User profile for user: jykfc
jykfc Author
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Unlocking a disabled ipad due to forgotten keycodes

About two years ago my sister's upgraded her old ipad (probably it was an ipad 3rd generation, not the ipad air. It was acquired in around 2017) to a new one. The new one works fine. When she wants to re-start the old ipad it is now locked after too many unsuccessful keycodes input attempts. She must have forgotten the correct keycodes. She requested my help though I don't own one before.


How to reset your iPad passcode using your Mac or PC - Apple Support (CA)


I read a few threads here and had gone through the above link for a solution. I have no problems setting up a PC to run itunes on a PC and have successfully logon with the Apple account. Using the key combination of home and the top power on key the screen displayed the prompt to connect the ipad to the PC usb port as expected.

we have not yet any success to gain access to the disabled ipad for some reasons. There are no prompts from the PC screen. Trying to look for a connected devices to itunes gave nothing.


Question 1.

It is clear the computer must have internet connection. To allow re-activating the ipad does the disabled ipad need to be able to connect to the internet using its saved wifi credentials? I hope the answer is no. If the answer is yes the problem is, the wifi environment may have changed (for example the ssid and/or password may have changed after the ipad was locked. Would this part of the factors itunes is unable to access the locked iPad?


Question 2: It is not clearly mentioned if the ipad must be associated with the same Apple ID the user shall log on to Apple server when running itunes on a Windows computer. I assume the answer may be yes, because this way ensures only the ipad owner can access his/her locked ipad. My sister told me she has one one Apple ID created and in use for far. What if the saved password for the Apple account in the locked ipad has been changed over time? If that is the case would this becomes another reason why itunes in my computer is not able to access the locked iPad?


The usb cable I used is an old version (non-USB-C). It works well to charge the old ipad. I am unsure if it means the same cable should work for connecting the computer to the locked ipad. The new working ipad, however, has a usb-C port. I cannot isolate cable problems simply.


I hope you can provide suggestions to help.


iPad Air (3rd generation)

Posted on Feb 15, 2026 10:36 PM

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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
User level: Level 10
308,381 points

Posted on Feb 16, 2026 2:53 AM

You are perhaps overthinking matters.


The PC used to restore the iPad will need an internet connection. Until the iPad has been restored, it will not require an internet connection during the restore process. The iPad will only require an internet/WiFi connection much later in the process to recover use.



An iPad will be disabled or indicate that it is unavailable if an incorrect Passcode is entered too many times.


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



iPadOS 17 or later with a forgotten Passcode


If you have changed your passcode in iOS/iPadOS 17 and later - and have since forgotten the new Passcode - you may be able to recover access using your previous Passcode. Passcode Reset gives you 72 hours to use your old Passcode to access your device; when you access your device in this way, you must change your passcode again immediately:

Temporarily use your old passcode when you forget your new passcode on iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


If you cannot use the new Passcode Reset feature, you must use another method.



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; for Windows 10/11 you'll need to use the more recent Apple Device App) or a Mac computer (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


Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS


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



Activation Lock


Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be satisfied:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support


As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the Apple Account (previously known as an AppleID) that was last used to activate the device, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. With documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.


If you have the necessary documentation, Apple have introduced a portal though which you may be able to request release of an Activation Lock:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support & start an Activation Lock support request.



Apple Account (AppleID)


You may also need your Apple Account (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


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
User level: Level 10
308,381 points

Feb 16, 2026 2:53 AM in response to jykfc

You are perhaps overthinking matters.


The PC used to restore the iPad will need an internet connection. Until the iPad has been restored, it will not require an internet connection during the restore process. The iPad will only require an internet/WiFi connection much later in the process to recover use.



An iPad will be disabled or indicate that it is unavailable if an incorrect Passcode is entered too many times.


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



iPadOS 17 or later with a forgotten Passcode


If you have changed your passcode in iOS/iPadOS 17 and later - and have since forgotten the new Passcode - you may be able to recover access using your previous Passcode. Passcode Reset gives you 72 hours to use your old Passcode to access your device; when you access your device in this way, you must change your passcode again immediately:

Temporarily use your old passcode when you forget your new passcode on iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


If you cannot use the new Passcode Reset feature, you must use another method.



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; for Windows 10/11 you'll need to use the more recent Apple Device App) or a Mac computer (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


Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS


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



Activation Lock


Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be satisfied:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support


As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the Apple Account (previously known as an AppleID) that was last used to activate the device, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. With documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.


If you have the necessary documentation, Apple have introduced a portal though which you may be able to request release of an Activation Lock:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support & start an Activation Lock support request.



Apple Account (AppleID)


You may also need your Apple Account (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


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User profile for user: jykfc
jykfc Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Feb 17, 2026 10:42 PM in response to LotusPilot

Sorry I am sure I am not ("overthinking matters").


The given responses do not give more new idea because I've seen and read the same standard "solution" multiple times. It does not help because I already installed itunes under Windows 7 and it runs well. It allows me to logon and I believe the locked ipad was picked up as one of the 'associated devices'. However, there are no ways for me to factory reset the ipad. Yes, I just want to make the ipad re-usable by the owner. I don't care all the data are lost. But how?


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Unlocking a disabled ipad due to forgotten keycodes

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