can you back up the iPad if it's locked out?
Can the iPad be backed up if it's locked out?
iPad Air, iPadOS 16
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If the iPad is locked with a Passcode that you don’t know, or is disabled, any locally stored data is beyond reach. The iPad uses an encrypted file system; if the iPad becomes disabled, the cryptographic keys that secure the data are automatically destroyed - rendering any locally stored data unrecoverable. Without a pre-existing iCloud or iTunes backup, you’ll not be able to recover any data.
If the iPad is locked or disabled, it is simply too late to consider backup of your data. Sadly, you may have learned a bitter lesson; you should ensure that irreplaceable data/photos that you value are backed-up in case of unforeseen disaster.
However, if you had previously enabled iCloud, some of your lost material may still be saved in your iCloud storage - and of this, some (such as photos) can be accessed using a web browser:
If your iPad is disabled, or you have forgotten your iPad passcode, the recover use of the iPad you will 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
You may 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:
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:
