Q: iPad has become disabled. We have the password but it was never connected to iTunes. How can we get back in?

Tried holding the two buttons and did receive the Apple logo after the screen went black and I pressed the power button, but nothing else. Perhaps I need to hold it for longer?

It would appear that the problem was the wi-fi keyboard that she was carrying in the same bag. It was unwittingly left on. She has months of hard work on this iPad and is none too tech-savvy, so was unable to back her files up, even though she tried many times.

Most importantly is that she is a Doctor and has over 200 patients files which are essential to her work and irreplaceable.

Cannot believe that Apple has such an basic flaw in it's systems security. Yet then again, I now remember why I abandoned Mac for Linux nine (pain free) years ago!

I am astonished that there is no solution when we have the password!

Poor, poor show, from Apple.

Hi King Penguin.

Thanks for the replies.

Yeah, after the Apple it just goes back to the 'connect to iTunes' .

Unfortunately, my wife doesn't have the luxury of another computer to back up to and as mentioned, she had been unable to configure the iCloud set-up ever since they started advising her she had no space left and had to have a clear out - that was one request too far. Not everyone has a computer-minded brain and I am forbidden to touch the iPad as it is/was too precious to allow anyone to fiddle with!

Not everyone has multiple computers and sharing clients data online (so supposingly) with the Gestapo/NSA, is really not the most intelligent solution to online 'security' Lol!!!

I cannot believe we have no last-chance option to enter with the correct password. What happens if a thief does steal it, block it and then the iPad is somehow returned.... Are you saying that the thief may as well have kept the Apple device, for it is now just your tough-luck that you have to erase all your lifes work just to have the iPad switch back on again!!

As I said, I am astonished.

Being astonished doesn't help anybody. The reality is that for people who don't have English as a first, second or even third language, then mistakes are inevitable.

How can one get into a iPad which has been 'accidentally' locked when none of the 'official' solutions work?

What does one do when iTunes does not recognise the device? Furthermore, what does one do after iTunes downloaded 'update software' only to lock the device into an even deeper sleep?

In this case, the iPad initially responded when sleep/lock button was held, by showing 'slide to turn off'. Then showing a graphic with connector asking to connect to iTunes. After connecting to iTunes, a download was completed and installed. Now the iPad is as good as dead. It just shows ' iPad disabled' on a black screen and no longer responds to the lock/sleep button trick?

Seriously, Mac are dreaming ifthey think that people will just buy new devices every year. How do we know that this wasn't/isn't some back-door hack that forces idiots to buy new iPads?

Really? In 2015 Mac expect us to believe that there is no 'alternative' entry option into their OS's? The NSA, MOSSAD and GCHQ must be laughing their tits off!

So, back to the problem.......

How do we get the iPad back?

Just to add, my wife neither knowingly, nor willingly set the option in question. She is 100% computer-techless. She never touches anything other than the camera, notes and internet...... Ever!

Please don't jump to conclusions.

Ok, please bear with me and I'll try to clarify.

Haven't tried on Windows yet but last night drove half way across the city (Rio de Janeiro) in order to see two students with Mac's as Mac's are rare here. Somewhat ironically, neither of the 'twenty-something' students had ever even used the mighty iTunes! Doesn't bode well for future complaints on the Mac Forums.

On both devices iTunes detected the iPad but informed us that 'iPad is locked'.

Obviously option 1, in the Mac Support documentation is irrelevant as the iPad in question was never connected to iTunes.

Tried the iCloud option 2, 'Find my iPhone' but it merely says 'iPad is offline'.

In option 3, iTunes downloaded a file before locking the iPad into an even deeper sleep. Now we have no date displaying. Just a black screen with iPad is locked - Connect to iTunes'.

Last night we were unable to get past this screen although this morning (with no iTunes) I can once again get the cable and iTunes graphics by holding both buttons.

One question. Can we still safely connect to any iTunes or do we now have to only use the iTunes which downloaded the software last night?

Is there a risk that Mac will lock this device forever?

Thank you.

Ok, off to work now but shall try again later this evening.

Did you say that a Mac 'will' lock it permanently?