It says there is not enough memory available

We came across same issue, when we tried to use Apple Configurator 2 to update iPad 6gen.

Using then Finder or AC2 to restore did not work. 

Luckily when you press command and point to .ipsw file with latest, supported firmware (!) you can recover device to usable state.

it looks like that AC2 was trying to upgrade iPad to unsupported OS.

Try connecting to computer and updating:

Learn how to update your device manually if you're using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, or if you're using a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier or a Windows PC.

If your iPad is capable of being updated to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support

Be aware that should you encounter difficulties, you will likely need to use a computer to perform the update. You will need access to either a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support

You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

Hi, you will need to find out was was latest, working iOS version. In my case it was 15.6.1.

In Apple Configurator (or in iTunes) I found my old firmware file - iPad_64bit_TouchID_ASTC_15.6.1_19G82_Restore.ipsw

You can find it (as long you did use Apple Configurator to upgrade your iOS before) using the following path ~/Library/Group Containers/K36BKF7T3D.group.com.apple.configurator/Library/Caches/Firmware/

Then, before you click on restore (press and hold "Alt" on Mac), then you have option to point to that ipsw file.

When I did it - it threw an error, but ipads became responsible (I had 2 ipads with same issue).

On the other note, I noticed that Apple Configurator, tried to use newer ipsw file: iPad_64bit_TouchID_ASTC_16.1_20B82_Restore.ipsw which I assume should never happened as it looks iOS 16 does not support my iPads. Obviously Apple Configurator, should never allow it to happened as initial check should prevent any attempt to download and install unsupported iOS.

Hope, this solution works for you. Luckily, my two iPads are ok now.

We manage our ipads with MDM and are needing to wipe them via iMac going through Finder. They are not on WiFi so we can't do anything with them through the MDM. This is the message we get:

The iPad software update server could not be contacted. There is not enough memory available.

It installed the new file as per Norweg's instructions (which are much appreciated) but once rebooted it just went back to the iPad Unavailable screen.

It is completely outrageous that Apple locks people out of their old iPads just because they bought new ones. And to be told by some Apple "genius" guy that I must've forgotten my password was the final insult. Totally unacceptable.

Have exactly the same issue. I bought the new iPad 10 and as soon as I restored my old iPad from my old iPad (via Mac), Apple locked me out of my old iPad (no I did not enter the wrong passcode).

So the only option left according to the Apple "genius" was to erase and restore. Fine. Only that it wasn't fine because now I get this message: "The ipad software update server could not be contacted. There is not enough memory available."

Apple has locked me out of my iPad and left me no way to use it again.

I encountered this same problem with a 6th gen iPad a few days ago. I tried again just now, and it worked, so perhaps there was some error on the backend server where the iOS update is downloaded from.

Hi, I'm having the same issue and the genius bar told me that there was nothing to be done. Can you explain me more in details how your solution

thanks

thank you so much!

It worked and the ipad is back to working again. The genius bar told me that it was broken beyond repair so thank you again

As long you have ipsw file with latest working firmware you can use same method as above, pressing “alt” and manually selecting ipsw file.