In this ultimate post, we will show you how to unlock and gain access to a disabled iPad. The solutions we will outline below will help you unlock the disabled iPad in different ways under different conditions. Let’s dive right in!
Why is my iPad disabled?
The only reason your iPad is disabled is that you entered the wrong passcode too many times. Here’s exactly what to expect when you enter the wrong passcode too many times:
- 1-5 wrong entries: The device is unlikely to get disabled.
- 6 wrong entries: The iPad is disabled for a minute.
- 7 wrong entries: The iPad is disabled for 5 minutes.
- 8 wrong entries: The iPad is disabled for 15 minutes.
- 9 wrong entries: The iPad is disabled for an hour.
- 10 wrong entries: Your iPad is permanently disabled and says, “Connect to iTunes”.
Please note, however, that if you enter the same passcode too many times, the iPad will not be disabled. The problem is trying too many wrong combinations in a row.
Is it too late to back up my iPad?
Since there is no way to access the device once it is disabled, yes, it is too late to back up any of the data on the device.
Which solution will work best for your device?
There are several solutions to unlock an iPad that is disabled. The one you choose will depend on various circumstances. Here’s how to choose the best option for you:
- Choose iTunes if you have previously synced the device in iTunes and you use iTunes as your go-to backup solution.
- Choose “Find my iPad” if you have enabled the option on the device and you’re signed in to iCloud.
- If you are unable to connect to iTunes and you’re not signed in to iCloud, you will need to use recovery mode.
- If you don’t want to use iTunes or iCloud and are looking for the easiest way to unlock the disabled iPhone, then choose UnlockGo.
Use UnlockGo to unlock a locked iPad
The best solution for you if you don’t have access to iTunes or you can’t use iCloud to unlock your iPad is iToolab UnlockGo.
What is UnlockGo?
UnlockGo is an iOS unlocking tool coming with the following features.
- It supports to unlock disabled, locked, or broken iPad instantly.
- It removes all kinds of lock screens, namely 4-digit passcode, 6-digit passcode, Touch ID, and Face ID.
- Remove the iCloud activation lock without the password easily.
- It supports all popular iPad models and the latest iPadOS version.
- It’s very easy to use without turning to a technical specialist.
To use UnlockGo to unlock and then reset a locked iPad, install the program on to your computer and then follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Run the program after installation and then connect the iPad to the computer using USB cables. Wait for the program to detect the device and then click on “Start” to begin the process.
Step 2: You will need to install the latest firmware on the iPad. To do that, simply click “Download” and UnlockGo will begin downloading the firmware for the device.
Step 3: When the firmware has been downloaded, click on “Unlock Now” to begin unlocking the iPad. The process will take a few minutes and it is important to keep the device connected to the computer throughout the whole process. UnlockGo will notify you when the process is complete. You can then set up a new password for your iPad.
Restore the iPad from an iTunes backup
You can also easily unlock the disabled iPad by restoring it from an iTunes backup when you have synced your iPad with iTunes before. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Connect the iPad to the computer you have been using to sync the device with. When asked for the passcode, try using a different computer, or put the device in recovery mode.
Step 2: If iTunes recognizes the device, it will immediately begin syncing to the iPad.
Step 3: Click on the device icon at the top left of the screen and in the Summary tab, click “Restore iPad”. When you see a message asking you to turn off “Find my iPad”, use the “Find my iPad” solution below instead.
Step 4: Click “Restore” again and follow the on-screen prompts to reset the device. This process will completely erase all the content on the device including the passcode. You can then set it up as new and create a new passcode.
Use Find My iPad
If you had set up “Find My iPad” you can use this feature to unlock the iPad remotely via your iCloud account. Follow these simple steps to do it:
Step 1: Go to iCloud on any browser and log in with your Apple ID and passcode.
Step 2: Click on “Find My iPhone” from the options listed on the page.
Step 3: Choose the iPad under “Devices” and then click “Erase iPad”.
Use Recovery mode
If none of the solutions above are applicable to you, then you need to put the iPad in recovery mode to restore it in iTunes. Follow these simple steps to do it:
Step 1: Don’t connect the iPad to the computer
Step 2: Do the following to put the iPad in recovery mode;
For an iPad with Face ID: Press and hold the Top and one of the volume buttons until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off the device and then connect the iPad to the computer while pressing the Top button. Continue to hold the Top button until you see the recovery-mode screen.
For an iPad with a Home Button: Press and hold the Top button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off the device, then press and hold the Home button as you connect the iPad to the computer. Keep holding the Home button until the recovery mode screen appears.
Step 3: Locate the iPad in iTunes or Finder and when prompted to update or restore the device, choose “Restore”. Finder or iTunes will reinstall the firmware on the device. Once this is done you can set up the device as new. If the process takes more than 15 minutes the device will exit recovery mode and you’ll have to repeat the steps.
