How to update disabled iPad. It shows upas an iPhone in iTunes
How do i enable iPad so I can update software?
iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular
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A first generation iPad mini can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models).
Apple ended update support for iPad mini in September 2016. Your iPad mini cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed - in addition to which, iPad mini is a 32-bit architecture device, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms.
iPad mini2 and mini3 are similarly limited to iOS 12.4.7. For these models of iPad, Apple ended major update support in September 2019. Since then, there have only been a few “point” security updates.
iPad mini4 and the current mini5 both support iPadOS 13.5.1, this being the current release.
You may wish to consider that compatible Apps for oder iPad models are increasingly difficult to find - as third-party developers are increasingly dropping support for older versions of iOS preceding iOS11/12/13. As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them - which may severely limit the usefulness and utility of your iPad if you should you need to reset or restore your iPad - as will be the case if your iPad is currently disabled!
As such, if you want or need to access most current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS than your iPad can support, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.
If your iPad is disabled, or you have forgotten your iPad passcode, you’ll need to follow this process:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT211078
You’ll need access to either a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Use of either a PC or Mac computer is unavoidable, although the computer does not have to be yours - that of a willing friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, you can visit the Genius Bar at an Apple Store in they have reopened in your region.
You’ll also need your AppleID and associated password. If these have also been forgotten, they can be recovered here:
To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to one of the following:
- Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
- Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
- Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID
Unless you AppleID account has not been fully/correctly configured, or has been seriously neglected, recovery of the AppleID and password should not be difficult.
More information about recovery of your AppleID:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201354
More information about recovery of your AppleID password:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201487
When you recover access to your credentials, you would be well advised to log-in to your AppleID account from a web browser - and verify/update any email addresses and trusted telephone numbers:
If the device is Activation Locked, these support pages outline the only mechanisms by which it can be turned off:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201365
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201441
I hope this information provides helpful and succinct clarity as to your available options - and the limitations of your current iPad mini.
