How to Sell Locked iPads

Did you find an old iPad sitting around in a desk drawer, only to realize it’s passcode locked and you don’t remember the code? Even worse, did you buy a used iPad that’s still connected to someone else’s iCloud account? Or, is that used iPad you bought still carrier-locked to Verizon, but you’re an AT&T customer?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have a locked iPad. There are several different kinds of “locks,” but the common thread is that they can all make a device harder to sell. Whether you can sell it at all depends on what type of lock it has and whether you’ll be able to unlock it.

By understanding the different types of locks and their effects on resale value and legal rights, you can better grasp how to sell your locked devices.

What Is a “Locked” Device?

There are actually three different kinds of locks for an Apple iPad. It’s crucial to understand which one your iPad has because it can make the difference between an easy fix and an unsellable device.

Passcode Locked

This is arguably the easiest of the three lock types to bypass. A passcode lock occurs when someone makes too many failed attempts at entering the screen passcode. This is often a problem with used iPads if the previous owner forgot to unlock them before selling.

To fix this issue, follow these steps to get access.

• Connect your iPad to a computer using a Lightning or USB-C cable, depending on your iPad model. You can either use a Mac computer or a PC running Windows 10 or later with either iTunes or the Apple Devices app installed.
• Turn off your iPad. On most newer iPads, you can do this by pressing and holding one of the volume buttons and the top button simultaneously until you see the power-off slider. On most older iPads, you simply press and hold the top button to access the power-off slider.
• Switch your iPad onto recovery mode. On most newer iPads, this involves quickly pressing the top volume button, then the bottom volume button. Then, press and hold the top button. On most older iPads, you’ll press and hold the top and Home buttons simultaneously. Once you see the Apple logo followed by a picture of a computer with a cable, let go of the buttons.
• Find your iPad using your computer and either the Finder, iTunes, or Apple Devices apps. When you see a pop-up message asking you if you want to Restore or Update your iPad, click on Restore. From there, your computer will download updated iPad software and begin the process of restoring the device to its factory settings.

Carrier Locked (for iPads With Data Connections)

Is the locked iPad tied to a specific wireless carrier, like T-Mobile or Verizon? If so, it’s carrier-locked, which means you can’t use it on any other mobile network. This is a much more common problem with locked iPhones because essentially all iPhones in modern-day society have active 5G network connections, while many iPads are only used over WiFi connections.

At any rate, if you run into a carrier-locked iPad, you should get in touch with its wireless provider to request that they unlock it. Some carriers will charge you a fee for this service. In short, they’ll send you instructions and request the iPad’s IMEI number. Once you complete the instructions, you should be good to go!

All told, carrier locks aren’t too difficult to break either, although they aren’t always free.

Activation Locked (iCloud Locked)

Here’s where we run into the big problems. If your iPad is still connected to someone else’s iCloud account, the Find My iPad anti-theft feature will lock it down. The only way you can get around an activation lock (also commonly known as an iCloud lock) is to get that person to remove the device from their list of connected devices on iCloud. If they don’t, you can’t use it, and neither can anyone else. Factory resets don’t even work on this type of locked device.

Long story short? You can’t legally sell activation-locked iPads.

How to Avoid Buying a Locked iPad

When buying used iPads, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid buying one that’s locked. First and foremost, always make sure you’re buying the iPad from its rightful owner, and that they are willing and able to unlock it using their Apple ID (or Face ID facial recognition) if necessary.

If you dig around enough on the internet, you’ll probably stumble across some shady-looking websites buying and selling locked iPads. You probably don’t need us to tell you that you shouldn’t buy iPads or other devices from these sites, but we’ll mention it regardless! Exercise caution and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you have them.

Also, make sure you’re familiar with the locked-device policies of any platform where you’re buying a used iPad. For example, ecoATM accepts iPads that are carrier- and passcode-locked, but we don’t accept activation-locked devices. For what it’s worth, we don’t know of any legit resale or store-credit trade-in platforms that do accept iCloud-locked iPads, iPhones, or Apple Watches.

How to Avoid Selling a Locked iPad

This one might seem easier to avoid, but there’s actually some nuance here. Is it better to sell a locked iPad or get it unlocked first, for example?

In general, when you’re weighing selling locked vs. unlocked devices, it’s usually worth the effort to get it unlocked first. Always check every device you sell to make sure it’s unlocked. If it’s locked, figure out which type of lock it has (carrier, passcode, or iCloud). If it’s iCloud locked and you can’t get the previous owner to unlock it, you might only be able to sell it for parts, if that.

Where Should You Sell Your Locked iPad?

Let’s say you find yourself in a scenario where you just can’t unlock the iPad, no matter what you try. If it’s passcode- or carrier-locked, feel free to bring it to an ecoATM kiosk for an evaluation. We’re still able to make instant cash offers for many used phones and tablets with these types of locks, although a device’s lock status is one of the key factors when determining its final price.

If you have an activation-locked iPad, ecoATM won’t accept it, and neither will many other platforms. While you can sell iPads with activation locks on eBay, you’re strictly required to label them as being for parts only, not as fully functional devices. Similarly, you might be able to find a local electronics repair shop that’s willing to kick you a few bucks to buy your locked iPad for spare parts.

Sell Your iPad and Other Old Devices to ecoATM

If you have smartphones or tablets sitting around gathering dust, don’t just throw them in the trash. Instead of contributing to the electronic waste stream, bring your old devices to your local ecoATM kiosk for a free evaluation. We always offer competitive prices and a quick, easy sales process with plenty of security features that you can rely on.

Even if we won’t buy your locked devices, we’ll still offer to recycle them on your behalf for free. That’s part of why ecoATM has such high customer satisfaction — we’re committed to protecting the environment at all times. We’ve already helped recycle over 50 million smartphones and tablets, and we aim to recycle another 50 million in the next few years.

When you throw old electronics in the trash, they end up in the landfill, where they can leach harsh chemicals into the environment. When you bring old iPads and other devices to your local ecoATM kiosk, you’re contributing to the circular economy and doing your part for a greener tomorrow.