Why is my iPad asking for a passcode?

That is normal when you set up a device and may be automatically enabled when you use certain features. Read about that in Use a passcode with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

For a disabled iPad, or one for which you have an unknown passcode, Apple provides different solutions depending upon the system version you are using and other criteria.

For devices with iPadOS 15.2 or later* you may be able to use the method in this support article: If you see an iPhone or iPad unavailable message or Security Lockout screen - Apple Support

If your device is still running iPadOS 15.1 or earlier, you will need to use the method in this support article: If you forgot your iPad passcode - Apple Support

You may also need to use this method if:

• your device is not connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network (if you restart your device when you see "Security Lockout" on the Lock Screen, you won't be able to reconnect to a Wi-Fi network until your device is unlocked. Cellular devices will reconnect to a cellular network if you have active service).

• you do not have your Apple ID and password that you used to set up your device.

*These models, when running iPadOS 15.2 or later, do not require a computer:

iPad Air2, iPad mini4 (if updated)

iPad Pro

iPad Air 3rd generation and later

iPad (5th generation and later)

iPad mini (5th generation and later)

Here are resources if you are prompted for your username and password and have forgotten them:

If you forgot your Apple ID email address or phone number - Apple Support Note that typically this is an email address you use.

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support

Presumably your iPad has been disabled through repeated input of an incorrect/unknown Passcode.

An iPad passcode cannot be recovered, reset or modified from another device.

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 iPad is disabled, 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

When using a Windows PC, to install the current version of iTunes for Windows, you will require either Microsoft Windows 10 or Windows 11. 

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

Unless you AppleID account has not been fully/correctly configured, or has been seriously neglected, recovery of the AppleID and password should not be difficult.

More information about recovery of your AppleID:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

More information about recovery of your AppleID password:

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support

When you recover access to your credentials, you would be well advised to log-in to your AppleID account from a web browser - and verify/update any email addresses and trusted telephone numbers:

https://appleid.apple.com

Why is it everyone blames the person? This is a problem that happens a lot to people with NO PASSCODE. I've never had a passcode on my ipads but it happens ever so often and for no apparent reason asks for a passcode. How can you put a passcode in when i've never had a passcode?

so annoying.