Locked out of your iPad because you forgot the passcode? This situation is stressful, especially when you’re worried about losing access permanently.
Yes, you can reset a locked iPad. If your device runs iPadOS 15.2 or later, you can erase it directly from the lock screen. For all other iPads, you’ll need a computer and Recovery Mode using Finder or iTunes. Both methods erase all data on the device.
Getting locked out is common, and it doesn’t mean your iPad is useless. The key is choosing the correct reset method based on your iPadOS version and situation.
Can you reset your iPad directly from the lock screen?
If your iPad is using newer software, you may not need a computer at all.
On iPads running iPadOS 15.2 or later, you can reset the device directly from the lock screen by selecting “Forgot Passcode?” or “Erase iPad” and confirming with your Apple ID password.
This is the fastest and easiest method, but it only works if certain conditions are met.
Requirements for lock screen reset:
| Requirement | Condition | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| iPadOS version | 15.2 or later | Feature introduced in this version |
| Internet | Wi-Fi or cellular | Required to contact Apple servers |
| Apple ID | Must know password | Needed to disable Activation Lock |
Step-by-step:
- Enter the wrong passcode repeatedly until iPad Unavailable appears
- Tap Erase iPad
- Confirm erase
- Enter your Apple ID password
- iPad erases and restarts to setup screen
If you don’t see the erase option, move on to the computer-based method.
How do you restore a locked iPad using a computer?
If your iPad is offline or running older software, a computer is the universal solution.
Using Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows or older macOS), you can place the iPad into Recovery Mode and restore it, which removes the passcode and reinstalls iPadOS.
This method works on all iPad models and iPadOS versions.
Prepare your computer:
- macOS Catalina or newer → Finder
- Older macOS or Windows → iTunes (latest version)
- USB cable to connect iPad
Enter Recovery Mode:
| iPad Type | Button Combination |
|---|---|
| iPads with Face ID | Volume Up → Volume Down → Hold Power until Recovery Mode |
| iPads with Home Button | Hold Home + Power until Recovery Mode |
Once in Recovery Mode, your computer will prompt you to Update or Restore.
Choose Restore.
The system downloads iPadOS and reinstalls it. Do not disconnect the device during this process.
What should you know before resetting your iPad?
Resetting solves the lock problem, but it comes with important consequences.
Resetting your iPad permanently erases all data. After reset, Activation Lock requires the original Apple ID and password to reactivate the device.
Key things to understand:
- All data will be erased (photos, apps, messages, settings)
- No new backup can be created while locked
- Only old backups (iCloud or computer) can be restored
- Apple ID password is mandatory after reset
About backups:
You cannot back up a locked iPad. After reset, you can only restore data from:
- A previous iCloud backup
- A previous computer backup
If no backup exists, the iPad must be set up as new.
Conclusion
Being locked out of an iPad is frustrating, but it’s not the end. Use the lock-screen erase option on newer iPads, or Recovery Mode with a computer for any model. You’ll lose data, but you’ll regain full access to your device.
