iPad Security Lockout? 4 Ways to Unlock Your iPad

After multiple incorrect passcode attempts, you will be locked out of your iPad. At this point, you may see a message on your iPad indicating Security Lockout.

So, what exactly is Security Lockout, and how can you unlock your iPad if it is in Security Lockout mode?

Don't worry. We're here to help you out. This guide covers all the answers. Let's take a look.

What Does Security Lockout Mean on iPad?

Security Lockout is an alternative to "iPad Disabled" and "iPad Disabled Connect to iTunes." It is only available on iOS 15.2/iPadOS 15.2 and later versions. When you see this message on your iPad, it means that you have entered the wrong passcode multiple times in a row, typically 7 or 8 times, depending on your iPadOS version.

The Security Lockout screen usually displays a timer and two buttons: Emergency and Erase iPad. The timer indicates the remaining time you need to wait before attempting again. If you do not see this timer, it means you don't have another chance to try. In such cases, you can reset your device directly by using the Erase iPad button.

How to Unlock Your iPad if It Says Security Lockout

If your iPad is stuck in the Security Lockout mode, follow the steps below to unlock your iPad.

Method 1. Unlock Security Lockout on iPad via "Erase iPad"

As we mentioned, there should be an Erase iPad button on the Security Lockout screen. It makes it possible to reset your iPad without using a computer.

Here's how to unlock your iPad:

1. Tap Erase iPad at the bottom of the Security Lockout screen.
2. Tap Erase iPad again to confirm your action.
3. When prompted, enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple ID.
4. Tap Erase iPad to delete all content and settings from your iPad.
5. After the reset process is complete, set up your iPad.

Method 2. Unlock Security Lockout on iPad via iCloud

What if the Security Lockout screen doesn't have an Erase iPad option?

Don't worry. iCloud is here to help. It allows you to reset your iPad remotely, as long as your device is connected to a network and Find My is enabled.

1. Go to icloud.com/find.
2. Sign in to your iCloud with your Apple ID.
3. Click All Devices at the top and select the iPad you want to erase.
4. Click the Erase iPad button, then follow the onscreen instructions to reset your device.

   

5. When your iPad restarts, set it up as new.

Method 3. Unlock Security Lockout on iPad via BuhoUnlocker

Neither of the above methods will work if Find My on your iPad is disabled. In this case, BuhoUnlocker is an ideal choice. It's an easy-to-use iOS and iPadOS unlocker that lets you remove screen passcode, Screen Time passcode, MDM profiles, and even Apple ID in just a few clicks. Here's how.

1. Download, install, and launch BuhoUnlocker on your computer.
2. Click Remove Screen Passcode > Start.

   

3. Connect your iPad to your computer, then put it into recovery mode.

   

4. Click the Download button to download the latest firmware for your iPad.

   

5. When done, click Start Unlock.
6. When you see the Hello screen, set up your iPad freely.

Method 4. Unlock Security Lockout on iPad via iTunes/Finder

Another method to unlock your iPad from Security Lockout is by using iTunes (PC) or Finder (Mac). In this example, we will focus on using Finder.

Finder provides two options to restore your iPad: normal mode and recovery mode. If you previously synced your iPad with your Mac, you can easily restore your iPad using Finder. However, if you haven't synced your iPad before, you will need to use recovery mode to get your iPad out of the Security Lockout mode.

Follow the steps below:

1. Connect your iPad to your Mac via a USB cable.
2. Launch Finder.
3. Manually put your iPad into recovery mode.

• iPad without a Home Button

  Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Top button until you see the recovery mode screen.

• iPad with Home Button:

  Press the Home button and the Power button at the same time. Release them until you see the recovery mode screen.

  

4. When prompted, click Restore.

   

5. After the restore is complete, set up your iPad.

The Bottom Line

Now you have several ways to unlock your iPad from the Security Lockout screen. Go and choose the one that meets your needs and get your iPad back to normal.

It's worth noting that all of these methods will wipe your iPad, which means you'll lose all your data. But if you ever backed up your iPad, you can restore the files from your backup after setting up your iPad.