If it is your iPad
Enter the Apple Account credentials requested during setup. If you have forgotten the password, recover it using a trusted Apple device or Apple’s official recovery site.
If you bought it used
Ask the seller or previous owner to remove the iPad from their account. Do not accept a device that still asks for their account, and do not rely on claims that an IMEI can remove the lock.
If you have purchase documents
If the iPad is yours and you have valid proof of purchase, use Apple’s Activation Lock support request. Apple reviews requests through its own process.
Before buying an iPad
Ask the seller to erase it, begin setup, and confirm it does not request another person’s Apple Account. Apple recommends not taking ownership while Activation Lock remains on.