iPad is plugged into computer but says it is locked with a passcode and to enter on iPad. But iPad is in airplane mode and says it is disabled and to connect to iTunes. How do I reset the iPad?

iPad is unable to be identified in iTunes when plugged into the computer so I am unable to reset it.

iPad Air, iOS 12

Posted on Aug 9, 2023 9:08 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 9, 2023 10:13 PM

  1. It seems like your iPad is in a disabled state and you're unable to unlock it using the passcode. If you're encountering this issue and your iPad is running iOS 12, you can try the following steps to reset or restore your iPad:
  2. Connect to iTunes:
    1. Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
    2. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
    3. If prompted, enter the passcode on your iPad to unlock it. If you can't remember the passcode or your iPad is disabled, proceed to the next steps.
  3. Recovery Mode:
      1. Force restart your iPad:For iPad Air (3rd generation) and earlier models: Press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo. Keep holding the buttons until the recovery mode screen appears.
  4. For iPad (4th generation) and later models: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button, and finally, press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the recovery mode screen appears.
  5. On your computer, a message should pop up indicating that iTunes has detected an iPad in recovery mode. You will be given options to update or restore the device. Choose "Restore."
  6. Restore iPad:
    1. iTunes will download the necessary software and restore your iPad to factory settings. This process will erase all data on your iPad.
    2. After the restore is complete, you can set up your iPad as new or restore from a backup if you have one available.
  7. Use iCloud: If you have Find My iPad enabled and have access to your iCloud account, you may be able to remotely erase your iPad through iCloud. Visit iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Then, select "All Devices" and choose your iPad from the list. You can then erase the device remotely.
  8. Please note that restoring your iPad will erase all data on the device, so make sure you have a backup if you want to recover your data. If you don't have a backup and you're unable to restore your iPad using the methods above, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 9, 2023 10:13 PM in response to LAlonzo31

  1. It seems like your iPad is in a disabled state and you're unable to unlock it using the passcode. If you're encountering this issue and your iPad is running iOS 12, you can try the following steps to reset or restore your iPad:
  2. Connect to iTunes:
    1. Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
    2. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
    3. If prompted, enter the passcode on your iPad to unlock it. If you can't remember the passcode or your iPad is disabled, proceed to the next steps.
  3. Recovery Mode:
      1. Force restart your iPad:For iPad Air (3rd generation) and earlier models: Press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo. Keep holding the buttons until the recovery mode screen appears.
  4. For iPad (4th generation) and later models: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button, and finally, press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the recovery mode screen appears.
  5. On your computer, a message should pop up indicating that iTunes has detected an iPad in recovery mode. You will be given options to update or restore the device. Choose "Restore."
  6. Restore iPad:
    1. iTunes will download the necessary software and restore your iPad to factory settings. This process will erase all data on your iPad.
    2. After the restore is complete, you can set up your iPad as new or restore from a backup if you have one available.
  7. Use iCloud: If you have Find My iPad enabled and have access to your iCloud account, you may be able to remotely erase your iPad through iCloud. Visit iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Then, select "All Devices" and choose your iPad from the list. You can then erase the device remotely.
  8. Please note that restoring your iPad will erase all data on the device, so make sure you have a backup if you want to recover your data. If you don't have a backup and you're unable to restore your iPad using the methods above, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.


Aug 10, 2023 2:38 AM in response to LAlonzo31

Perhaps more useful than an Ai-generated boilerplate (potentially generated using ChatGPT or similar), with a list of potential actions that are entirely inappropriate for your issue…



A forgotten or unknown iPhone/iPad passcode cannot be recovered - and neither can it be reset or modified from another device. If you see a waiting period as described, you can wait and try again to input the correct Passcode; otherwise, the iPad must be restored.


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


NB: If your iPad isn’t recognised when connected to your computer, try using a different USB port; if your computer has both USB-C and USB Type-A ports, try a Type-A port. Otherwise, this support page should help with troubleshooting connection difficulties:

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - 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



This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

iPad is plugged into computer but says it is locked with a passcode and to enter on iPad. But iPad is in airplane mode and says it is disabled and to connect to iTunes. How do I reset the iPad?

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