iPad with forgotten passcode & more

Unless you are able to restart your iPad to a running state - and successfully enter your Passcode - you'll not be able to recover any data from your iPad.

iPadOS uses an encrypted filesystem. Successful entry of your iPad Passcode unlocks the Secure Enclave (this being your iPad's security chip) within which the only copy of the encryption keys - that are required to access and decrypt your data - are stored.

Unless you have a pre-existing backup of your locally stored data, anything stored on your inoperable iPad will remain beyond reach. However, any data that has been synchronised with iCloud may still be accessible from iCloud itself:

https://icloud.com

If you value your data, always keep a backup.

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

Hey blue,

Check the article below to reset your iPad password

If you’ve forgotten your iPad passcode – Apple Support (UK)

And don’t worry, it will save all of your data if you use the same Apple ID.

Imrubypower wrote:

Hey blue,

And don’t worry, it will save all of your data if you use the same Apple ID.

No, it will wipe all the data.

Data will only be restored if iCloud Photos was already turned on (or iCloud Drive if that is where the artwork is saved)