I'm really stressed out about an issue I'm having with my new iCloud account. My wife and I got an iPad as a joint gift this Black Friday, and after about four hours of use with our new iCloud account, I got logged out on my desktop. Since then, I haven't been able to get back in despite trying to recover my account. I even submitted a request for Activation Lock removal because I wanted to create a new iCloud account to start fresh. Unfortunately, that request was denied as well. They said they can't review any additional info related to my device, which makes me feel stuck. I'm worried that Apple's security measures are preventing me from using a perfectly normal iPad that I bought at Best Buy. Could my unusual name on the account have triggered a fraud filter? Is there any chance I could return the iPad to Best Buy for a refund or exchange?
3 Answers
Hey, have you actually enabled the Find My feature? That could definitely be a reason for the issues. Apple won’t process requests for devices if Find My isn’t on, so double-check that. You mentioned you haven’t opened the app much; that might be the key thing you’re missing here.
This whole situation sounds frustrating and is a prime example of how automation fails in customer service. Your best bet is to keep submitting proof for the Activation Lock removal. Include everything—receipts, bank statements, anything! If they deny your request again, reach out to Apple’s higher-ups with all your documentation and timeline of events. You might have better luck there than through standard support.
I thought about including more proof, but the request form warned against it. I submitted the Best Buy receipt but got an error when I tried to add the box’s details, saying it could cause delays. I'm frustrated because I'm running out of options.
It sounds like your iPad might be in a state similar to Lost Mode, which Apple locks down. If that's the case, they won’t help you remove it since it’s not just the standard Activation Lock. You can check by logging into iCloud and seeing if the device is marked as lost. If it is indeed marked this way, you’ll need to address that specifically.
I don't think it's in Lost Mode, but I’m not really sure how to check that. I was just transferring files around, and the Find My app didn’t seem like it was active.
I just found the Find My app, but there's nothing listed under devices, and I don't really get why I need to enable it when the iPad isn't lost.