ipad unavailable press home to unlock

Have "ipad unavailable press home to unlock" on screen. I know my passcode and icloud login but pressing home button doesn't do anything. Home button works because it opens that screen from sleep mode. I dont want to reset everything just want the option to enter my passcode. Any help?

Thanks.

iPad, iPadOS 15

Posted on Oct 11, 2022 2:57 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 12, 2022 9:52 AM

If the iPad indicates that it is unavailable, or a security lockout has occurred, you not be able to access any data locally stored on the iPad. If the lockout has an associated waiting period with a countdown, you can attempt to enter the correct device Passcode when the countdown expires. Otherwise, you must restore the iPad.



iPadOS 15.2 or later with a forgotten Passcode


Apple has introduced a new procedure with which to reset an iPad or iPhone with a forgotten Passcode - allowing you to use your AppleID and associated Password to reset your device.

How to reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch when you forgot your passcode - Apple Support


You will be able to restore data from a pre-existing iCloud backup without the use of a computer, but will require a PC/Mac to restore data from an iTunes backup.



iPadOS 15.1 and earlier - and all devices that are Disabled



If your iPad is disabled/unavailable/locked-out, 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


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 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

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 12, 2022 9:52 AM in response to braxton169

If the iPad indicates that it is unavailable, or a security lockout has occurred, you not be able to access any data locally stored on the iPad. If the lockout has an associated waiting period with a countdown, you can attempt to enter the correct device Passcode when the countdown expires. Otherwise, you must restore the iPad.



iPadOS 15.2 or later with a forgotten Passcode


Apple has introduced a new procedure with which to reset an iPad or iPhone with a forgotten Passcode - allowing you to use your AppleID and associated Password to reset your device.

How to reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch when you forgot your passcode - Apple Support


You will be able to restore data from a pre-existing iCloud backup without the use of a computer, but will require a PC/Mac to restore data from an iTunes backup.



iPadOS 15.1 and earlier - and all devices that are Disabled



If your iPad is disabled/unavailable/locked-out, 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


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 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

Oct 12, 2022 9:47 AM in response to braxton169

Hello braxton169,


Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

If we understand your post correctly, your iPad is displaying a message saying iPad is unavailable. We'd like to help!


Follow the steps below for help with the passcode:


If you enter the wrong passcode on your iPad Lock Screen too many times, an alert lets you know that your iPad is disabled. (Learn what to do if you see "[Device] unavailable" or "Security Lockout" on your iPad.)
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, giving you access to set up your iPad again.
After you erase your iPad, you can restore your data and settings from 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.iPad showing iPad is disabled screen
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 8 or later, and that 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
Unplug your iPad from the computer if it’s connected.
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.
Diagrams of iPad models showing top button and volume buttons
If your iPad has a Home button: Press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears.
Diagram of iPad showing top button
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
Get ready by finding the button on your iPad that you'll need to hold in the next step:
iPad models that don't have a Home button use the top button.
Diagram of iPad models showing top button
iPad models that have a Home button use the Home button.
Diagram of iPad showing Home button
Press and hold the correct button for your iPad while immediately connecting your iPad to the computer. Don't let go of the button.
Keep holding the button until you see the recovery mode screen on your iPad, then let go.
Diagram of iPad showing recovery mode screen
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 and you need help, contact Apple Support.
Step 4: Restore your iPad
Locate your iPad in the Finder or in iTunes on the computer that it’s connected to. (Learn how to find your connected iPad.)
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.
iPad screen showing Restore button
Wait for the process to finish. 
Disconnect your iPad from the computer, then set up and use your iPad
Need more help?
If you can't complete any of these steps, if you're still prompted for a passcode, or if you need any other assistance, contact Apple Support.

If you forgot your iPad passcode


Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Take care!


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ipad unavailable press home to unlock

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