If you forgot your iPad passcode, use your Mac or PC to reset it

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

Learn 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 lets you know that your iPad is disabled.

If you can't remember your passcode when you try again, you 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 didn't back up your iPad, you can set it up as a new device and then download any data that you have in iCloud.

The iPad is disabled page appears in iOS 15 if you try incorrect passcodes too many times.

Step 1: Make sure that you have a computer (Mac or PC)

This process requires a Mac or PC. If you're using a PC, make sure that it has Windows 10 or later and that the Apple Devices app or iTunes is installed. You also need the cable that came with your iPad, or another compatible cable, to connect your iPad to the computer.

If you don't have a computer and you can't borrow one, you need to go to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for help.

Step 2: 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.

      The volume button and top button on some iPad models.

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

      The home button on an iPad.

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

Step 3: 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 farthest from the top button. Press and hold the top button.

      The top button on some iPad models.

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

      The home button on an iPad.

  4. Keep holding the button while the Apple logo appears. Do not release the button until an image of a computer and a cable appears, then let go.

    The recovery mode screen.

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

If the buttons on your iPad do not work and you can't reach the recovery mode screen, you might need service. Get service

Step 4: 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 downloads software for your iPad and begins the restore process. 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.

    The restore or update option when you connect your iPad to a computer with MacOS Ventura.

  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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