Stuck in disabled mode “connect to iTunes” once connected to iTunes it is now stuck in “preparing iPad for restore”

Trying to reset my disabled iPad that I did due to typing in wrong password too many times. Trying to erased from “find my” and it just stays on erase pending. Tried using iTunes because iPad says “connect to iTunes”. It says “preparing iPad for restore” for over 24 hours now. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. It doesn’t look like iPad is connected to internet, but I can not get into the iPad to connect it to the internet if that’s the issue.

iPad, iPadOS 14

Posted on Oct 27, 2023 6:21 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 27, 2023 6:25 AM

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


If your iPad is not recognised by your computer, or fails to restore, try using a different USB port. Many reports seen here suggest that where the process fails when using the host computer’s USB-C port, instead using a Type-A USB port will allow the restore process to complete. Otherwise, this support page may help with troubleshooting connection issues:

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



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

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 27, 2023 6:25 AM in response to Jbsuttles10

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


If your iPad is not recognised by your computer, or fails to restore, try using a different USB port. Many reports seen here suggest that where the process fails when using the host computer’s USB-C port, instead using a Type-A USB port will allow the restore process to complete. Otherwise, this support page may help with troubleshooting connection issues:

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



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.

Stuck in disabled mode “connect to iTunes” once connected to iTunes it is now stuck in “preparing iPad for restore”

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