Reset a Completely-iPad-Locked Device to Factory Settings

To completely reset an iPad, erase it through Settings if you can unlock it, or use recovery mode and a computer if you cannot. A complete iPad reset removes personal data and settings, but it does not remove Activation Lock or eliminate the need for the Apple Account previously linked to the device.

When should you completely reset an iPad?

A complete reset returns an iPad to factory settings. It is appropriate when you have forgotten the passcode, the iPad is disabled or unavailable, the Settings menu does not respond, or you are preparing to sell or give away the device.

Resetting may also help when repeated restarts have not fixed a serious software problem. Try a normal restart first if you can still use the iPad, because a factory reset erases everything stored on it.

A reset will not bypass Activation Lock. Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature that may require the Apple Account, formerly called an Apple ID, that was associated with the iPad before it was erased.

What do you need before you completely reset an iPad?

• Charge the iPad enough to keep it powered throughout the reset. Leave it connected to power if the battery is low.
• Use a compatible cable if you will reset a locked iPad with a Mac or Windows computer.
• Update the computer before starting. On a Mac, you will normally use Finder. On Windows, use the Apple Devices app or iTunes if that is what the computer supports.
• Have the Apple Account email address or phone number and password available. You may need them during erasure or setup.
• Confirm that you have a recent iCloud or computer backup if you want to recover photos, messages, apps, and settings.
• Be prepared for all locally stored content, accounts, passcodes, and settings to be erased.

If the iPad belongs to an employer, school, or another person, contact the organization or owner before resetting it. Device-management restrictions can affect both erasure and setup.

How do you completely reset an iPad from Settings?

Use the Settings method only when the iPad is unlocked and you can open its menus.

1. Back up the iPad to iCloud or a computer if you need to preserve its data.
2. Open Settings, select General, and choose Transfer or Reset iPad.
3. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Review the items that will be removed, then select Continue.
5. Enter the iPad passcode when prompted.
6. Enter the Apple Account password if the iPad asks for it. This signs out of the account and turns off Activation Lock as part of the approved erasure process.
7. Confirm the erasure and keep the iPad connected to power while it restarts.

The iPad may restart more than once. When the Hello screen appears, the iPad has been completely wiped and is ready for setup.

How do you completely reset a locked or disabled iPad?

To completely reset a locked iPad without its passcode, place the iPad in recovery mode and restore it with a computer. Recovery mode is a startup state that lets a computer reinstall iPadOS when the normal Settings controls are unavailable.

1. Turn off the iPad. Disconnect it from the computer first if necessary.
2. For an iPad without a Home button, press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button, press and quickly release the other volume button, then hold the top button while connecting the iPad to the computer.
3. For an iPad with a Home button, hold the Home button while connecting the iPad to the computer.
4. Keep holding the required button until the recovery-mode screen appears. Do not release it when the Apple logo first appears.
5. Open Finder on a Mac or Apple Devices or iTunes on Windows, then select the iPad.
6. When offered the choice to Update or Restore, choose Restore. The computer will erase the iPad and reinstall iPadOS.
7. Leave the cable connected until the computer reports that the restore is complete and the iPad reaches its setup screen.

This process can completely wipe and reset the iPad without the screen passcode. It cannot remove Activation Lock; the linked Apple Account may still be required afterward.

What happens after you completely reset an iPad?

After a successful reset, the iPad displays the Hello screen and opens Setup Assistant. Setup Assistant guides you through language, region, Wi-Fi, security, and account choices.

1. Follow the on-screen prompts and connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Sign in with the Apple Account associated with the iPad if Activation Lock appears.
3. Choose to restore from an iCloud or computer backup if one is available.
4. Choose the new-device option if you want an empty setup with no restored data.
5. Create a new device passcode that you can remember and store securely.

If the iPad is leaving your possession, stop at the Hello screen rather than entering your personal account information. If Activation Lock remains, sign in with the linked Apple Account and follow the prompts to release the device properly.

What should you do if the iPad reset does not complete?

• If the computer does not detect the iPad, reconnect the cable, try another compatible port, and restart both devices.
• If the iPad leaves recovery mode before the software finishes downloading, let the download complete and then repeat the recovery-mode steps.
• If Restore is unavailable, update Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes and try again.
• If an error code appears, record it exactly. The code helps identify whether the problem involves the cable, computer software, connection, or iPad hardware.
• If the iPad remains on the Apple logo or a progress bar for an unusually long time, keep it connected to power and check whether the computer still shows an active restore.
• If Activation Lock appears after erasure, use the Apple Account previously linked to the iPad. Resetting the device again will not clear that lock.

How do you get official help with a locked iPad?

If recovery mode fails, an Apple Account password cannot be reset, or Activation Lock remains, open {site} and choose the support option for iPad, passcodes, Apple Account access, or Activation Lock.

Have the iPad nearby, note any error message, and gather valid proof of ownership if Apple requests it. Official Apple Support can explain the available account-recovery or service steps, but no legitimate reset procedure should require a third-party unlocking tool.