How to Fix a Disabled iPad: Reasons and Quick Unlocking Methods

iPad lockout is one of the most common issues when using an iPad. If you are also facing this problem, let FPT Shop explore the causes and how to unlock it immediately.

Causes of iPad Lockout

Before learning how to unlock a locked iPad, you need to understand the causes of this situation in order to prevent it in the future. The iPad is a product with many modern features, especially high security due to its use of the iOS system. When entering an iPad password, you need to enter it correctly within the first 5 attempts.

What happens if you enter the wrong iPad password 5 times? In this case, the iPad will be disabled and temporarily locked for a period of time or permanently to protect user information. After entering the password incorrectly 5 times, each subsequent incorrect attempt will result in a different lockout time for the iPad, specifically:

• If you enter an incorrect password on the 6th attempt, the iPad will be disabled for 1 minute and you will have to wait for this 1 minute to enter the password again.
• If you enter an incorrect password on the 7th attempt, the iPad will be successively disabled for 5 minutes, 15 minutes, or 60 minutes, depending on the number of incorrect attempts.
• If you enter the iPad password incorrectly more than 10 times, the device will be permanently disabled and all data in it will be automatically erased to protect user information.

In addition to entering the wrong password, the iPad lockout can also be caused by malicious software or an outdated iOS operating system version that needs to be updated to a newer version compatible with the device.

How to Fix an iPad Lockout

What should you do if you forget your locked iPad password? Here are some methods you can use to unlock a locked iPad.

Unlocking an iPad with iTunes Sync

One of the effective ways to fix iPad lockout is to sync it with iTunes. Regularly syncing your iPad with iTunes will make unlocking your iPad simpler and faster without having to take it to a repair center.

Step 1: Connect your iPad to your computer using USB.

Step 2: Download and install iTunes on your computer, then open iTunes, sign in, and select the corresponding iPad connection.

Step 3: Restart your iPad. If you are using an iPad Pro, press and release the Volume Down button and do the same with the Volume Up button to restart. Then continue to hold the Power button until the iPad display shows the recovery mode.

Step 4: Select the Restore option in iTunes to download the software to restore your iPad. Then choose Restore from iTunes backup when the iOS Setup Assistant prompts you to set up your device.

Step 5: Select your iPad and choose the latest backup to complete the process.

Fixing an iPad Lockout with iCloud

Another method to unlock a locked iPad that you should try is using iCloud.

Step 1: Connect your iPad to your computer using USB, then access the iCloud website and log in to your iCloud account.

Step 2: Click on the All Devices option to select the device you want to restore.

Step 3: Click on the Erase option next to the device name to restore the locked iPad.

Step 4: Finally, select the Setup Assistant option for the iPad to return to the latest backup and no longer be locked.

Unlocking an iPad without iTunes Sync

If your iPad and iTunes are not synced, you can perform the following steps to fix a locked iPad.

Step 1: Turn off the iPad and use a USB cable to connect it to your computer.

Step 2: Press and hold the Home button on the iPad while simultaneously holding the Power button to enter DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode.

Step 3: Wait a few minutes until the iPad successfully connects to iTunes. When your computer notifies you that iTunes has detected the iPad in recovery mode, press OK to proceed.

Step 4: The iPad will now return to the initial mode, so select Restore and click on Restore from iTunes backup.

Step 5: Select your iPad and choose the latest backup.

Unlocking an iPad with Third-Party Software

If the above three methods do not work, you can use third-party software to fix this issue. The commonly used software to unlock an iPad is SD iPhone Passcode Unlocker.

Step 1: Download SD iPhone Passcode Unlocker and select Windows, Mac, or the Free mode to try it out.

Step 2: Run iMyFone LockWiper and select the Unlock Screen Passcode option.

Step 3: Click on Start to put your iPad in Recovery Mode as instructed in the first method.

Conclusion

So, FPT Shop has just shared with you how to handle an iPad lockout, hoping that it can be helpful to you. To avoid this situation, you should write down the iPad password in a notebook, note it on your phone, etc., to prevent entering the wrong password too many times and getting locked out.