Check an iPad serial number before buying on Craigslist?

[petalino]

Hello.

I am in the market for a used Ipad Mini.

Looking on Craigslist and there are interesting offers in my area in NY.

Before I buy though, I would like to check if it was not reported stolen or if it is in any way locked or will lock itself once I start using it.

Some sellers are posting the serial numbers.
Is the a way to check an Ipad just by having its serial number?

Thanks.

 

[Armen]

Hello.

I am in the market for a used Ipad Mini.

Looking on Craigslist and there are interesting offers in my area in NY.

Before I buy though, I would like to check if it was not reported stolen or if it is in any way locked or will lock itself once I start using it.

Some sellers are posting the serial numbers.
Is the a way to check an Ipad just by having its serial number?

Thanks.

Go to the site below and plug in the serial# or IMEI. It will tell you if the activation lock is still on for that device.

https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/

 

[GGJstudios]

These may be helpful:

iCloud Check Activation Lock Status
Stolen iPad Database

 

[campyguy]

When I sell my Apple products they're registered to me, and I post a picture (screen shot) of the product page in the "My Support Profile" web portal (https://supportprofile.apple.com/productDetails).

That page shows the first name of the account holder, device type, serial number, and additional details - remaining coverage, case activity, repair activity. That first name is - in my case - the name attached to a credit/debit card and, in my case, my first name as it appears on my birth certificate.

While not totally foolproof, it could show that the device is registered to the person. This, coupled with the other links provided in the other posts, could be enough to help you out. BTW, I'm from Manhattan - I feel your concern...

 

[petalino]

Thank you all for the answers.

I found one Ipad, and the Activation LOCK IS still ON according to the Find My Iphone website.

This does not mean that it is stolen, I guess? Right?

I just have to ask the seller to remove it before I buy?
Also to perform a full wipe?

Thanks in advance

Go to the site below and plug in the serial# or IMEI. It will tell you if the activation lock is still on for that device.

https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/

 

[Fiestaman]

Thank you all for the answers.

I found one Ipad, and the Activation LOCK IS still ON according to the Find My Iphone website.

This does not mean that it is stolen, I guess? Right?

I just have to ask the seller to remove it before I buy?
Also to perform a full wipe?

Thanks in advance

It can mean a couple things. It could mean that the seller owns the device and still has the activation lock activated or it could mean the item is stolen and the seller is trying to sell it while still being locked by Activation Lock. I know that I personally did not deactivate the Activation Lock on an old iPad until I met with buyer and he had cash in hand. If you decide to purchase this one, make sure the seller deactivates the Activation Lock before you buy it, either in front of you or before you buy with a confirmation online of Activation Lock status.

 

[xraydoc]

It can mean a couple things. It could mean that the seller owns the device and still has the activation lock activated or it could mean the item is stolen and the seller is trying to sell it while still being locked by Activation Lock. I know that I personally did not deactivate the Activation Lock on an old iPad until I met with buyer and he had cash in hand. If you decide to purchase this one, make sure the seller deactivates the Activation Lock before you buy it, either in front of you or before you buy with a confirmation online of Activation Lock status.

Exactly. Make the seller prove the activation lock is off by showing you FMiP is turned off in settings. If it's not, do not buy.

 

[Armen]

Thank you all for the answers.

I found one Ipad, and the Activation LOCK IS still ON according to the Find My Iphone website.

This does not mean that it is stolen, I guess? Right?

I just have to ask the seller to remove it before I buy?
Also to perform a full wipe?

Thanks in advance

Locked doesn't mean stolen but you won't be able to restore it without the user's Apple ID and password. This is why you shouldn't buy a locked iDevice.