iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (2023)

iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (1)User Concern

“My son entered the wrong password too many times and now the iPad is locked, it shows only a message...iPad is disabled connect to iTunes. I'm connected now to iTunes and the iPad is connected to the computer but don't know what to do next...”

iPad will disable itself when entered the wrong passcode too many times to prevent any unauthorized access. If you entered the wrong passcodes for 6 times, you will get the message saying "iPad is disabled. Try again". If you still entered the incorrect passwords for more times, the error message of "iPad is disabled connect to iTunes" will come up.

What to do if your iPad has been accidentally disabled by a child or friend? Don't worry, there are steps you can take to restore or reset the device. In this article, we'll explain why your iPad is disabled and show you how to fix the issue with ease.

iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (2)

Why Is Your iPad Disabled?

As we mentioned above, you'll end up with a disabled iPad if you enter the incorrect passcode too many times. Here' how the error messages tie into the number of wrong passcode attempts:

  • 6 incorrect attempts: iPad is disabled. Try again in 1 minute.
  • 7 incorrect attempts: iPad is disabled. Try again in 5 minutes.
  • 8 incorrect attempts: iPad is disabled. Try again in 15 minutes.
  • 9 incorrect attempts: iPad is disabled. Try again in 60 minutes.
  • 10 incorrect attempts: iPad is disabled. Connect to iTunes.

Once your iPad has been disabled, you will have to connect the device to iTunes and restore it, which deletes your data and settings including the passcode. Below, we will show you a couple ways to unlock and fix disabled iPad.

Way 1: Unlock Disabled iPad with iTunes or Finder

If you have synced your iPad with iTunes or Finder previously, you can connect your disabled iPad to iTunes/Finder to restore the device. Doing this will erase the iPad, but you can recover your data if you've made backup. Here's how to do it:

  1. Connect your iPad to your computer with a USB cable. Open iTunes or Finder and it will start syncing the device.
  2. Once the backup and sync is complete, click on "Restore iPad" to restore the device.

iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (3)

The restore process will take a few minutes. After that, you can choose to restore your iPad from a backup or set it up as a new device.

(Video) ALL iPADS FIXED: "iPad is disabled connect to iTunes”

Way 2: Unlock Disabled iPad in Recovery Mode

Putting your iPad into recovery mode is a well-trodden technique to wipe all the data and settings on the device, including the screen password. It is worth to try if you have never synced iPad with iTunes or Find My iPad is disabled. Follow the steps below to unlock disabled iPad in recovery mode:

Step 1: Launch iTunes if you are using a Windows computer or Finder if you are using a Mac.

Step 2: Then put your iPad in recovery mode using the buttons.

  • For iPad with Face ID, keep holding the Top button and Volume Down button to turn off the device. Connect the device to computer while pressing the Top button until the recovery mode screen appears.
  • For iPad with Home button or Touch ID, turn off the iPad and connect the device to computer while holding the Top button. Keep holding the button until you see the recovery mode screen.

iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (4)

Step 3: iTunes/Finder will detect your iPad being in Recovery mode and provide you with the options to Restore or Update.

iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (5)

Step 4: Choose "Restore" and iTunes or Finder will download software for your iPad and install it.Wait for the restore process to complete, then you can set up and use your iPad.

Pros:

  • If you have a backup for your iPad, you can retrieve the device data or fix most iPad issues by restoring the backup.

Cons:

  • You must own a computer to perform this method. Or, this method will not be feasible for you.
  • If unfortunately, you didn’t back up the iPad with computer, you will lost all the device data after the process.
  • The steps are not that eay to follow. If the process to download the new software takes up to 15 minutes, the iPad will exit Recovery mode automatically. You will have to repeat the steps in step 2 to put the device in recovery mode again.

Way 3: Unlock a Disabled iPad without iTunes or iCloud

Indeed, here is the most reliable way that I highly recommend to you to fix "iPad is disabled connect to iTunes" without iTunes or passcode. Generally, it is more efficient to fix this kind of iPad issues with a 3rd-party tool.

FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker provides easy and fast way to unlock disabled iPad without the assistance of iTunes. And its user-friendly interface will not require you to have professional skills to operate. Following are the main features of this iPhone unlocking tool:

(Video) iPad is disabled, connect to iTunes? Unlock It without iTunes!

  • This software can unlock disabld or locked iPhone/iPad/iPod touch without passcode or iTunes.
  • It can help to remove Apple ID/iCloud account from iPhone or iPad without password.
  • Supports to remove all kinds of screen locks, including 4-digit/6-digit passcode, Touch ID and Face ID.
  • The unlocking process is very easy and smooth. You will not have any problems when using this program.
  • Works well with all models of iPad and iPhone, including iPad Pro, iPad Air 4/3/2, iPad mini 4/3/2, iPhone 14/13/12, etc and iOS 16.
  • It is highly recommended by iLounge, JustWebWorld, iGeekPhone and many other media sites.

Now following the step-by-step guide to unlock disabled iPad with FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker:

Step 1. You need to have this program installed on your computer. Then run it and opt for "Unlock Screen Passcode" feature.

iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (8)

Step 2. Get the disabled iPad connected with your computer and follow the on-screen instructions to put the device into Recovery/DFU mode.

iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (9)

Step 3. When the iPad is recognized, all available iOS firmware package will be loaded on the interface. Choose the matching one and then click on "Download".

iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (10)

Step 4. When the download completes, click on "Start Unlock" to begin the unlocking process. Your iPad will restart and the screen password will also be removed.

iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (11)

Way 4: Unlock Disabled iPad with iCloud Find My

If you're unable to access iTunes/Finder, or your iPad is lost or stolen, you can erase your iPad using iCloud. To do this, you should have previously enabled Find My on the iPad. Note this will erase all the data on the iPad, but you can restore your data if you have made backup before.

(Video) (2022) Forgot Your iPad Passcode? Here’s How You Can Regain Access - NO COMPUTER!!

  1. Go to iCloud.com/find on your browser and login in with your Apple ID and password.
  2. After signing in, click on "Find My iPad" and choose your iPad from the "All Devices" list.
  3. Now click on "Erase iPad" and then click "Erase" again to confirm, all the iPad information including password will be wiped completely.
  4. Your iPad will reboot and you can now access to the device and set it up.

iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (12)

Pros:

  • You can use this method even though there is no computer in hand.
  • It is one of the Apple's official method to unlock disabled iPad and the whole process is very simple.

Cons:

  • Unless you have a backup, you will lose all the data on your iPad.
  • The device needs to be connected to the internet for this method to work.
  • This method only works if you have enabled Find My on the iPad.

Way 5: Unlock Disabled iPad Using Hard Reset

Hard resettig the iPad will resolve most problems coming large or small. And according to the users from Apple Community, this way could be helpful to fix the iPad disabled problem with ease. To hard reset your iPad, ensure the device isn't connected to a computer and then follow the steps below:

  • For iPad with Face ID: Press and hold the Top button and either the Volume Up button or Volume Down button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slide to turn off your iPad. Then press and hold the Top button to turn your iPad back on.

iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (13)

  • For iPad with Home Button: Press and hold the Top button until the power off slide appears. Drag the slide to turn off your iPad. Then keep holding the Top button to turn on your iPad.

iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (14)

Pros:

  • There is no need to use a computer to perform this method.
  • Quick and easy to perfrom.

Cons:

  • No one can guarantee that it always works.

Way 6: Erase iPad Using the Security Lockout

If your iPad is running iPadOS 15.2 or later, there is a chance that you can use the Security Lockout feature to erase all the data on the device and therefore unlock it. Follow these steps to use this method;

Step 1: Enter the wrong passcode several times until you see the “Try Again Later” prompt. You should also see the “Erase iPad” option at the bottom of the screen.

iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (15)

(Video) iPad is disabled, connect to iTunes? Restore iPad If Forgot Passcode (3 Methods)

Step 2: Tap on “Erase iPad” twice to confirm that this is what you want to do.

iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (16)

Step 3: When prompted, enter the Apple ID and password for the device and then tap “Erase iPad” again for the process to begin.

iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes? 7 Ways to Unlock It (17)

Step 4: When the process is complete, your device will restart and you can set it up again. You should also be able to restore any data from an iCloud backup.

Pros:

  • It is very similar to the iCloud method, but Find My doesn’t need to be enabled on the iPad, and you won’t need to connect the device to the computer at any stage.

Cons:

  • Your iPad will however need to be connected to the internet for this method to work and you will need to enter your Apple ID and password.
  • This feature is also only available for iPad running iPadOS 15. 2 or later.

Way 7: Contact Apple to Unlock Disabled iPad

It is also advisedly to contact Apple Store for technique support if the above solutions don't work. But you'd better make sure whether your iPad is under guarantee or not. If it is under guarantee, the Apple tech support will help you unlock disabled iPad for free. Or it could be costly.

The Bottom Line

This article details the 7 methods that you can use to fix an iPad that is disabled after entering the wrong password too many times. But these are not the only solutions out there for this particular problem.

After trying most of them, I’ve found that FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker is one of the best ways to unlock a disabled iPad. Just download the software and follow the instructions and you should have a working iPad in just a few minutes.

FAQs

How do you unlock a disabled iPad that says connect to iTunes? ›

Connect your iPad to a computer that has iTunes. While the device is connected via USB port, conduct a Force Restart by holding the Home button while also holding the Power button, until the Apple logo appears. After a few minutes, you are prompted to either Restore or Update.

How do I unlock my iPad that is completely disabled? ›

If you enter the wrong passcode on your iPad Lock Screen too many times, an alert will inform you that your iPad has been disabled.
...
If you've forgotten your iPad passcode
  1. Step 1: Make sure you have a computer (Mac or PC) ...
  2. Step 2: Turn off your iPad. ...
  3. Step 3: Put your iPad in recovery mode. ...
  4. Step 4: Restore your iPad.
Jul 14, 2022

How do you unlock a disabled iPad without iTunes or Home button? ›

Go to iCloud.com on a computer or another device > Log in to your iCloud account (Apple ID). Click on “Find iPhone” > Click on the “All Devices” option > Select the device that has been disabled > Click “Erase iPhone”. Afterward, your device will reset back to factory settings and all data will be removed.

Can you bypass iPad disabled? ›

To unlock a disabled iPad if you forgot the password, you can restore it with Finder or iTunes. You can also unlock your iPad by doing a system restore using the Find My website or app. You'll need a recent iPad backup to get your data back after you restore and unlock it.

How do you force a factory reset on an iPad? ›

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad. Do one of the following: Prepare your content and settings to transfer to a new iPad: Tap Get Started, then follow the onscreen instructions. When you finish, return to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad, then tap Erase All Content and Settings.

How do I factory reset my iPad with just the buttons? ›

Press the ​Home​ button and the ​On/Off​ button at the same time. Keep holding the buttons down until after the screen turns black and the iPad starts up again. When the Apple logo appears on the screen, release the buttons.

How long can an iPad stay disabled? ›

How long can an iPad be locked? Your iPad will be disabled for 1 minute after six failed password attempts in a row. The more time you enter the wrong passwords successively, the longer the iPad will be locked. And there is no time limit.

How do I factory reset my iPad without iTunes? ›

Part 2: Proven Ways to Restore iPad Without iTunes
  1. Head to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone (or Reset in older iPhones).
  2. On the next interface, tap Erase All Contents and Settings.
  3. Your iPhone will show a list of the data that will be erased. ...
  4. Enter your iPad's passcode to confirm your action.
Feb 20, 2023

How do you Undisable an iPad without Apple ID? ›

How to Unlock iPad without Apple ID:
  1. Download and launch AnyUnlock on your computer. Connect your iPad to the computer with a USB cable. ...
  2. When your iPad is detected by AnyUnlock, click on the Unlock Now button.
  3. The app will immediately start unlocking your Apple ID and you will see the live progress on your screen.
Oct 17, 2022

Can you do anything with a disabled iPad? ›

If your iPad says it's disabled, it means that you're totally locked out. At this point, the only way to re-enable your iPad is to either wait (assuming it's given you a time limit) or reset the iPad using your computer. And if you don't know your password, resetting the iPad is your only option.

Is it possible to unlock an iPad without Apple ID and password? ›

If you want to unlock an iPad without a password, Apple-approved methods include using iTunes or Apple's Find My feature using a computer.

How do I put my iPad in recovery mode? ›

Keep your iPad connected and wait until the recovery mode screen appears:
  1. For an iPad without a Home button: Press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button. ...
  2. For an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold both the Home and the top (or side) buttons at the same time.
Sep 23, 2021

Can you reset an iPad without a computer? ›

If you can't access a computer and your device still works, you can erase and restore your device without a computer.

What happens after 10 failed passcode attempts iPad? ›

If you enter the wrong passcode on your iPhone Lock Screen too many times, an alert lets you know that your iPhone is disabled. (Learn what to do if you see "[Device] unavailable" or "Security Lockout" on your iPhone or iPad.)

How many attempts do you get to unlock iPad? ›

If you enter the wrong passcode six times in a row, you'll be locked out of your device, and you'll receive a message that says iPad is disabled. If you can't remember your passcode, you can erase your iPad with a computer or with recovery mode, then set a new passcode.

How do you unlock an Apple device that says connect to iTunes? ›

Turn off your iPhone. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC with a cable while holding the Volume down button. Keep pressing the button until you see the recovery screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to recover your iPhone.

How do I reset my iPad without iTunes? ›

Part 2: Proven Ways to Restore iPad Without iTunes
  1. Head to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone (or Reset in older iPhones).
  2. On the next interface, tap Erase All Contents and Settings.
  3. Your iPhone will show a list of the data that will be erased. ...
  4. Enter your iPad's passcode to confirm your action.
Feb 20, 2023

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