How to Factory Reset iPad without Passcode - 4 Easy Ways

Kelly Wu
Last updated: May 16, 2023

Want to factory reset your iPad but forgot your passcode? You've come to the right place. From this guide, you will learn how to reset your iPad to its factory settings without passcode in various ways.

iPad issues, like frozen apps, can often be fixed with a simple restart, but more complex problems may require a factory reset. Additionally, if you're selling or giving away your iPad, a factory reset is crucial to protect your data.

If you forget your iPad passcode, this guide aims to help you. In this article, you will find four ways to reset your iPad to factory settings without a passcode.

How to Factory Reset iPad without Passcode - 4 Ways

How to Factory Reset iPad without Passcode

If you have forgotten your iPad passcode, resetting it using the Settings app may not be a viable option. If that is the case, take one of the following approaches:

Factory Reset iPad via Security Lockout

If you have entered the wrong iPad passcode multiple times, your device will display a Security Lockout screen, which will include a countdown timer and an Erase option in the bottom right corner. You can use this option to reset your iPad without the need for a computer. To ensure that the process goes smoothly, make sure that you fulfill the following requirements:

  • Your iPad is running on iPadOS 15.2 or a later version.
  • Your device is connected to a cellular network or wireless LAN.
  • You know the Apple ID and password used to set up your device.

Once you have met these prerequisites, follow these steps to reset your iPad:

  1. Tap Erase iPad in the bottom corner of your screen.
  2. Tap Erase iPad again to confirm.
  3. Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple ID.
  4. Tap Erase iPad to wipe all data on your iPad.
  5. When your iPad restarts, it can be set as new.
Tip
You can only reach the Security Lockout screen if your iPad is connected to a network and Find My is enabled.

Factory Reset iPad via iCloud

If you don't see the Security Lockout screen on your iPad, reset your iPad to factory settings through iCloud. This method only works if your iPad has Find My enabled and is connected to the network.

Here's how:

  1. Visit icloud.com/find on your iPhone or computer.
  2. Sign in to your iCloud account.
  3. In the All Devices list, find the iPad you want to restore.
  4. Tap Erase iPad, enter your Apple ID password, and follow the screen instructions to clear all data on your iPad.
  5. When your iPad displays the Hello screen, set it up as new.
Erase iPad with iCloud
Tip
Tap Remove from Account if you want to turn off the Activation Lock on your iPad.

Factory Reset iPad via BuhoUnlocker

Both of the above methods can be used without using a computer. What if you want to factory reset your iPad on your computer?

BuhoUnlocker is always ready to help. It is one of the best iPhone unlocking software, which enables you to unlock all kinds of iOS locks without passcode. No iOS skills required.

DownloadRuns on Windows & Mac
Security Verified & 100% Safe

Here's how to reset your iPad to factory settings with BuhoUnlocker:

  1. Download, install, and open BuhoUnlocker.
  2. Click Unlock Screen Passcode > Start.
    Select Unlock Screen Passcode
  3. Connect your iPad to your computer and follow the BuhoUnlocker prompts to put it into recovery mode.
    Get iPad into Recovery Mode
  4. Download the latest firmware for your iPad and click Start Unlock button.
    Download Firmware for iPad
  5. Wait for the restoring process to complete.

Factory Reset iPad with iTunes/Finder

Wondering if there is a way to reset iPad without passcode and third-party unlocking tools?

The answer is yes. iTunes and Finder can help you do that. If you previously synced your iPad with Finder or iTunes before, you can quickly restore your iPad to factory settings by connecting it to the computer you synced with.

Restore iPad in iTunes

If you haven't synced before, reset your iPad in recovery mode. Here's what you should do:

  1. Connect your iPad to your computer.
  2. Use iTunes on Windows, macOS Mojave or earlier and Finder on macOS Catalina.
  3. Put your iPad into recovery mode:
  • Models without a Home Button:

    Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, quickly press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Top button until the "Connected to iTunes or Computer" screen appears.

  • Models with a Home Button:

    Press and hold the Home and Top buttons at the same time until the "Connected to iTunes or Computer" screen appears.

    iPad in Recovery Mode
  1. Find your iPad in Finder or iTunes, click Restore and wait for the restore process to complete.
    Restore iPad to Factory Settings with Finder in Recovery Mode

The Botton Line

Now that you have got 4 ways to factory reset your iPad without passcode, which would you like to try first?

Note that resetting your iPad will result in the removal of all content and settings. Plus, if you don't disable Find My before resetting, Activation Lock will be turned on. At this point, you will need the correct Apple ID and password to activate your device.

Living in Chengdu, Kelly is an Apple technician focused on Mac, iPhone, and iOS repairs. Meanwhile, he's also a columnist at Dr.Buho, with a simple mission to help fix Apple things that are with software or hardware glitches.