iPad Unavailable but No Erase Option? Try These 6 Fixes

For iPadOS 15.2 and later, Apple has introduced a new procedure to reset an unavailable iPad. With this mechanism, you can use your Apple ID and the password to reset your device when you forget the screen passcode.

However, some iPad users have reported that their iPad displays the message “iPad unavailable,” but there's no “Erase iPad” option available. In this post, we’ll figure out the possible causes. Then we’ll help you resolve the issues and show you how to reset your unavailable iPad without the erase option.

Why Does My iPad Say "iPad Unavailable" but There's No Erase Option?

If your iPad says “iPad unavailable,” but there is no "Erase iPad" option, you may check the following reasons.

• You can only see the “Erase iPad” option on iPadOS 15.2 and later. You cannot find the option if your iPad is running an earlier version. Besides, for iPad 17 and later versions, the “Erase iPad” option is renamed to “Forgot Passcode?”.
• If the “Find My” feature is turned off before it becomes unavailable, you won’t see the “Erase iPad” option.
• Your iPad isn’t connected to a stable internet.
• Your iPad is in Airplane mode or out of range. So the option won’t appear.
• There are software bugs or system issues that prevent the “Erase iPad” option from showing up.

How to Fix the "iPad Unavailable No Erase Option" Issue

Since your iPad is unavailable, you can’t make the “Erase iPad” option reappear on the lock screen. However, you can still use other methods to reset your iPad when the Erase iPad option isn’t available. Here are six proven solutions with detailed steps.

Wait for the Countdown Timer to Try Again

If there’s a countdown timer on the lock screen of your iPad, you can wait until it expires. And then you can enter the screen passcode to try again. However, if you still fail to recall the passcode, you may need to use other methods to force reset your device.

Erase Your iPad with the “Forgot Passcode?” Option

If you’re using iPadOS 17 or later, you’ll see a “Forgot Passcode?” option instead of an “Erase iPad” option. Similarly, the “Forgot Passcode?” option allows you to erase your iPad with your Apple ID. When you tap on the button, you’ll be instructed to reset your device using your Apple ID and password. Once the reset is complete, you can set up your iPad as new or restore it from an iTunes or iCloud backup.

1. Tap on the “Forgot Passcode?” button from the lock screen.
2. Enter your Apple ID and password.
3. Tap iPhone Reset ＞ Start iPhone Reset, then enter your Apple ID password as requested.
4. After restarting your iPad, set it up as a new device.

Unlock Your iPad with Third-Party Tools

When your iPad is unavailable or disabled, you can also erase it with third-party tools like BuhoUnlocker.

With this professional iOS unlocking tool, you can get rid of various screen locks like 4-digit numeric passcode, 6-digit numeric passcode, alphanumeric passcodes, Touch ID, and Face ID. If your iPad fails to detect or recognize your Touch ID or Face ID, you can also use BuhoUnlocker to erase your device. Besides, despite unlocking screen locks, you can also use it to remove other locks, such as Apple ID, Screen Time password, and MDM profiles.

Here's how:

1. Free install BuhoUnlocker on your Windows or Mac computer.
2. Connect your unavailable iPad to the computer through a USB cable.
3. Launch BuhoUnlocker and choose "Unlock Screen Passcode" from the home screen.

   

4. Read notes and follow the on-screen instructions to access the recovery mode.

   

5. Download the firmware needed to unlock your iPad.

   

6. Wait for a few minutes until it unlocks your unavailable iPad.

Erase Your iPad with iCloud

If you’ve enabled the “Find My” feature, you can also use iCloud to remotely erase your iPad. iCloud's “Find My” feature enables you to remotely access your iDevices even if they are locked or unresponsive.

1. Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
2. Click on the “All Devices” icon in the menu.
3. Select your unavailable iPad.
4. Click on the “Erase iPad” to initiate the process.
5. Follow the instructions to delete all data and settings.

Erase Your iPad with the Find My App

If you have enabled the Find My feature on your unavailable iPad and installed the Find My app on another Apple device, you can also use it to erase your iPad remotely. This method also takes advantage of the Find My feature, but it doesn’t require a computer. Thus, you can also take this measure to reset your iPad if it’s stolen or lost.

1. Open the Find My app on another Apple device.
2. Switch to the "Devices" tab to find and select your unavailable iPad.
3. Click on the “Erase iPad” option to reset your device.

Erase Your iPad via iTunes or Finder

Alternatively, you can force an erase via the latest iTunes or Finder. By connecting your iPad to a computer, putting it into recovery mode, and using iTunes or Finder, you can restore your device in minutes. After erasing your iPad, it will get the latest iPadOS.

1. Connect your iPad to the computer via a USB cable.
2. Open Finder on your Mac or launch iTunes on your Windows computer.
3. Enter the recovery mode:
   • For iPads with Face ID: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button, and hold the Top button until the recovery screen appears.
   • For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold both the Home and Top or Side button until you see the recovery screen.
4. When a pop-up window appears in Finder or iTunes, click on the “Restore” button to erase your iDevice.
5. Start your device as a new one or restore data from a previous backup.

Conclusion

Don’t feel discouraged if your iPad is unavailable and the “Erase iPad” option doesn’t appear. Factors such as your iPadOS version, network connection, or the status of the “Find My” feature can all prevent the option from showing up.

Even if you can’t erase your iPad directly from the lock screen, there are still several alternative methods you can use to unlock and erase your device. From waiting for the countdown timer to try again and using professional iOS unlocking tools like BuhoUnlocker to erasing your iPad with iCloud, iTunes, or the “Find My” app, you have many options to unlock your unavailable or disabled device. Luckily, each alternative method can help you get out of the dilemma and help you regain control over your unresponsive iPad.