Resetting iPad because I forgot the passcode, but apple is asking for the old passcode to assign to my Apple ID

Presumably you have either restored an existing iCloud or iTunes backup to your iPad - or iCloud has end-to-end encrypted data that requires the former device Passcode to unlock the data.

Starting at the beginning, so as to ensure that the correct process is followed, 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 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

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

If you are trying to restore from a backup, then it is most likely asking you this information so you can restore the backup as the passcode is required for that. However, if you are setting up the iPad as a new device and you are getting this message, then it is probably because it’s asking you to be able to transfer all your saved passwords from your old device (also known as keychain) and those are protected by needing the passcode on your old iPad or whatever was the main device that started using the keychain.

That being said, you don’t HAVE to put this information in if that is what it is asking for, you just will lose all the passwords that you have saved on the devices and have to manually type them in again. You can create a new keychain with the iPad when you do this and then it will ask you for the current passcode that you have now if you ever need to restore your iPad again so don’t forget your passcode unless you want to start this process over again in that situation.