With passcode removed, unable to get onto iPad following iOS update

Much of your iPad’s advanced functionality simply won’t work unless a Passcode has been initially set - such as TouchID/FaceID and Keychain stored passwords - and for this reason alone it is almost certain that a Passcode has been previously set, even if the auto-lock function was subsequently disabled. Actual removal of the device Passcode will effectively neuter the iPad.

As documented by Apple in its Security Guide, for devices with TouchID or FaceID enabled, a device Passcode is reportedly required in the following circumstances…

A passcode or password is also required if the device is in any of the following states:

• The device has just been turned on or restarted

• The user has logged out of their Mac account (or hasn’t yet logged in).

• The user hasn’t unlocked their device for more than 48 hours.

• The user hasn’t used their passcode or password to unlock their device for 156 hours (six and a half days), and the user hasn’t used a biometric to unlock their device in

4 hours.

• The device has received a remote lock command

• The user exited power off / Emergency SOS by pressing and holding either volume button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously for 2 seconds and then pressing Cancel.

• There were five unsuccessful biometric match attempts (though for usability, the device might offer entering a passcode or password instead of using biometrics after a smaller number of failures).

When Face ID with a mask is enabled on an iPhone, it’s available for the next 6.5 hours after one of the following user actions:

• Successful Face ID match attempt (with or without a mask)

• Device passcode validation

• Device unlock with Apple Watch

Any of these actions extends the period by an additional 6.5 hours when performed.

A forgotten/unknown iPad passcode cannot be recovered - and neither can it be reset or modified from another device.

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 15.2 or later with a forgotten/unknown Passcode

Apple has introduced a new 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 iPad is disabled, 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 PC (with iTunes 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.

You may also need your AppleID and associated password. If these have also been forgotten, they can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com

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

Sometimes glitches happen for no reason. This has never happened to me with my iPad over the years. Flaw or not you’ll need to reset the passcode before you can turn it off again.

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

If you are not into doing this you can take the iPad to an Apple Store or authorized Apple service provider for assistance. You will need to present the original sales receipt with the iPad’s serial number on it.

There are no default passcode settings. If there were there would be no reason to have passcodes in the first place.

If you can’t get past the passcode you will have to restore the iPad to its most recent backup: Restore your iOS device from a backup - Apple Support

alcatraz137 wrote:

Each time I enter her original passcode it locks me out for an ever-extending period of time.

That means that you're entering the wrong passcode.

Passcodes and passwords - Apple Support

"On iPad, iPhone, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro, to further discourage brute-force passcode attacks, there are escalating time delays after the entry of an invalid passcode, password, or PIN (depending on the device and the state the device is in), as shown in the table below."

The delay will eventually increase to 8 hours. That is the indication that you have only one chance left to enter the correct passcode.

If you then enter an incorrect passcode, you will have to reset and wipe the iPad to get back in. Any data which is stored only on the iPad (not backed up or synchronized elsewhere) will be lost. If Find My was enabled, you must enter the correct Apple ID and Apple Account password to satisfy the Activation Lock (anti-theft lock) to carry out the reset.