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How do I reset my disabled iPad using my Mac?

Without iTunes on my Mac (it’s not available anymore) how can I reset my sons iPad which he has forgotten the passcode to? I plug it in to my Mac but finder won’t pick it up because it’s locked.

iPad Pro (5th generation)

Posted on Jun 21, 2023 5:59 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 22, 2023 3:52 AM

Expanding upon Demo’s existing guidance…


A forgotten or unknown iPhone/iPad passcode cannot be recovered - and neither can it be reset or modified from another device.


You may find this support page to be helpful:

If you see an iPhone or iPad unavailable message or Security Lockout screen - Apple Support



iOS/iPadOS 15.2 or later with a forgotten Passcode


Apple has introduced a new 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


If you iPad is not recognised when connected to your computer, try using a different USB port; if your computer has both USB-C and USB Type-A ports, try using the USB Type-A port of the computer.


If difficulties persist, this support page may help with troubleshooting:

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support



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



4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 22, 2023 3:52 AM in response to Coads

Expanding upon Demo’s existing guidance…


A forgotten or unknown iPhone/iPad passcode cannot be recovered - and neither can it be reset or modified from another device.


You may find this support page to be helpful:

If you see an iPhone or iPad unavailable message or Security Lockout screen - Apple Support



iOS/iPadOS 15.2 or later with a forgotten Passcode


Apple has introduced a new 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


If you iPad is not recognised when connected to your computer, try using a different USB port; if your computer has both USB-C and USB Type-A ports, try using the USB Type-A port of the computer.


If difficulties persist, this support page may help with troubleshooting:

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support



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



Jun 22, 2023 5:07 AM in response to Coads

If the procedure is done properly, you should see the device on the Finder. I copied this from the Apple support that I posted above. Notice it mentions the Finder.


Step 4: Restore your iPhone

  1. Locate your iPhone in the Finder or in iTunes on the computer that it’s connected to. (Learn how to find your connected iPhone.)


Have you even tried the steps in the article?

How do I reset my disabled iPad using my Mac?

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