Childs iPad locked and forgotten passcode

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Level 1

8 points

Childs iPad locked and forgotten passcode

My daughter has a used her ipad for a long time with the passcode disabled, and no one remembers what it is. Suddenly it started asking for one, and as kids do, she just tried entering a random input, resulting in now being locked for 8 hours.

I know the apple-id credentials for the device, but when i tried to select "Forgot passcode", it asks to delete/reset the ipad. I then enter the password, and it asks if I want to wipe it and I select that I do want to do that. However, nothing happens, the screen goes black, but clicking the home button just shows the password box with the password entered. I can keep doing that :(

I then tried restarting the device, but now I don't even have the "forgot passcode" option and now its no longer connected to Wifi and the timer resets to 8hr

I then tried download the "Apple Devices" application on my PC, but it does not register anything when I connect the ipad.

If i login to the "find devices" in a browser the ipad shows as "unknown location/offline". I can issue an erase request, but it does not apply seeing as the device is not online I guess.

Can someone tell me how to get out of this mess? I don't use apple devices otherwise, so this has me pulling out my hair.

PS: Am I alone in being very confused as to why the apple id associated the device isn't sufficient to unlock the device?

Posted on Mar 10, 2024 7:41 AM

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Answer 1

ProustGiulio

Level 10

208,542 points

Mar 10, 2024 8:33 AM in response to ziphnor

See these instructions, keeping in mind that if you don't have a backup all data will be lost on that device (except those that you eventually synced to iCloud):

If your device is running iOS 15.2/iPadOS 15.2 or later, AND if you have created a backup to iCloud, you don't need a computer in order to reset the passcode:--> If you see an iPhone or iPad unavailable message or Security Lockout screen

Shouldn't be this case (iOS/iPadOS earlier than 15.2), you need a computer. If you don't have a computer, borrow one from your friends/relatives/neighbors or ask for help at an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider, then read these suggestions.

Given that to remove the existing passcode you must connect your device via USB to a computer (a Windows PC running the latest iTunes version, or a Mac, which can run iTunes or Finder, depending on the macOS installed on it), pay attention to the specific gestures that you need to perform while connecting your device to the computer.

These are the instructions to re-gain access to your iPhone/iPad:

If it is an iPhone:--> If you forgot your iPhone passcode - Apple Support

If it is an iPad:--> If you forgot your iPad passcode - Apple Support

Regards

Giulio

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Answer 2

ziphnor Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 10, 2024 10:19 AM in response to ProustGiulio

The first option did not work as intended as explained above. I reached the ipad equivalent of this:

But selecting to erase didn't actually do anything, just returned me to the previous screen.

I got it to "work" with a PC after figuring out that the ipad had to be either unlocked or in recovery mode for the "Apple Devices" to detect it. I could then "restore" it, losing all data on it.

I simply don't understand why I could not use the associated apple id instead and unlock without losing the data. I don't need that kind of security on a child's tablet (and besides the apple id is way more sensitive).

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Childs iPad locked and forgotten passcode

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