unable to reset my iPad 4 to factory settings

Question

Level 1

3 points

unable to reset my iPad 4 to factory settings

I forgot my restrictions passcode and need to reset my iPad to factory settings. Everything is backed up to iTunes. My iPad and iTunes both say they are running the latest software. I cannot restore by using the settings-reset option, because that asks for the forgotten passcode. My only option is iTunes.

I turned off my iPad, held the home button until the "connect to iTunes" icon page came up, then connected my iPad to my computer. I then selected my iPad on iTunes, clicked to restore it, clicked ok on all the warnings. Then, it forced me to download the latest update, even though everything already IS up to date. I clicked ok because 1. it was that or do nothing and 2. there have been 2 OS updates since I got this iPad at Christmas.

After 2 HOURS of waiting for iTunes to download the (apparently) required update, I get a warning that iTunes could NOT install the update and the restore failed. UGH!!! Sure enough, my iPad is just the same as before, complete with all apps and the forgotten passcode.

What can I do??? I need to change settings, but I cannot turn off the stupid restrictions passcode, there is no "reset my passcode by email" option, and I cannot reset my iPad by it's own settings because I can't remember the passcode! I do NOT want to waste ANOTHER 2 hours for a software update that I already have to download, only to have it fail again.

Is there some kind of hidden reset button on the iPad that I'm missing? Thank you!

iOS 6.1.3, iPad 4 with Retina

Posted on Apr 21, 2013 3:31 AM

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Answer 1

akom1976

Level 1

69 points

Apr 21, 2013 3:42 AM in response to sixpaxtoy

Try this http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1808 or if don't work try this http://osxdaily.com/2010/12/04/ipad-dfu-mode/

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Answer 2

sixpaxtoy Author

Level 1

3 points

Apr 21, 2013 6:21 AM in response to akom1976

Hi, I tried both of those options earlier today, no luck. After I get the messages confirming that I really want to do a restore, iTunes "checks with apple" or something like that, then iTunes demands I download the OS update that is already installed on my iPad. 2 painful hours later, timed out. I can't reboot from a previous sync, because I've synced after I set the stupid passcode.

A factory reset seems like a really simple process, but that mandatory download is making this impossible! The 2 methods you mention seem to be the only 2 ways to reset an iPad. I just want my restrictions passcode gone!!

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Answer 3

sixpaxtoy Author

Level 1

3 points

Apr 21, 2013 10:42 AM in response to sixpaxtoy

I was FINALLY able to reset my iPad!!! The reset from the settings button on the iPad was not an option because of the passcode issue. Too many hours were spent trying to restore it from iTunes using the "hold the home button" method to put it in a reset mode (or whatever it is called).

Tonight I was so frustrated I just hit the "restore iPad" button in iTunes, with my iPad plugged in and turned on. (I had synced and backed up everything this morning). IT WORKED!!! iTunes magically cooperated, and the restore process went very smoothly!! I don't know if having the iPad on made a difference, or I had just finally hit the restore button enough times.

After the restore, I was able to select which apps I wanted to put back on my iPad, even which screen I wanted them on. It works just fine, only one game didn't reload my settings and I have to start at the very beginning from level 32. Oh well...I am happy and I will NOT set a passcode ever again!! Thanks for the help!!!

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