How to Reset a Locked iPad

If the wrong password has been entered too many times on your iPad lock screen, an alert lets you know that your iPad is disabled. Fortunately, you can use a computer to put your iPad into recovery mode and reset the device.

Steps for Resetting Your iPad

1. Make sure your computer (Mac or PC) has iTunes installed, and if you're using a PC, make sure you're on Windows 10 or later.
2. Turn off your iPad.
   1. Unplug your iPad from the computer if it's connected.
   2. Turn off your iPad using the method for your iPad model:
      1. If your iPad doesn't have a Home button: press and hold one of the volume buttons and the top button at the same time until the power off slider appears.
         
      2. If your iPad has a Home button: press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears.
         
   3. Drag the slider to turn off your iPad, then wait a minute to make sure that it turns off completely. 
3. Put your iPad in recovery mode.
   1. Find the button on your iPad that you'll need to hold in the next step:
      1. iPad models that don't have a Home button use the top button.
         
      2. iPad models that have a Home button use the Home button.
         
   2. Press and hold the correct button for your iPad while immediately connecting your iPad to the computer. Don't let go of that button.
   3. Keep holding the button until you see the recovery mode screen on your iPad, then let go. 
      
4. Restore your iPad.
   1. Locate your iPad in the Finder or in iTunes on the computer that it's connected to (here's how). 
   2. Choose Restore when you see the option to Restore or Update. Your computer downloads software for your iPad and begins the restore process. 
      
   3. Wait for the process to finish.
   4. Disconnect your iPad from the computer, then set up and use your iPad.

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