Hi is there anyway to get past the activation lock on the ipad mini if there is no way to get in contact with the previous owner to get the apple id and pasword

SOURCE: How do I fully restore this Apple Ipad A1458? I do not have the old owners email or information and they have moved out of town. I tried restting and restore but when it gets to the activate my ipad i

If iOS 7 is installed on the device then this is a built-in security measure against theft to prevent a thief from erasing content and using as new. You will need to get in touch with the original owners.

SOURCE: ipad ver 4.ios7, how can I remove previous owner from ipad? ive removed pasword and I cannot contact last owner

Go into setting and then "Reset". Then choose to reset all and delete all content from previous owner.

SOURCE: how to set up password on my new ipad mini

The following can be done on ipad with iOS 8:
1. Press the home button( the round button on the front side of your ipad), to go to the home screen.
2. Find the Settings icon ( looks like gray clockwork gears) and tap on it to launch the Settings app.
3. After settings app is started try to find on the left side of the screen Passcode ( has a red lock icon near the text) and tap on it
4. In the passcode setting screen you can choose the type of passcode with the Simple passcode setting switched on or off ( simple means a 4 digit number, not simple means any character combination
5. By taping on Turn passcode on you can enter your passcode. Be carefull not to forget your passcode, otherwise you will not be able to use your ipad later.