I need to unlock the iPad its's showing unavailable

Hi melbasmith,

Thanks for posting in Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you may have forgotten your iPad passcode and need to unlock it. Is that right?

If so, your options may vary depending on which iPadOS is installed. If you have iPadOS 15.2 or later, try these steps from If you see an iPhone or iPad unavailable message or Security Lockout screen - Apple Support.

How to reset your device

If you're using an eSIM, contact your carrier before trying these steps and ask for a QR code to set up your eSIM again.

1. From your device's Lock Screen, try to enter your passcode five times until the "[Device] Unavailable" screen appears and your device asks you to try again later.

2. When you're able to, continue to enter your passcode until the "Security Lockout" screen appears and you get the Erase [Device] option in the bottom corner of the screen.

3. Tap Erase [Device], then tap Erase [Device] again to confirm.

4. Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple ID on your device.

5. Tap Erase [Device] to permanently delete all of your data and settings.

6. When your device restarts, follow the onscreen instructions to set up your device again, restore your data and settings from a backup, and set a new passcode.

If you have an earlier iPadOS version, you'll need a computer and these steps from If you forgot your iPhone passcode - Apple Support.

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 10 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

1. Unplug your iPad from the computer if it's connected.

2. 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.

• If your iPad has a Home button: Press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears.

3. 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

1. 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.

• iPad models that have a Home button use the Home button.

2. Press and hold the correct button for your iPad while immediately connecting your iPad to the computer. Don't let go of the button.

3. Keep holding the button until you see the recovery mode screen on your iPad, then let go.

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

1. Locate your iPad in the Finder or in iTunes on the computer that it's connected to. (Learn how to find your connected iPad.)

2. 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.

3. Wait for the process to finish. 

4. Disconnect your iPad from the computer, then set up and use your iPad. 

All the best.

Sunshinegirl48 wrote:

I cannot use any keys or buttons to get my I pad to work

Are you locked-out because your iPad indicates that it is disabled or unavailable? Perhaps the iPad has a black screen and is completely unresponsive? Something else?

With the benefit of more information, contributors here will be better able to provide appropriate guidance.

Writing an effective Apple Support Commun… - Apple Community

No buttons or keys work. I cannot get the I Pad to work

I cannot use any keys or buttons to get my I pad to work