You probably set up a passcode on your iPad to prevent anyone from accessing it if it’s lost or stolen. But what happens if you forget your passcode and can’t get into your device? How can you unlock your iPad without a password?
Without a passcode, you cannot unlock an iPad. Instead, you can restore a backup using iTunes or the Find My app by connecting your iPad to a computer, but you will lose all of your data since the last backup. If you cannot restore your device, you must do a factory reset.
Let’s look at what happens if you forget your iPad password, how you can unlock your device without a password, and what to do if you can’t remember your password. Plus, you find out when to call a professional for help.
What Happens if You Forget Your iPad Password?
Without your password, you won’t be able to use your iPad. Your device will remain locked until you enter the correct passcode. Each time you enter an incorrect passcode, the lock-out period becomes longer as a security feature to deter others from trying to guess your code and access your device.
If you repeatedly enter the wrong passcode, your iPad may become disabled. Unfortunately, that means you won’t be able to use it until you connect it to a computer and reset the device in recovery mode.
Can You Unlock Your iPad Without a Password?
If you do not remember the passcode for your iPad, you cannot unlock it and will not be able to use it without restoring access. In addition, if you have never backed up your iPad, you will lose all your data and have to start from scratch.
The only way to access your iPad if you have forgotten the passcode is to restore it using iTunes, the Find My app or perform a hard reset to erase your iPad, which deletes all of your data and settings.
However, a factory reset will not remove the Activation Lock, which requires your Apple ID and password to reactivate the device. So it is essential to reset your password from another Apple device or with the help of Apple Support before erasing your iPad.
How to Unlock Your iPad Using iTunes
To unlock your iPad using iTunes, you’ll need to enter it into recovery mode before connecting it to a computer. Recovery mode is used to troubleshoot technical issues or restore a corrupted OS.
This process will erase your iPad, so back up any critical data before beginning. Then, you can back up your iPad in iTunes by selecting it on the upper-left menu, clicking Summary, then Back Up Now.
Here’s how to do it:
- First, ensure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. If not, download and install it from Apple’s website.
- Next, turn off your iPad by pressing and holding either the Power or Home button, depending on the model.
- Once your iPad is off, enter Recovery Mode by pressing and holding the Power or Home button while connecting the device to the computer using a Lightning or USB cable.
- Keep holding the Power or Home button until you see the recovery mode screen on your iPad, then release the button.
- Locate your iPad in the upper-left corner of iTunes and select it.
- From the options menu, select Restore.
- After the Restore is complete, you can set up your iPad.
You can select Restore from Backup to bring it back if you have a data backup. Otherwise, you’ll have to set up your iPad as new.
How to Unlock Your iPad Using the Find My App
If you have the Find My app enabled on your iPad; you can use it to unlock your device without a passcode.
This method will erase your iPad, so make sure you have a backup before you proceed.
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone or another iOS device, or visit the Find My website and log into your iCloud account.
- Tap on your iPad from the All Devices menu.
- Tap Erase iPad.
- On the confirmation window, tap Erase.
After erasing your iPad, you can set it up again and restore your data from a backup. Of course, you’ll need to start from scratch if you don’t have a backup.
How to Factory Reset Your iPad
If you cannot restore your iPad using the methods above, you can factory reset your device. Doing this will erase all data from your iPad and restore it to its original state.
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
- On the confirmation window that appears, tap Erase Now. You may be required to enter the passcode for your device to confirm the reset.
- After the process is complete, your iPad will restart, and you can set it up as new or restore it from a backup.
Factory resetting your iPad will erase all data, including any saved passwords, photos, documents, and apps. So be sure to back up your data before resetting.
When to Call a Professional
If you’re still having trouble unlocking your iPad, it may be time to call a professional. You can contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store Genius Bar or Best Buy Geek Squad for help.
These technicians can help you troubleshoot your issue and may also help retrieve any lost data and restore it to your device. For example, if your iPad has Activation Lock enabled, they can help disable it so you can restore your iPad.
When calling a professional, be sure to have the following information handy:
- Your iPad’s model number.
- The version of iOS you’re running.
- A detailed description of the issue you’re experiencing.
With this information, they’ll be able to assist you better and get your iPad working again.