iPad is disabled – what to do?

If you enter the wrong passcode at least six times, your iPad will be disabled. However, there are ways to unlock your iPad again.

iPad is disabled: Restore using iTunes

If you have previously synced your iPad with a computer, you can restore it using iTunes or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later). The following iPad tutorial explains the necessary steps:

• Connect your iPad to the computer you usually use to sync with and open iTunes.

• Synchronize the device with the PC.

• When the backup and synchronization are complete, restore your device.

• After the restore, you will be prompted to set up your iPad. When you do this, select “Restore from iTunes backup”.

• Follow the on-screen instructions.

Re-enable iPad using maintenance mode

If you have not synced your iPad with a computer and iTunes, there are other options. For example, recovery mode, an important feature of the iPad.

• First, connect your iPad to a computer.

• Now put the iPad into recovery mode. For iPads with Face ID, briefly press the volume up button, then briefly press the volume down button, and hold the top button down until recovery mode appears.

• For iPads with a home button, press and hold the home button and the top button at the same time until recovery mode appears.

• Open iTunes or Finder. You will see the option to “Restore” or “Update”. Select “Restore” to reset the iPad.