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User profile for user: DDMetzler
DDMetzler Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

full factory reset - can't get past passcode

so I am trying to give away my iPad. I don't have the passcode.


I press the power+home combo to go to recovery, then attach the USB cable and then open iTunes.


These messages keep flashing up for a split second and then go away. Sometimes I'm quick enough to press a button but in the end it always ends up with the same message:


(I'm paraphrasing here) the iPad "iPad" can't be reset right now because iTunes can't find the device


Obviously the iPad is there because iTunes knows its name. but I can't get past this point.


In putzing around with this I have seen an error -18 and an error 1668, which is a bit frustrating since if you go to this page (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204770) neither of these codes is listed.


I tried to go to Apple Support, but they ask for a serial number. When I type in the serial number that's on the back of the case it says it's not valid. When I click the "I can't find the serial number" link it helpfully tells me to go to settings... Which I can't do because I don't have the passcode.


Any help would be appreciated.


Thank you,

iPad, iOS 10

Posted on Aug 18, 2021 11:20 PM

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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
289,822 points

Posted on Aug 19, 2021 12:44 AM

An iPad passcode cannot be reset or modified from another device. If your iPad is disabled, or you have forgotten your iPad passcode, you have no alternative other than to follow this process:

If you’ve forgotten the passcode on your iPad, or your iPad is disabled – Apple Support


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).

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support


If your computer fails to recognise your iPad when connected, this support page may be helpful with troubleshooting:

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support


Use of a PC or Mac is unavoidable. If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.


You may also need your AppleID and associated password. If these have also been forgotten, they can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com


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:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support


More information about recovery of your AppleID password:

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


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:

https://appleid.apple.com



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4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
289,822 points

Aug 19, 2021 12:44 AM in response to DDMetzler

An iPad passcode cannot be reset or modified from another device. If your iPad is disabled, or you have forgotten your iPad passcode, you have no alternative other than to follow this process:

If you’ve forgotten the passcode on your iPad, or your iPad is disabled – Apple Support


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).

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support


If your computer fails to recognise your iPad when connected, this support page may be helpful with troubleshooting:

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support


Use of a PC or Mac is unavoidable. If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.


You may also need your AppleID and associated password. If these have also been forgotten, they can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com


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:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support


More information about recovery of your AppleID password:

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


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:

https://appleid.apple.com



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User profile for user: ProustGiulio
ProustGiulio
User level: Level 10
208,596 points

Aug 19, 2021 12:47 AM in response to DDMetzler

Correct gestures to perform in order to remove the passcode on an iPad that has a Home button:


  1. Make sure that your iPad isn't connected to your computer.
  2. Press and hold the Top button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPad. Then connect your iPad to your computer while holding the Home button. Keep holding the Home button until you see the recovery mode screen.

Extracted from:--> If you forgot the passcode on your iPad, or your iPad is disabled - Apple Support

Watch also this support video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s8-zLG9ySQ


If you still have problems, make an appointment ad an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider. They'll be able to help you

Regards

Giulio



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User profile for user: DDMetzler
DDMetzler Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Aug 19, 2021 7:38 AM in response to DDMetzler

Thank you for your responses, I am trying to do the restore on a PC via iTunes, but last night while I was thinking about it I realized that the problem might be the USB connection between the computer and the iPad, which would explain why the dialog boxes kept appearing and disappearing.


I'll try a different machine or, as suggested, make an appt. at the Apple store.


Thank you!


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full factory reset - can't get past passcode

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