Can a disabled iPad 2 with proof of purchase be recovered?

Question

Level 1

4 points

Can a disabled iPad 2 with proof of purchase be recovered?

My dad owns an old original iPad 2, over the years he has stored all the valuable photos such as childhood photos of our family and important files. One time our family went camping and the iPad was permanently disabled due to children trying to guess the password. When we got home we attempted to follow recovery instructions, but then the iPad said to “connect to home computer”, which had been sold. At the time I did not understand the severity of the situation with all of the extremely valuable photos locked away. Is there any way to recover the iPad or even just the photos? We have sufficient proof of purchase such as the wall mounted charger that is permanently embedded into the brick wall and the case that comes with it. I am really devastated to lose the photos does anyone know how to unlock it, I’m not sure if my dad even remembers the original password as it’s been years. If anyone know anything or even just knows how to extract the photos off the iPad please let me know. The photos are the main value, the iPad means nothing so if the photos can be extracted that would be great

iPad 2

Posted on Aug 20, 2024 9:08 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

LotusPilot

Level 10

325,950 points

Aug 21, 2024 1:02 AM in response to laken161

Sorry, but once the iPad indicates that it is disabled, all locally stored data is has been lost.

iOS/iPadOS is architecturally designed to protect the owners data.

All locally stored data is encrypted; by design, the only copy of the encryption keys necessary to access local data are held within the Secure Enclave - the device security chip. The device Passcode unlocks the Secure Enclave, which in turn releases the encryption keys to the Operating System while the device remains unlocked.

If an incorrect Passcode is repeatedly entered, the Secure Enclave automatically wiped and the device disabled - an operation that erases all stored encryption keys. This is known as a crypto-erase. Once erased, all locally stored data is permanently beyond reach and cannot be recovered.

However, the bona-fide owner can restore a pre-existing iCloud or iTunes backup to the device - recovering their data. If the owner hasn’t created a backup, all data will have been irretrievably lost.

Reply