Would this be a forgotten iPad Passcode, or AppleID Password? Perhaps both?
A forgotten or unknown iPhone/iPad passcode cannot be recovered - and neither can it be reset or modified from another device. If you see a waiting period you can wait and try again to input the correct Passcode; otherwise, the iPad must be restored.
You may find this support page to be helpful:
If you see an iPhone or iPad unavailable message or Security Lockout screen - Apple Support
iPadOS 17 or later with a forgotten Passcode
If you have changed your passcode in iOS/iPadOS 17 and later - and have since forgotten the new Passcode - you may be able to recover access using your previous Passcode. Passcode Reset gives you 72 hours to use your old Passcode to access your device; when you access your device in this way, you must change your passcode again immediately:
Temporarily use your old passcode when you forget your new passcode on iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
If you cannot use the new Passcode Reset feature, you must use another method.
iOS/iPadOS 15.2 or later with a forgotten Passcode
Apple has introduced a procedure with which to reset an iPad or iPhone with a forgotten Passcode - allowing you to use your AppleID and associated Password to reset your device.
How to reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch when you forgot your passcode - Apple Support
You will be able to restore data from a pre-existing iCloud backup without the use of a computer, but will require a PC/Mac to restore data from an iTunes backup.
iPadOS 15.1 and earlier - and all devices that are Disabled
If your iPhone/iPad indicates that it is disabled/unavailable/locked-out, or you have forgotten your iPad passcode, you have no alternative other than to follow this process:
If you’ve forgotten the passcode on your iPad, or your iPad is disabled – Apple Support
You’ll need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS).
Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support
Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support
Use of a PC or Mac is unavoidable. If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store will be delighted to assist:
Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
AppleID
You may also need your AppleID and associated password. If these have also been forgotten, they can be recovered here:
https://iforgot.apple.com
To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to one of the following:
- Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
- Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
- Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID
More information about recovery of your AppleID and associated Password:
If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support
If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support
Consider that an AppleID account is intended to be used for life. If you need to change the primary email address that identifies your account, or your secondary (recovery) email addresses or trusted telephone numbers, you simply need to update your AppleID account as necessary.
Change your Apple ID - Apple Support
Change your Apple ID password - Apple Support
What to do after you change your Apple ID or password - Apple Support
Change, add, or remove Apple ID payment methods - Apple Support
Few of us will have the luxury of forever keeping the same email addresses or telephone numbers - sometimes these needing to be changed for a variety of reasons. However, updating our AppleID account, maintaining access to our data and purchases, is easy and relatively straightforward - accommodating life’s many changes as they occur. Using a completely different AppleID account can introduce many complications and issues, not limited to losing access to paid Apps, subscriptions and services - these being forever tied to the AppleID account from which they were purchased.
