How to reset your iPad passcode using your Mac or PC

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.

What you’ll need

  • null Mac or Windows PC

  • null Cable that could charge your iPad

  • null Internet connection

  • null Up to 60 minutes

If you use a Windows PC to reset your iPad, you’ll need either iTunes or Apple Devices installed. Get Apple Devices from the Microsoft Store and find out how to restore your iPad using Apple Devices on your Windows PC.

Forgotten your iPad passcode? Reset it with your Mac or PC

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 will delete your data and settings, including your passcode, allowing you to set up your iPad again.

After you’ve erased 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.

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

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.

      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 it turns off completely.

Step 2: Put your iPad in recovery mode

  1. Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable. If you don’t have a computer and you can’t borrow one, you’ll need to go to an Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider for help.

  2. 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.

      The top button on some iPad models.

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

      The Home button on an iPad.

  3. 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.

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

If the buttons on your iPad don’t work and you can’t reach the recovery mode screen, 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. (Find out 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.

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

  3. Wait for the process to finish.

Step 4: Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your iPad

After the restore process has finished, the Hello screen will appear on your iPad. Disconnect your phone from the computer and set up and use your iPad.

If you can’t reset your iPad with a Mac or PC, you can use iCloud.com to erase your iPad and then use a backup to restore it or set your iPad up as new.

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