I works at a bar and recently came across a stolen iPad Pro 5th generation being sold by someone. My coworker managed to take it away from the seller, who was really anxious to part with it. We want to find the rightful owner, but I've run into some obstacles. I posted about it in a local Facebook group and contacted the police to check if there were any reports of a robbery, but no luck so far. I'm hoping the iPad can connect to a public Wi-Fi to see if any alerts or messages pop up. The device looks well cared for, and I feel terrible for the victim. It also has a lot of LinkedIn notifications, which hints it's important to someone. I've only gotten the owner's first name from it. If I connect it to a Mac, will it reveal any useful iCloud information? If not, should I take it to the Apple Store for help? Really looking for any advice here!
5 Answers
You did the right thing by reporting it to the police! They’ll handle it better than anyone else. Just so you know, if the iPad connects to a network, the owner might have it set to Lost Mode, which could give you their contact info. If it doesn’t connect, there isn't much else you can do really.
Honestly, Apple is pretty hands-off with stuff like this. They usually refer you back to the police since they can't verify ownership definitively. But don’t lose hope! If you tap "Emergency" on the lock screen, then select "Medical ID" (if it's set up), you might see a name or emergency contact. Also, searching for local "lost and found" groups online is a great option!
A quick tip: try asking Siri "Who’s iPad is this?" You might get lucky! However, keep in mind, if it’s passcode locked, you won't see much info on a Mac. Some people suggest that Apple devices automatically connect to Apple Store Wi-Fi, so if you’re near one, it’s worth a shot. Also consider visiting a cellular store; using a SIM card from another iPad could help with connectivity.
Have you checked those LinkedIn notifications? If you can see them on the lock screen, there might be some details about the person. But if you can’t unlock the screen, you probably won't be able to find much through the Apple Store either. They typically can’t help without the passcode. There is an Apple support page that might let them check if Find My iPad is activated, so it's worth reaching out to them.
Posting on local lost and found groups is a solid move! Many have had success reuniting lost items this way. Just be careful about sharing personal info publicly.
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