How to Factory Reset a Locked iPad – 4 Solutions

Got your iPad locked and looking for how to factory reset a locked iPad? If you’re locked out of your iPad (forgot passcode or disabled) and need to erase it, you can use a computer, iCloud, a third-party unlock tool, or the ‘Forgot Passcode?’ Option . The following methods work for all iPad models (iPad Pro, Air, Mini, standard) running recent iOS/iPadOS. Each method will erase all data and settings (factory reset) on the device. Make sure you have any Apple ID credentials and a computer/cable ready, and note that if Find My iPad was on, you’ll need the original Apple ID and password to reactivate the iPad.

In this guide, we’ll work you through four methods on how to factory reset a locked iPad with step-by-step guide. You can add this article to your bookmarks if you find it useful. If your iPad ever gets locked, it could save you a lot of time.

Method 1: Using a Computer (iTunes on Windows or Finder on Mac)

Supported models: All iPads (iPad Pro/Air/Mini/standard) with any iOS version are supported by iTunes/Finder.

Prerequisites: You need a Mac or PC with the latest software. On Windows, use Windows 10 or later and install iTunes. On a Mac, use Finder (macOS Catalina 10.15 or later) or iTunes (macOS Mojave or earlier). You’ll also need the iPad’s USB cable.

Steps:

1. Turn off the iPad. Disconnect it from the computer. Then power it off:
   • With no Home button (newer iPads): Press and hold a Volume button and the Top button until the power-off slider appears.
   • With a Home button (older iPads): Press and hold the Top button until the slider appears.
     Drag the slider to turn off the iPad, and wait a minute to ensure it’s fully off.
2. Open iTunes or Finder on the computer. On Mac with Catalina or later, open Finder. On older Mac or Windows, open iTunes. If iTunes is already open, close and reopen it.
3. Connect the iPad in Recovery Mode. With the iPad off, connect it to the computer via USB, then immediately use the button combination for recovery mode:
   • No Home button: Press and quickly release Volume Up, then immediately press and quickly release Volume Down, then press and hold the Top button.
   • With Home button: Press and hold the Home and Top buttons simultaneously.
     Keep holding the button(s) until the iPad screen shows a cable and computer icon (recovery mode).
4. Restore the iPad. In Finder or iTunes, you should see a message that an iPad in recovery mode is detected. Click Restore when prompted. The computer will download the latest iPadOS software and erase the device. If the download takes too long and the iPad exits recovery mode, restart step 3.
5. Wait for the process to finish. The computer will erase and restore the iPad to factory settings. When done, the iPad will restart. Disconnect it and follow the on-screen setup. You can then restore your data from a backup if you have one.

Important Tips: Restoring via iTunes/Finder deletes all data and your passcode. After resetting, you can restore from an iCloud or iTunes backup if available; otherwise you’ll set it up as a new device. Also, if Find My iPad was still on, Activation Lock remains enabled. You will need the Apple ID and password that were used on the iPad to activate it again. Apple advises turning off Find My on the device before restoring (Settings >[Your Name] >Find My, then disable it). If you can’t (because the iPad is locked), be prepared for the iPad to request your Apple ID during activation.

Method 2: Using SD iPhone Unlocker (Third-Party Software)

SD iPhone Unlocker is a specialized app to unlock the locked iOS devices. It allows you to unlock your iPad, remove your Apple ID, and remove screen time restrictions and remove MDM. After numerous tests, SoftwareDive team pick it to finish the task effectively.

Supported models: SD iPhone Unlocker supports all iPad models (Pro, Air, Mini, standard) and the latest iPadOS versions (up to iPadOS 18). It runs on Windows 7/8/10/11 and on Mac (OS X 10.10 and later).

Prerequisites: Download and install SD iPhone Unlocker from the official SoftwareDive website. You’ll need to purchase a license to unlock your iPad. Use the iPad’s USB cable. Make sure any security software allows the program to run.

Steps:

1. Launch the software: Open SD iPhone Unlocker on your computer after installation and choose Unlock iOS Screen.
2. Connect your iPad: Plug the locked iPad into the computer using USB. Trust the computer if prompted (you may need to allow the device to connect).
3. Put Your iPad in Recovery Mode: Use the same steps as the method 1 to put your iPad into recovery mode after turning it off, connecting it yo your computer.
4. Confirm device information: The software will detect your iPad model and iOS version. Verify it is correct. Then click Start.
5. Download iPad firmware: The program will download the matching iPad firmware package (this may take several minutes over the internet). Wait until the download completes.
6. Start the unlock: Once ready, the program will ask you to confirm the unlock. Click OK to Unlock.
7. Wait for the unlock process to finish: Keep the iPad connected. SD iPhone Unlocker will erase the iPad and remove its passcode. The tool will show progress – do not disconnect or turn off the iPad during this.

When the process is complete, the iPad will restart without a passcode. You can then set it up as new or restore data from backup.

Note: SD iPhone Unlocker will erase all data on the iPad.

Video Guide

we’ve compiled a video guide if you’d like to check the steps in the video.

Method 3: Using iCloud (Find My)

Supported models: Any iPad with Find My iPad enabled and linked to your Apple ID can use this method.

Prerequisites: The iPad must be signed into iCloud with Find My enabled, and connected to the internet (or will connect later). You also need your Apple ID credentials.

Steps:

1. Go to iCloud.com: On another device or computer, open a web browser and go to icloud.com/find. Sign in with the Apple ID (email and password) used on the locked iPad.
2. Select your iPad: Click All Devices at the top, then choose your locked iPad from the list.
3. Erase the iPad: Click Erase [device] (or “Erase This Device”). Confirm that you want to erase the iPad. You may be asked to enter a phone number or message (optional) that will display on the screen.
4. Let iCloud erase the iPad: If the iPad is online, the erase will start immediately. If it’s offline, the erase will begin the next time the iPad connects to the internet.
5. Setup after erase: Once erased, the iPad behaves like new. During setup, you will need your Apple ID and password because Activation Lock remains on (this security feature protects the device). Enter your Apple ID to complete setup.

Tips: Remote erasing via iCloud also wipes all content and settings from the iPad. If you backed up to iCloud, you can restore your data after the erase. If you can’t access iCloud.com or the iPad never goes online, use Method 1 or Method 2.

Method 4: Factory Reset a Locked iPad Using “Erase iPad” or “Forgot Passcode?” (iPadOS 15.2 and Later)

If your iPad is locked after too many failed passcode attempts and shows “iPad Unavailable” or “Security Lockout,” Apple offers a convenient way to reset it directly from the screen—without needing a computer—using either the “Erase iPad” or “Forgot Passcode?” option. These features are available on iPads running iPadOS 15.2 or later and require a few key conditions to be met.

Requirements Before You Begin:

• Your iPad must be running iPadOS 15.2 or later.
  (The “Forgot Passcode?” option appears starting with iPadOS 17.)
• The device must have Find My iPad enabled (which is usually on by default).
• It must be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or cellular.
• You must know the Apple ID and password used on the iPad.

Steps to Use “Erase iPad” or “Forgot Passcode?” to Reset:

1. After several wrong passcode attempts, your iPad will display the “iPad Unavailable” or “Security Lockout” message.
2. At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see one of two options:
   • On iPadOS 15.2–16.x, tap “Erase iPad”.
   • On iPadOS 17 or later, tap “Forgot Passcode?” and then select “Start iPad Reset.”
3. You’ll be asked to enter your Apple ID password. This step removes the iCloud account from the iPad, which disables Activation Lock so that the iPad can be used again after the reset.
4. Tap “Erase iPad” to confirm. The iPad will now begin the reset process.
5. Wait for the device to erase all content and settings. This may take several minutes and will end with the iPad restarting.
6. After the reset is complete, the iPad will start up at the Hello screen. You can now set it up as new or restore it from a backup (iCloud or iTunes/Finder).

Note: If the “Erase iPad” or “Forgot Passcode?” option doesn’t appear, your device may not meet the requirements. In that case, use Method 1 or Method 2.

Read the article about Why you don’t have that Forgot Passcode option.

What to Do If You Don’t Have the “Forgot Passcode” Option on iOS 17/18 with Unavailable iPhone

FAQs

Will factory resetting a locked iPad delete all my data?

Yes. A factory reset will completely erase all data, settings, apps, and the screen passcode. If you’ve backed up your iPad to iCloud or iTunes/Finder before it was locked, you can restore your data after the reset.

Can I reset my iPad without losing data?

No. Resetting a locked iPad always involves wiping its contents. Only if you restore from a previous backup (iCloud or iTunes) can you get your data back. Otherwise, the iPad will be like new after the reset.

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