If you've forgotten your iPad passcode, use your Mac or PC to reset it

Locked out of your iPad and forgotten your iPad passcode? Use a computer to put your iPad into recovery mode so you can erase it and set it up again.

Find out what to do if you see “[Device] unavailable” or “Security Lockout” on your iPad.

If you enter the wrong passcode on your iPad Lock Screen too many times, an alert will inform you that your iPad has been disabled.

If you can’t remember your passcode when you try again, you’ll need to use a computer to put your iPad in recovery mode. This process deletes your data and settings, including your passcode, allowing you to set up your iPad again.

After you erase your iPad, you can restore your data and settings from a backup. If you haven’t backed up your iPad, you can set it up as a new device and then download any data you’ve stored in iCloud.

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This process requires a Mac or PC. If you’re using a PC, make sure it has Windows 10 or later, and the Apple Devices app or iTunes is installed. You’ll also need the cable that came with your iPad, or another compatible cable, to connect your device to the computer. If you don’t have a computer and you can’t borrow one, you’ll need to go to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorised Service Providerfor help.

Step 1: Turn off your iPad

  1. Unplug your iPad from the computer if it’s connected.

  2. Turn off your iPad using the method for your iPad model:

    • If your iPad doesn’t have a Home button: press and hold one of the volume buttons and the top button at the same time until the power off slider appears.

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    • If your iPad has a Home button: press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears.

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  3. Drag the slider to turn off your iPad, then wait a minute to make sure it turns off completely.

Step 2: Put your iPad in recovery mode

  1. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open a Finder window. On a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes. If iTunes is already open, close it, then open it again. Find out which macOS your Mac is using. On a PC, open the Apple Devices app or iTunes.

  2. Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable.

  3. Keep your iPad connected and press the buttons for your iPad model:

    • For iPad models without a Home button: press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button. Press and quickly release the volume button furthest from the top button. Press and hold the top button.

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    • For iPad models with a Home button: Press and hold both the Home and the top (or side) buttons at the same time.

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  4. Continue to hold the button while the Apple logo appears. Don’t let go of the button until the image of a computer and cable appears.

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  5. If you see the passcode screen, you need to turn off your iPad and start again.

If you can’t get your iPad to show the recovery mode screen because of issues with your button, you may need a service. Get a service

Step 3: Restore your iPad

  1. Locate your iPad in the Finder, iTunes or the Apple Devices app on the computer that it's connected to. (Learn how to find your connected iPad.)

  2. Choose Restore when you see the option to Restore or Update. Your computer will download software for your iPad and the restore process will commence. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and your device exits the recovery mode screen, let the download finish, then turn off your iPad and start again.

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  3. Wait for the process to finish.

  4. Disconnect your iPad from the computer, then set up and use your iPad.

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