Newsroom Update

The redesigned iPad Air and new iPad Pro with Apple silicon are now available. Learn more >

Ipad locked

Can I unlock my iPad after being locked out. Without loosing all my pics and videos

iPad Air 2, iPadOS 15

Posted on May 19, 2023 4:03 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on May 19, 2023 4:42 AM

iOS/iPadOS is architecturally designed to protect the owners data. 


All locally stored data is encrypted; by design, the only copy of the encryption keys necessary to access local data are held within the Secure Enclave - the device security chip. The device Passcode unlocks the Secure Enclave, which in turn releases the encryption keys to the Operating System while the device remains unlocked. Unless you can successfully enter your iPad Passcode, any locally stored data remains beyond reach.


A forgotten or unknown iPhone/iPad passcode cannot be recovered - and neither can it be reset or modified from another device.


If you have a pre-existing iCloud or iTunes backup of your iPad, you will be able to restore your data to your iPad should you need to do so. Obviously, you need to have a backup before disaster strikes, as otherwise all your data and photos can be irretrievably lost.


You may find this support page to be helpful:

If you see an iPhone or iPad unavailable message or Security Lockout screen - Apple Support




iOS/iPadOS 15.2 or later with a forgotten Passcode


Apple has introduced a 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 iPhone/iPad indicates that it 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 Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows 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:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple



AppleID


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


More information about recovery of your AppleID and associated Password:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support



After resolving the lockout, should you need to restore your iCloud or iTunes backup to your iPad, you’ll find details of the process here:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support


1 reply
Question marked as Best reply

May 19, 2023 4:42 AM in response to debrafromvan alstyne

iOS/iPadOS is architecturally designed to protect the owners data. 


All locally stored data is encrypted; by design, the only copy of the encryption keys necessary to access local data are held within the Secure Enclave - the device security chip. The device Passcode unlocks the Secure Enclave, which in turn releases the encryption keys to the Operating System while the device remains unlocked. Unless you can successfully enter your iPad Passcode, any locally stored data remains beyond reach.


A forgotten or unknown iPhone/iPad passcode cannot be recovered - and neither can it be reset or modified from another device.


If you have a pre-existing iCloud or iTunes backup of your iPad, you will be able to restore your data to your iPad should you need to do so. Obviously, you need to have a backup before disaster strikes, as otherwise all your data and photos can be irretrievably lost.


You may find this support page to be helpful:

If you see an iPhone or iPad unavailable message or Security Lockout screen - Apple Support




iOS/iPadOS 15.2 or later with a forgotten Passcode


Apple has introduced a 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 iPhone/iPad indicates that it 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 Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows 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:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple



AppleID


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


More information about recovery of your AppleID and associated Password:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support



After resolving the lockout, should you need to restore your iCloud or iTunes backup to your iPad, you’ll find details of the process here:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support


Ipad locked

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.