How to Factory Reset an iPad Without a Password

You can factory reset an iPad without its passcode by placing the iPad in recovery mode and restoring it with a computer. The reset erases all data, but it does not remove Activation Lock or the Apple ID connected to Find My.

What do you need before you factory reset an iPad?

Before you factory reset an iPad without a password, gather the items and account details needed to complete setup afterward.

• A Mac or Windows computer with Finder, Apple Devices, or a current version of iTunes
• A compatible USB or charging cable
• A reliable internet connection for downloading the iPad software
• Access to the Apple ID, now called an Apple Account, previously used on the iPad
• Another Apple device or trusted number if account verification is required

A factory reset erases apps, photos, messages, settings, and other information stored on the iPad. You can restore information later only if an iCloud or computer backup exists. Charge the iPad before starting and keep the computer connected to power.

How do you reset an iPad with recovery mode and no passcode?

Recovery mode lets a computer erase and reinstall the iPad software when you cannot unlock the screen. The correct buttons depend on whether the iPad has a Home button.

1. On a Mac, open Finder. On a Windows computer, open Apple Devices or iTunes. Older Mac systems may also use iTunes.
2. Connect the iPad to the computer with a USB cable.
3. For an iPad without a Home button, quickly press and release the volume button nearest the top button. Quickly press and release the other volume button. Then hold the top button until the recovery-mode screen appears.
4. For an iPad with a Home button, hold the Home and top or side buttons together. Keep holding until the recovery-mode screen appears.
5. Select the iPad when it appears in Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes.
6. Choose Restore when the computer offers Restore or Update. Confirm that you want to erase the iPad and reinstall its software.
7. Leave the iPad connected while the software downloads and the restoration finishes.

If the download takes long enough for the iPad to leave recovery mode, let the download finish. Then repeat the recovery-mode button sequence and choose Restore again.

How do you erase an iPad remotely with Find My?

Find My can erase an unavailable iPad remotely only if Find My was enabled on that iPad before you lost access. The iPad must also connect to the internet before it can receive the erase command.

1. Open the Find My app on another Apple device and select Devices. Alternatively, sign in to iCloud.com and open Find Devices.
2. Select the locked iPad from the device list.
3. Choose Erase This Device or Erase iPad and follow the confirmation prompts.
4. Enter the Apple ID password if requested.
5. Wait for the iPad to come online. If it is offline, the erase remains pending until it connects.

Remote erasing does not turn off Activation Lock. Keep the iPad associated with the Apple ID if you plan to set it up again.

How do you factory reset an iPad when you know the passcode?

If you can unlock the iPad, resetting from Settings is the simplest method. Back up anything you want to keep before continuing.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Select Transfer or Reset iPad.
4. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Review what will be removed, then continue.
6. Enter the iPad passcode and Apple ID password when requested. The Apple ID confirmation signs out of the account and turns off Find My as part of the reset.

The iPad restarts at the setup screen after the erasure is complete. Do not interrupt the reset while the Apple logo or progress bar is displayed.

Why does an iPad ask for the previous Apple ID after a reset?

Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature that connects an iPad to the Apple ID used to enable Find My. Erasing the iPad with recovery mode does not remove that connection.

If the activation screen requests the previous Apple ID, enter the account credentials that were associated with the iPad. If the iPad belonged to someone else, that person must remove the iPad from their account through Find My. A passcode reset, another restoration, or DFU mode will not bypass Activation Lock.

If you own the Apple ID but cannot sign in, use Apple's account-recovery process. Account recovery can require identity checks and may not finish immediately.

What should you do when an iPad reset does not work?

When a factory reset on an iPad fails, check the connection and repeat the recovery steps before trying a deeper restore.

• Computer does not recognize the iPad: Reconnect the cable, try another USB port, restart both devices, and update Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes. Avoid an unpowered USB hub.
• Recovery mode does not appear: Confirm which iPad model you have, use the correct button sequence, and keep holding after the Apple logo appears. Release only when the recovery-mode screen is visible.
• Restore download ends and the iPad returns to the passcode screen: Let the computer finish downloading, then put the iPad back into recovery mode and select Restore.
• Computer shows a restore error: Check the internet connection, cable, USB port, available computer storage, and security software. Restart the computer before another attempt.
• Recovery mode repeatedly fails: Device Firmware Update mode, usually called DFU mode, can reload the device software while the iPad screen remains black. The timing and button sequence vary by model, so use Apple's instructions for the exact iPad model or ask Apple Support for guidance.

DFU mode also erases the iPad and does not remove Activation Lock.

When should you contact Apple Support about a locked iPad?

Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store when the computer cannot restore the iPad, buttons are not responding, repeated restore errors continue, or Activation Lock remains even though you are the documented owner.

For an Activation Lock request, Apple may require proof of ownership that identifies the iPad, such as the original receipt showing its serial number. A box, possession of the device, or knowledge of its screen passcode may not be enough by itself. Apple cannot provide the previous owner's Apple ID credentials.

If the iPad came from another person or organization, ask that owner or administrator to remove it from their Apple account or device-management system. Without the associated account credentials or acceptable proof of ownership, resetting the software will not make an Activation-Locked iPad available for setup.