Unlock Your iPad: 5 Ways to Reset Without Passcode

Getting locked out of your iPad can feel like you’re carrying around a very expensive paperweight. Whether you’ve forgotten your passcode after too many attempts, bought a secondhand device with a locked screen, or just want to wipe everything clean before selling, learning how to reset an iPad is essential knowledge for any iPad owner.

When your iPad displays that dreaded “iPad Unavailable” message, it means you’ve entered the wrong passcode too many times. At this point, you can’t just keep guessing – you need to completely reset the device. The good news is there are multiple ways to factory reset iPad without passcode, and we’re going to walk through all of them.

Understanding Your iPad Reset Options

Before we dive into the specific methods, let’s look at what you’re working with. Different situations call for different approaches to how to hard reset iPad. Your options will depend on several factors:

• Whether you previously enabled Find My on your device
• If you remember your Apple ID password
• What version of iPadOS you’re running
• Whether you have access to a computer

Some methods work better for newer iPad models, while others are universal. Some require specific settings to be enabled beforehand, while others work regardless of your previous setup.

Method 1: Using iMyFone LockWiper – The Professional Solution

When you need a guaranteed way to reset your device without jumping through hoops, specialized software like iMyFone LockWiper provides the most straightforward path. This method works when you don’t have access to your Apple ID credentials or when Find My wasn’t properly configured.

Why Choose LockWiper for Your iPad Reset:

• Works regardless of Find My status
• No Apple ID password required
• Compatible with all iPad models and iOS versions
• High success rate for bypassing locked screen
• Completely erases all data and settings

Step-by-Step Process:

Start by downloading and installing LockWiper on your computer. Make sure you’re using a trusted computer since you’ll be connecting your iPad directly to it.

Launch the program and select the “Unlock Screen Passcode” option from the main menu. This is specifically designed for situations where you’re dealing with an iPad locked screen that you can’t bypass.

Connect your iPad using a USB cable. The program should detect your device automatically. If it doesn’t, try using a different USB port or cable.

Click “Start” to begin the process. The software will guide you through putting your iPad into the appropriate mode for the reset.

The program will need to download firmware specific to your iPad model. This ensures compatibility and a smooth reset process. Click “Download” when prompted.

Once the download completes, click “Unlock” to begin the final reset process. Your iPad will be completely wiped and restored to factory settings.

The entire process typically takes 5-10 minutes. When complete, you’ll see a confirmation message, and your iPad will restart as a brand new device, ready for setup.

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Method 2: Factory Reset via iTunes Recovery Mode

If you prefer using official Apple methods and have access to a computer with iTunes, recovery mode offers a reliable way to factory reset iPad when locked out. This method works by temporarily bypassing the lock screen to allow iTunes to communicate directly with your iPad’s system.

Important Requirements:

• A computer with the latest version of iTunes
• USB cable compatible with your iPad
• Find My must be disabled on your iPad
• Patience – the process can take some time

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Connect your iPad to your computer using the USB cable. Make sure iTunes is installed and updated to the latest version.

Launch iTunes on your computer. If it doesn’t automatically open when you connect your iPad, start it manually.

Now you’ll need to put your iPad into recovery mode. The exact button combination depends on your iPad model:

For iPads with Home Button: Press and hold both the Home button and the Power button simultaneously. Keep holding them even when you see the Apple logo. Only release when you see the recovery mode screen appear.

For iPads with Face ID: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Immediately press and hold the Power button until the recovery mode screen appears.

iTunes should detect an iPad in recovery mode and display a message giving you options to Restore or Update. Choose “Restore” to completely wipe your iPad and install a fresh copy of iPadOS.

Wait for the process to complete. Your computer will download the necessary software, which might take some time depending on your internet connection. Don’t disconnect your iPad during this process.

Once finished, your iPad will restart as a new device. You can now set it up from scratch.

Common Issues and Solutions:

Sometimes iTunes might not recognize your iPad even when it’s in recovery mode. If this happens, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Restart your computer and try again
• Use a different USB cable or port
• Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes
• Try on a different computer if possible

Method 3: Remote Wipe via iCloud Find My

If you enabled Find My on your iPad before it got locked, you can use iCloud to remotely wipe your device. This is particularly useful if you don’t have physical access to a computer or if your iPad is stolen.

Prerequisites for This Method:

• Find My must have been enabled before the iPad got locked
• You need your Apple ID and password
• Your iPad must be connected to the internet
• Access to another device with web browsing capability

Step-by-Step Process:

On any device with internet access, go to icloud.com and sign in with the Apple ID and password associated with your locked iPad.

Once logged in, click on “Find iPhone” – despite the name, this feature works for all Apple devices including iPads.

At the top of the screen, click “All Devices” to see a list of all your Apple devices registered with that Apple ID.

Select your locked iPad from the list. If it’s online, you’ll see its location on the map.

Click “Erase iPad” to begin the remote wipe process. Confirm your choice when prompted.

Your iPad will now be erased remotely. Once complete, you can set it up as a new device. Note that this method will also remove the device from your Apple ID, so Activation Lock won’t be an issue when setting it up again.

Method 4: Using Find My on Another Apple Device

If you have another Apple device like an iPhone or different iPad, you can use the Find My app to wipe your locked iPad. This method works similarly to the iCloud website method but might be more convenient if you’re already using Apple’s ecosystem.

Requirements:

• Another Apple device with the Find My app
• Same Apple ID credentials used on the locked iPad
• Find My enabled on the locked iPad beforehand
• Internet connection on both devices

Step-by-Step Instructions:

On your other Apple device, open the Find My app. This comes pre-installed on all modern Apple devices.

Sign in with the same Apple ID and password that you used on your locked iPad. You might need to authenticate with your device passcode or Face ID/Touch ID.

Tap on the “Devices” tab at the bottom of the screen to see all devices associated with your Apple ID.

Find your locked iPad in the list and select it. You’ll see several options appear.

Choose “Erase This Device” from the options. You’ll need to confirm your choice and might need to enter your Apple ID password again for security.

The erase process will begin. Your locked iPad will be wiped clean and reset to factory settings. Once complete, you can set it up as new.

Method 5: Using the Erase iPad Option on Lock Screen

For iPads running iPadOS 15.2 or later, Apple introduced a convenient feature that lets you factory reset iPad directly from the lock screen. This is perfect when you don’t have access to a computer or other devices.

Important Limitations:

• Only available on iPadOS 15.2 or later
• Requires Apple ID and password
• iPad must be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular
• Only appears after multiple failed passcode attempts

Step-by-Step Process:

On your locked iPad, continue entering wrong passcodes until you see the “iPad Unavailable” message. After several attempts, you should see an “Erase iPad” option appear in the bottom corner of the screen.

Tap “Erase iPad” to begin the process. You’ll be prompted to confirm that you want to erase all content and settings.

Enter your Apple ID password when prompted. This is a security measure to ensure you’re the legitimate owner of the device.

Your iPad will begin the erase process. It will restart multiple times during this process – this is normal. Don’t interrupt it.

Once complete, your iPad will be reset to factory settings and you can set it up as new.

Comparison of All Methods

To help you choose the best approach for your situation, here’s a quick comparison:

Method	Best For	Requirements	Success Rate
iMyFone LockWiper	Anyone who wants a guaranteed solution without restrictions	Computer, USB cable	99%
iTunes Recovery Mode	Users with computer access and Find My disabled	Computer, iTunes, USB cable	85%
iCloud Find My	Remote wiping or when computer isn’t available	Apple ID password, Find My enabled	70%
Find My on Another Device	Apple ecosystem users with multiple devices	Additional Apple device, Apple ID	65%
Erase iPad Option	Modern iPads with internet connection	iPadOS 15.2+, Apple ID password	40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset a locked iPad without losing data? Unfortunately, when your iPad is completely locked and displaying “iPad Unavailable,” there’s no way to reset it without losing data. This is a security feature designed to protect your information if your device is stolen. Always maintain regular backups to iCloud or your computer to prevent data loss.

What should I do if my iPad is iCloud locked? If your iPad is iCloud locked (showing Activation Lock), you’ll need the original owner’s Apple ID and password to unlock it. If you purchased it secondhand, contact the seller. If you’re the original owner but forgot your credentials, use Apple’s account recovery process at iforgot.apple.com.

How long does it take to reset a locked iPad? The time varies by method. Software solutions like LockWiper typically take 5-10 minutes. iTunes restoration can take 15-30 minutes depending on your internet speed. iCloud remote wipe depends on your iPad’s internet connection and might take longer.

Will resetting remove the Apple ID from my iPad? Yes, all these reset methods will remove the Apple ID from your device. However, if Find My was enabled, you might encounter Activation Lock after resetting, which requires the original Apple ID credentials to bypass.

Can I use these methods on any iPad model? Most methods work across all iPad models, though the Erase iPad option from lock screen only works on iPadOS 15.2 and later. The button combinations for recovery mode vary by model, so make sure you’re using the correct sequence for your specific iPad.

What’s the difference between how to reset an iPad and how to hard reset iPad? A standard reset typically refers to restoring software settings while keeping your data, while a hard reset or factory reset completely erases everything and reinstalls the operating system. When dealing with a locked iPad, you’ll always need to perform a hard reset.

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Prevention Tips for Future

To avoid finding yourself in this situation again, consider these preventive measures:

• Regularly back up your iPad to iCloud or your computer
• Use a passcode you can remember but others can’t easily guess
• Enable Find My on all your Apple devices
• Keep your Apple ID credentials secure but accessible
• Consider using Face ID or Touch ID for easier access
• Write down your passcode and store it in a secure location

Final Thoughts

Learning how to reset an iPad when you’re locked out is an essential skill for any iPad owner. While it can be frustrating to face a locked iPad screen, the methods we’ve covered provide multiple pathways to regain access to your device.

For the most reliable solution that works regardless of your specific situation, iMyFone LockWiper offers the highest success rate and fewest restrictions. Whether you’re dealing with a forgotten passcode, a secondhand device with a locked screen, or need to factory reset iPad without passcode for any reason, this tool provides a straightforward solution.

Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Regular backups and careful management of your security credentials can save you from the headache of a locked device. But if you do find yourself staring at an “iPad Unavailable” message, you now have the knowledge to handle the situation confidently.

Some images in this article are sourced from iMyFone.