s contact list, including family and friends. Otherwise, check the recent calls and call one of them to inform them about the situation.
If the iPad is locked, continue to the third solution.
Method 3: Try Asking Siri
If you got a locked iPad, Siri could help you get the owner’s information or call the owner’s family.
Follow these simple steps depending on the model.
iPad with a Home Button:
- Press and hold the home button until Siri appears.
- Ask Siri, “Who’s the owner of this iPad?” or “Call mom” or any family member.
iPad without a Home Button:
- Press and hold the top button until Siri appears.
- Ask Siri, “Who’s the owner of this iPad?” or “Call mom” or any family member.
Method 4: Check with the Carrier
Carriers can help in finding the owner of your found iPad. Locate the iPad’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), a unique 15-digit that serves as your device’s fingerprint. You can find it on the back of the iPad below the word “iPad.”
You will also be able to determine the carrier on the lock screen display or look it up on the IMEI lookup website like IMEI.info.
You can contact the carrier for help. They will likely not disclose the owner’s information for security measures, but they will help you connect with the owner.
Method 5: Report to the Police
You can also visit your local law enforcement to report the iPad. They will help you find the owner through legal means and authority.
What Should I Do If I Can't Find the Lost iPad Owner?
How to Legally Sell iPads Flagged as Lost or Stolen
Most devices are bought second-hand. Some sellers might report a device they sold to their insurance as stolen in order to buy a new device for less. In such cases, the buyer has few options to recover their cost, like selling it because the previous owner deceived them.
If the police can’t locate the original owner and they do not require the device as evidence, then it is safe and acceptable to sell the device. You will need to contact local law enforcement to ensure they do not need it.
Sell to BankMyCell
After doing all those processes, you can get a quote at BankMyCell for the device. Follow the steps below:
- Select the model from the iPad price quote page.
- Under the “Lock status“ filter, select “Blacklisted.” That’s where the lost or stolen iPad is categorized.
- Compare the prices or quotes our trusted buyback stores offer for your device.
How to Unlock a Lost iPad?
If you purchased an iPad with an activation lock, contact the seller and check if they are keen on unlocking the device. If the seller is unwilling to assist you in unlocking it, you have another way.
Keeping and activating an iPad with an activation lock can be difficult, but it is possible. Just know that the following options are third-party software that we do not endorse. It also should be your last option.
Found an iPad. How to Unlock the Passcode with iMyFone LockWiper?
iMyFone is a tool that can help unlock a screen, remove a passcode and MDM lock, recover lost data, or fix problems with iOS devices.
Here are the detailed steps on how you can unlock an iPad without a password.
- Install and launch iMyFone LockWiper on your Windows or Mac computer.
- Select Unlock Screen Passcode, then Start.
- Connect the iPad to your computer using the USB cable.
- Select Next, then Download for the firmware package to be downloaded.
- Click Start to Extract once the download is complete.
- Select Start Unlock, then Confirm. Wait for a few minutes, and the iPad will be unlocked.
How to Unlock an iPad I Found Without a Computer?
How to unlock or reset a stolen iPad passcode without a computer? It will be tricky as most of the solution needs a Windows or Mac computer to process.
The only option you have is to sell the device to BankMyCell. We accept financed, locked, and blacklisted devices for good value. This way, you wouldn’t have too much trouble trying to unlock and restore an iPad. Follow the steps below.
Step 1. Visit BankMyCell’s iPad page and select the model you have.
Step 2. Select the iPad’s relevant details, including connection, capacity, condition, and locked status.
Step 3. Compare the prices and select the store you want. Then, follow the on-screen instructions for the trade-in process.
