Everything I did before selling the iPad

I did everything below. Note: I did the second question first.

First I asked Gemini:

QUESTION: Method for a complete factory reset of iPad
ANSWER:

Here's how to perform a complete factory reset of your iPad:

1. Important Notes:

Find My iPad: If "Find My iPad" is enabled, you may need to disable it before resetting. (I did this in part two below.)
Activation Lock: Be aware of Activation Lock, which is linked to your Apple ID. It prevents anyone else from using your iPad without your permission. (This I did in the second half because all it takes is turning off Find My iPad and I also checked in iCloud to be sure it's off. I saw in iCloud that I have no devices, so that's good.)

2. Reset Using Settings

Open Settings: Tap the "Settings" app on your iPad's home screen.
Go to General: Scroll down and tap "General."
Select Transfer or Reset iPad: Tap "Transfer or Reset iPad."
Choose Erase All Content and Settings: Tap "Erase All Content and Settings." (See pic at bottom)
Enter Passcode/Apple ID: You'll be prompted to enter your device passcode or Apple ID password.
Confirm: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the reset.

3. Wait for the Process to Complete

Your iPad will restart and erase all content and settings. This may take some time

Remember: A factory reset will completely erase your iPad. Always back up your data before proceeding.

(I did not need to back up any data.)

QUESTION: how to turn off activation lock in iPad so I can sell my iPad

ANSWER:

To turn off Activation Lock on your iPad so you can sell it, you need to erase all content and settings.

This will remove the link between your Apple ID and the iPad, disabling Activation Lock.

Here's how to do it:

Back up your data: Before erasing your iPad, back up your important data (I didn't need to)
Turn off Find My iPad:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My.
Toggle off Find My iPad. (While in this section, I also turned off Share my Location)

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings.1
Enter your device passcode or Apple ID password when prompted.
Confirm the reset.

Once the erasing process is complete, your iPad will be ready for a new owner.

Important Note: If you cannot turn off Find My iPad on the device itself (for example, if the iPad is disabled), you can use iCloud to remove it:

This will remove Activation Lock remotely.

By following these steps, you ensure that the new owner can activate and use the iPad without any issues.

Below is a reassuring pic of what the iPad showed me when I selected Erase All Contents and Settings