Use iCloud or Recovery Mode
What to Know
- From iPad: Turn off and connect cable to iPad > hold down Home/top button > connect to computer > click Restore.
- From the web: Log in at iCloud.com > Find iPhone > Devices > the iPad > Erase.
This article covers two ways to reset an iPad to factory settings without the password.
How Do I Reset My iPad to Factory Settings Without the Passcode?
Apple added the requirement of entering the password used to activate the iPad as a security and anti-theft measure. While this is a great security feature (it really works well), it does mean there's a problem when you don't have the password. We can get you sorted out, but there's one very important downside to be aware of: when you follow the instructions in this article, you'll delete all data from the iPad. If your goal is to return the iPad to factory settings (maybe you are selling it), this procedure is probably what you want. If you are troubleshooting, you'll have to set up the iPad from scratch and can optionally restore the iPad from a recent back up (assuming you have one, of course).
These techniques apply both if you don't have your Apple ID password and if you don't have the iPad passcode needed to unlock the tablet.
Reset iPad to Factory Settings Using a Computer
There are two ways to reset an iPad to factory settings without a password. The first involves using a computer to put the iPad into Recovery Mode and then resetting. Here's what to do:
Your first step depends on the kind of computer you have.
- If you're using a Mac running macOS Catalina (10.15), make sure the Mac's operating system is up to date.
- If you're using an older Mac or Windows, make sure iTunes is up to date.
Turn off your iPad.
Again, the kind of computer you have determines this step:
- For a Mac running macOS Catalina (10.15) and higher, open the Finder.
- On a PC or an older Mac, open iTunes.
Connect the USB syncing cable to your iPad, but not yet to your computer.
If your iPad has a Home button, hold that down and connect the cable to the computer.
If your iPad doesn't have a Home button, hold down the Top button and connect to the computer.
Keep holding the button until the Recovery Mode screen appears on the iPad.
iPad image: Apple Inc.
On the computer, click on the iPad in the Finder window (in the sidebar, under Locations) or in iTunes under the top left playback controls.
In the window that appears, click Restore and follow the onscreen prompts.
At the end of the process, your iPad is back at factory settings and ready to be set up from scratch.
Reset iPad to Factory Settings Using a iCloud
Don't have a computer to use? You can reset an iPad to factory settings without a password via iCloud by following these steps:
Make sure the iPad is connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network.
On another device, go to iCloud.com and log in using the Apple ID associated with the iPad.
Click Find iPhone.
Click All Devices and then click the iPad you want to reset.
Click Erase iPad.
Follow the onscreen prompts and, after a few minutes, your iPad will be back at factory settings and can be set up from scratch.
FAQ
How do I unlock an iPad without a password?
You can't unlock your iPad unless you know the passcode. To regain access to it, you'll need to reset it from iCloud.com or in Recovery Mode, as in the steps above.
How do I remove the passcode from an iPad?
You can't reset an iPad passcode unless you know the existing one. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enter the passcode. Then, scroll down and tap Change Passcode. Enter the new number, and then verify it.
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While most iOS users already know the age-old way to reset their iPad, they often ask how to reset an iPad without a password. If you can’t unlock your iPad and want to reset it, then don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to reset the iPad without a passcode or password. This informative post will make you familiar with five different solutions to reset the iPad without a password. Read on and learn how to reset the iPad without a password or passcode.
- Method 1: How to reset iPad without passcode using Dr.Fone
- Method 2: Erase iPad without passcode with Find My iPhone
- Method 3: Use iPad Recovery Mode and iTunes
- Method 4: Restore iPad without a passcode from iTunes backup
- Method 5: How to reset the iPad without an Apple ID password
Method 1: How to reset the iPad without a passcode using Dr.Fone?
If your iPad is locked, you can use Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock tool to reset it without any trouble. Compatible with every leading iOS version, it has a desktop application for Mac and Windows. Although it is easy to unlock the tool, you'd better back up all your data before you start to unlock the screen.
To learn how to reset the iPad without a password, follow these steps:
Attention: Before you start to use this tool, you should know that all your data will be wiped out after unlocking successfully.
Step 1. Install Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock on your Mac or Windows from its official website and launch it whenever you need to reset iPad without a password. Click on the "Screen Unlock" option from the main screen.
Step 2. Connect your iPad via USB cable to the system. To start the process, click on the "Unlock iOS Screen".
Step 3. Dr.Fone will then ask you to bring your iPad in DFU mode after recognizing your device. To do this effectively, follow the directions presented.
Step 4. Next, you will be asked to provide some details related to your device. To get the firmware updated, click on the "Download" button.
Step 5. Wait a while to download the firmware. The interface will let you know when it is finished. Later, click the "Unlock Now" button.
Step 6. follow the instructions on the screen to give the confirmation code.
Step 7. Wait for the app to reset and erase your iPad. Your iPad will be restarted and accessible without a pre-set passcode.
Method 2: How to reset iPad without passcode with Find My iPhone
After learning how to reset the iPad without a passcode using Dr.Fone, you can also consider some other alternatives. For instance, one can also use Apple’s official Find My iPhone feature to reset their iPad. With this technique, you can reset the iPad without a password remotely as well. To learn how to reset iPad without a passcode, follow these steps:
Step 1. Go to the iCloud official website and visit its Find My iPhone section. Click on the “All Devices” option and select the iPad that you wish to restore.
Step 2. This will provide various options related to your iPad. Select the “Erase iPad” feature and confirm your selection. It will reset iPad without a passcode.
Method 3: How to reset iPad without password with iTunes
One of the easiest ways to reset an iPad without a password is by using iTunes. If you are a regular iTunes user, then you might already know its diverse usage. Not just to listen to your favorite tracks, iTunes can also be used to backup or restore your iPad. In this technique, you would be required to put your iPad into recovery mode before connecting it to iTunes. To learn how to reset an iPad without a password, follow these instructions.
Step 1. Firstly, launch an updated version of iTunes on your system and connect a USB or lightning cable to it (leaving the other end unplugged).
Step 2. Now, hold the Home button on your iPad and connect it to your system. Keep pressing the Home button while connecting it to your PC or Mac. You will soon get an iTunes logo on the screen.
Step 3. After connecting your device, iTunes will automatically recognize it and display the following prompt. Just click on the “Restore” button to reset your device.
Method 4: How to reset iPad without passcode with a trusted computer
Not many iPad users know that they can reset iPad without passcode by connecting it to a computer already trusted by their device. If you have already trusted a computer previously, you can connect your iPad to the system and use iTunes to restore it. To learn how to reset iPad without a password using a trusted computer, follow these steps:
Step 1. Connect your iPad to a trusted system and launch iTunes. Afterward, visit the “Summary” page on iTunes. Under the Backup section, click on the “Restore Backup” button.
Step 2. This will open a pop-up message. Just agree to it by clicking the “Restore” button and wait for a while as your device would be restored.
Furthermore, it can be used to restore your backup. By following this technique, you can reset your iPad without experiencing much data loss.
Method 5: How to reset iPad without Apple ID password
If you wish to reset your iPad without a password using a feature like Find My iPhone, you would be required to provide your Apple ID and password. Though, if you have forgotten your Apple ID password, it can get a little tough to reset your iPad. We have already published this informative post on how to reset an iOS device without an Apple ID password. Read the stepwise tutorial to reset your iPad without a password, even if you have forgotten your Apple ID password.
Wrap it up!
Simply follow your preferred method to reset iPad without a password. Now when you know how to reset an iPad without a password, you can simply restore it and make the most out of your device without any hassle. You can reset iPad remotely or can connect it to a system to restore it. We recommend taking Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) assistance to restore the iPad securely and reliably. Feel free to use it and let us know about your experience in the comments below.