How to Factory Reset iPad When Locked Out [Full Guide]

Do you have your iPad and realize you’ve forgotten your unlock code? Maybe your child has repeatedly tried to enter the wrong password, rendering the iPad inaccessible. Or maybe your iPad was stolen and you're looking to wipe it remotely. Or maybe you're ready to give up your old iPad but can't remember the passcode you used to delete your data.

In any of these scenarios, the common challenge is to restore a locked iPad to its factory settings. Fortunately, there's no need to worry as this post has compiled 4 different methods on how to factory reset iPad when locked out.

How to Factory Reset iPad When Locked Out - 4 Simple Methods

This section will show you how to reset iPad to factory settings when locked out with 4 easy and useful methods to help you factory reset locked iPad. Let’s check it!

Method 1: Factory Reset Locked iPad with Buttons

Wondering how to factory reset iPad if locked out using only the buttons? One commonly used method for factory resetting an iPad without a passcode involves a hard reset using buttons. This action restores your iPad to its factory default settings, wiping out all data and installed apps. The process for hard resetting your iPad may vary depending on its model. Therefore, refer to the following instructions for a locked iPad hard reset.

For iPads with a Home Button:

• Press and hold both the Home and Power buttons simultaneously until the Power Off slider appears.
• Keep holding the buttons until the screen goes black > Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears.

For iPads without a Home Button:

• Press and release the Volume Down button > Press and release the Volume Up button.
• Press and hold the Power button until the screen goes black and the Apple logo appears.
• Performing a hard reset on your iPad will revert it to its original settings, allowing you to set it up as new.

Method 2: Factory iPad When Locked Out via Siri

How to factory reset iPad when locked out? Siri can help! Siri is the artificial intelligence assistant built into Apple devices to help with tasks like making calls, sending text messages, and performing searches. 

But did you know you can also use Siri to reset your iPad? It's a little-known feature, but a very handy one. Even without a passcode, this method allows you to restore your iPad to factory settings, although it involves a more technical process. Let's dive into the steps to reset a locked iPad with this unique feature.

Step 1: Activate Siri and instruct it to open an app that doesn’t exist on your iPad. Siri will direct you to the Apple Store to search for and download the app you mentioned.

Step 2: Once downloaded, tap Preview, which will direct you to the app on your iPad without having to enter your lock screen code.

Step 3: Once inside the app, navigate to Settings and proceed to restore your iPad to factory settings.

However, it’s worth noting that this method has some limitations. It only works on devices running iOS 10 or earlier, and the default settings for Siri on iPad have not been changed.

Method 3: Factory Reset a Locked iPad with iTunes

To solve the problem of a locked iPad due to a forgotten password, Apple offers a solution through iTunes. iTunes is the official way to unlock a locked iPad without a password. By entering Recovery Mode, you can erase all data and settings from a locked iPad, including the passcode.

First, download and install the latest version of iTunes on your PC and make sure you have a compatible USB cable ready. Then, proceed with the following steps to restore your locked iPad to its factory settings:

Step 1: Disconnect iPad from your computer (if currently connected).

Step 2: Power off iPad using the device button:

• For iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the Home button.
• For iPad without a Home button: Press and hold one of the Top and Volume buttons.

Step 3: Connect your iPad to your computer and press and hold either the Top Button or the Home Button until the Recovery Mode screen appears. (If your iPad model does not have a Home button, use the Top button.)

Step 4: Launch iTunes and you will see a pop-up message stating, "There is a problem with the iPad that requires it to be updated or restored.” Then, select Restore to continue.

Step 5: Once the recovery process is complete, your locked iPad will be successfully reset using iTunes.

Method 4: Factory Reset iPad When Locked Out via Find My App

How to factory reset iPad when locked out without iTunes? Bypassing the use of iTunes to reset a locked iPad is to use the Find My app, which was originally designed to track lost Apple devices. With Find Me enabled on your iPad, you can remotely perform a factory reset without a password. Follow the steps outlined below to learn how to reset a locked iPad:

Step 1: Visit the iCloud website using your PC and sign in with your Apple ID and corresponding password.

Step 2: In the iCloud interface, locate and click the Find Devices option to start searching for your specific iPad.

Step 3: Once your device is recognized, select it from the list and click the Erase iPad option to continue. In some cases, you may need to provide your Apple ID and password as an additional security measure.

By doing this, your iPad will be completely wiped, effectively erasing all data and restoring it to its factory settings. As a result, you will not need a password to access the device again so you can configure it as a new device again.

Bonus Tip: How to Backup iPad and Then Reset iPad Safely

Backing up your iPad to a computer can protect your important data. For Windows PC users, it’s recommended to utilize FoneTool for a comprehensive iPad full backup. It is a professional iOS backup app that facilitates effortless backup of various iPad/iPhone/iPod models to your computer. With FoneTool, you can restore backup files to your specified device whenever necessary, ensuring data integrity.

Part 1. Make a Full iPad Backup for Safety

Step 1: Free download FoneTool on your PC > Connect your iPad to your PC via USB cable and launch FoneTool.

Step 2: Navigate to Phone Backup > Full Backup and click Get Started.

Step 3: If necessary, enable backup encryption to safeguard personal data. Then, select a backup path to backup iPad to an external hard drive or PC and initiate the backup process by clicking Start Backup.

Part 2. Erase All iPad Data Completely

When you have made an iPad full backup successfully, now you can use FoneTool to clean your iPad completely and permanently. Follow the simple steps:

Step 1: Launch FoneTool on your Windows PC > Connect your iPad to the computer using a USB cable and ensure that the device is trusted.

Step 2: Once FoneTool is open, navigate to the Toolbox section and select Data Eraser.

Step 3: Choose the Erase all data option and click Get Started to proceed.

Step 4: If you wish to permanently wipe the data, check the Deep Erase Technology option. Then, click the Erase Data button to initiate the process.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve forgotten your iPad’s lock screen passcode, resetting it is the only way to regain access. In this guide, we detail four different ways to restore your locked iPad to factory settings. However, before resetting your iPad, you’d better use the best iPad backup software called FoneTool to back up your data and then use it to wipe your iPad clean.