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Problem Solved! Easy Methods To Fix Security Lockout on iPad

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Jul 12, 2024 • Filed to: Remove Screen Lock • Proven solutions

iPad and other Apple devices will implement a security lockout feature after several failed attempts to unlock the device. It's a good security measure by Apple, as it adds an extra layer of security against any unauthorized access.

However, iPad security lockout can become a problem if you, as the device owner, find yourself locked out, unable to regain access to your iPad, turn off restrictions on iPad, and stuck with the problem. In such situations, there are several methods available to bypass the security lockout on iPads. These methods can vary depending on the situation, but they generally involve using iCloud, iTunes, or specialized software tools designed for this purpose.

Part 1. Why Does My iPad Say Security Lockout?

iPad security lockout

Let’s recall a few moments before your iPad says "Security Lockout". Most likely, you've had multiple unsuccessful attempts at entering the passcode, which makes your iPad lock the device temporarily.

Maybe you set a new passcode but forgot it soon after. Or perhaps you lent your iPad to someone who tried to unlock it with the wrong passcode several times. Even your kids playing around with your iPad can also accidentally trigger the iPad security lockout.

Regardless of the reasons, the result is the same: your iPad becomes temporarily locked as a security measure. Since the iPad lock screen is Apple's safeguard against unauthorized access, users are limited to ten attempts to unlock it, and this limit cannot be altered.

After the fifth incorrect passcode entry, your iPad locks with a timer, and the lockout duration increases with each subsequent failed attempt:

  • 6th try: Wait for 1 minute
  • 7th try: Wait for 5 minutes
  • 8th try: Wait for 15 minutes
  • 9th try: Wait for an hour
  • 10th try: iPad stays permanently locked

During this, your iPad might display a message like "iPad Unavailable", "iPad is disabled" or if you're using newer OS versions, your iPad might say "Security Lockout". Your iPad won't grant you access if you are not putting in the correct passcode.

Part 2. How to Bypass Security Lockout on iPad?

Now that you understand why your iPad says "Security Lockout", you might start feeling worried about accessing your device again. But fear not, there are a few methods you can take to bypass the security lockout in your iPad and regain access to your device. We'll explain any restrictions and prerequisites along the way, but these solutions are definitely worth a try.

Method 1. Bypass Security Lockout via Erase iPad

Beginning with iPadOS 15.2 and later versions, you can erase your iPads directly from the device itself in case you forget the passcode. This method can also be implemented when your iPad displays the "Security Lockout" message.

If you see the "Erase iPad" option, you can select it to reset your iPad from security lockout without needing to input the passcode first. However, you'll need to input your Apple ID and password later on to start the reset process.

How to bypass security lockout on iPad by erasing iPad:

Step 1: Enter an incorrect passcode on your iPad until you reach the "Screen Lockout" screen.

Step 2: Find and choose the "Erase iPad" option shown below.

Erase iPad to fix iPad security lockout

Step 3: Your iPad may prompt you to confirm the action and provide information about the potential risks when erasing the iPad. Tap "Erase iPad" again to proceed.

Step 4: Enter your Apple ID password as prompted to erase your iPad and bypass the screen lockout issue on iPad.

Method 2. Unlock Security Lockout via iTunes/Finder

If the iPad security lockout message has no erase option, you can try to put your iPad in recovery mode. However, this method will wipe your data and settings, including the passcode. So you need to set up the iPad anew after the process.

To unlock security lockout on the iPad using recovery mode, you'll need either iTunes or Finder, depending on your computer's OS. Finder is compatible with macOS Catalina and later, while iTunes works for macOS Mojave or earlier versions.

Now, follow the steps on how to fix the security lockout on the iPad via iTunes/Finder:

Step 1: Turn off the iPad

Step 2: Initiate the Recovery Mode:

  • For iPads with a Home Button: Simultaneously hold down the home and power buttons until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
  • For iPads without a Home Button: Press and release the volume down button, then the power button. Hold the power button until the device enters Recovery Mode.

Enter recovery mode to fix iPad security lockout

If your iPad still shows you the passcode, you need to power off your iPad and try again.

Step 3: Connect your iPad using a USB cable.

Step 4: Launch Finder or iTunes on your computer or Mac and locate your iPad.

Step 5: If iTunes detects an issue with your device, a dialogue box will give you the option to restore. Click "Restore" to proceed with the restoration process.

Using iTunes to fix iPad security lockout

Now, your computer will download software for your iPad and initiate the restore procedure. If the download takes long and your device exits the recovery mode screen, let it finish the download, turn your device off, and try again.

When the process has finished successfully, disconnect your iPad from the computer and proceed to set it up for use.

Method 3. Using Find My app

The next method to unlock the iPad screen lockout is using the Find My app on the iPad. Find My app is a built-in feature designed to locate and manage Apple devices remotely. With this method, you can remotely erase your iPad and its passcode, hence why it can help you regain access to your device.

However, this method requires that you have previously set up Find My on your iPad and have access to another Apple device or computer with the Find My app or iCloud.com.

Follow our instructions on how to unlock iPad security lockout:

Step 1: Access the iCloud website at iCloud.com through a computer or other devices.

Step 2: Log in with the Apple ID Image nameed to the iPad.

Step 3: Go to "Find My" and locate your iPad within the device list.

Select the locked iPad device on Find My

Step 4: Opt for the "Erase iPad" or "Erase this device" option and confirm the action by selecting "Erase iPad" once more.

Once the data erasure process finishes, proceed with setting up your iPad as if it were fresh out of the box.

Erase iPad to fix security lockout on iPad

Method 4. Using Dr.Fone Screen Unlock(iOS)

Last but not least, you can try out using third-party software specializing in unlocking devices like Wondershare Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS). With Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock tool, you can try advanced techniques to bypass passcodes and regain access to your iPad

Using Dr.Fone can be an alternative for users who can’t unlock security lockout on iPad through traditional means. It’s simple and easy to use, and you just need to let the software do the work. Additionally, Dr.Fone also supports older iPadOS versions, so you don’t have to worry about your iPad compatibility.

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How to fix a security lockout on iPad using Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS):

Step 1: Access Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock Tool

Download and install Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer. Then, navigate to Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS to open the specific tool in a new window.

Fix iPad security lockout with Dr.Fone

Step 2: Choose the Option to Unlock iOS

Select "Unlock iOS Screen" and click Start on the next screen to begin the unlocking process.

Choose the Unlock iOS option

Step 3: Enter Recovery Mode

Follow the instructions on the screen to put your iDevice into Recovery Mode. If Recovery Mode doesn't work, you can try clicking the Try DFU Mode button for instructions on putting your device into DFU mode.

Enter Recovery Mode

Step 4: Verify Device Details

Once your iPad is in Recovery Mode, the platform automatically detects the Device Model and displays it. If necessary, adjust the model and select the System Version as needed. Then, click Start to continue unlocking your device's screen.

Confirm device details

Step 5: Downloading Firmware

The platform will show the progress of downloading the firmware. After it's downloaded successfully, it will be verified. Click Unlock Now to proceed with the unlocking process.

Download the firmware

Step 6: Confirming the Unlocking Process

A prompt will appear to ask for confirmation of the process. Enter the required code and tap Unlock to proceed with the final step.

Confirm iPad unlocking process

Step 7: Installing Firmware on Your iPad

You can see the status of unlocking your iPad device on the progress bar. Keep your device connected throughout this process to prevent it from being bricked.

Once your iPad is successfully unlocked, click Done to finish the process. If your device is still locked, you can click Try Again to restart the process.

Finish the iPad unlocking process

Conclusion

Being locked out of your iPad due to iPad security lockout can disrupt your workflow and prevent you from accessing essential apps, documents, and data stored on your device. This situation can be especially stressful if you rely on your iPad for work and communication.

However, with the available methods, including using third-party software like Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS), you can unlock the security lockout on your iPad, regain access to your device, and resume normal usage. Each method has its own considerations, but they are certainly worth trying out.

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FAQs

Unfortunately, it's highly likely that you'll need to erase the data when resolving an iPad security lockout issue. When your iPad gets disabled, you lose access to your data. Resetting the iPad and following the methods above might be the only way to fix it. So it's important to have a backup of your data for restoration.
If you've turned on the "Erase Data" option in Face ID & Passcode settings, your iPad will be completely erased if you still enter the incorrect passcode after ten times to unlock the device.
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Daisy Raines

staff Editor

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