How to Undisable an iPad

This wikiHow teaches how to re-enable an iPad that has been disabled due to too many incorrect passcodes.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using iTunes

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    Connect the iPad to a computer you've synced with via USB. You can use iTunes to re-enable an iPad if you have previously synced the iPad with that computer.
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    2
    Open iTunes. You'll need to have previously synced your iPad using iTunes on this computer.
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    Wait for the sync and backup to complete. This may take a few minutes. You can monitor the progress at the top of the iTunes window.
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    Click the iPad icon. You'll see this at the top of the iTunes window next to the library selection menu.
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    Click Restore iPad. Click "Back Up" if prompted and iTunes didn't perform a backup automatically.
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    Click Restore to confirm.
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    Wait for your iPad to restore. This could take about 20 minutes to complete.
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    Start the Set Up process. This is the guided process that starts when the device is first used.
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    Tap Restore from iTunes backup when prompted.
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    Click the backup list that appears in iTunes.
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    Click the backup that you want to restore. Use the date and time of the backup to determine the one to use.
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    Click Restore to apply the backup.
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    Wait for the restore process to finish. The data from the backup will be applied and you'll be able to access the iPad again.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using iCloud

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    Open the web browser on another computer or device. If you were signed into your iCloud account on your iPad and had Find My iPad enabled, you can use the iCloud website to restore your iPad.
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    Visit icloud.com/find.
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    Sign in with your Apple ID and password. Make sure it's the same account you are signed in with on your iPad.
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    Click the All Devices menu. You'll find this at the top of the website.
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    Click your iPad. This will center the map on your iPad's last known location and show the options for it.
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    Click Erase iPad. This is in the bottom-right corner of the iPad's card on the screen.
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    Click Erase to confirm.
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    Wait for your iPad to erase. This may take a few minutes to finish.
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    Start the iPad Set Up process. Once the iPad has been erased, you'll be taken through the new device set up process. Swipe to start and then follow the prompts.
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    Restore a backup (if possible). If you had previously backed up your device to iCloud, you can restore the backup during the setup process. Otherwise, just proceed as if the device is new.
    • You'll still be able to redownload all of your apps and iTunes Store content, as well as recover your mail and messages, by signing in with the same iCloud account.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Recovery Mode

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    Connect your iPhone to any computer via USB. If you aren't signed into iCloud on your iPad or don't have Find My iPad enabled, or you have never synced to iTunes, you can use Recovery Mode to restore your disabled iPad.
    • This will delete all of the data.
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    Open iTunes. If iTunes is not installed, you can download it from apple.com/itunes/download.
    • You do not need to have previously synced with the computer to use Recovery Mode.
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    Press and hold the Power and Home buttons. The Power button can be found along the the top edge on the right side. The Home button is in the center at the bottom.
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    Hold both buttons as the iPad force restarts. You'll see the screen go dark and then the Apple logo appear. Keep holding both buttons.
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    Continue holding both buttons until the iTunes logo appears. You'll see the iTunes logo and a USB cable appear on the iPad's screen. This means the iPad is in Recovery Mode. You can now release the buttons.
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    Click Restore in iTunes. You'll see this option in the window that appears when the iPad enters Recovery Mode.
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    Wait for the restore process to complete. This may take a few minutes. You'll see a progress bar underneath the Apple logo on the iPad's screen.
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    Start the iPad setup process. Follow the prompts to set up your iPad as if it were new.
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    Restore from a backup (if possible). If you have a previous backup available in iCloud, you can restore from it during the setup process.[1]
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How long does it take to undisable an iPad?
    Natalie Duggan
    Natalie Duggan
    Community Answer
    The time needed ranges from 4-10 minutes. If you use recovery mode, it will take only a couple of minutes but if you use iTunes it will take a little longer.
  • Question
    Can I get my photos back?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can get your photos back with the iCloud backup. If you didn't backup your iPad, the photos usually are erased.
  • Question
    Is there any way to un-disable my iPad Mini without iTunes?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No there is not. Take it to an Apple store but they would probably have to erase all data.
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wikiHow Video: How to Undisable an iPad


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References

  1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204306

About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 115,895 times.
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Co-authors: 9
Updated: May 5, 2021
Views: 115,895
Categories: Ipad
Article SummaryX

1. Connect the iPad to a computer with iTunes.
2. Open iTunes.
3. Click the iPad icon.
4. Click Restore iPad.
5. Click Restore.
6. Set up your iPad as new.

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