How to Unlock a Disabled iPad - Complete Guide 2025

Part 1. Why is My iPad Disabled?

Understanding why your iPad was disabled is the first step in repairing the issue and unlocking your device.

The infamous "iPad is disabled" appears typically if the incorrect passcode is repeatedly entered in succession. Apple does this to ensure your device remains secure against unauthorized use and data transfer.

This screen means several unsuccessful password attempts have been made on your iPad.

This disabling may be temporary or permanent, depending upon the frequency of wrong password attempts. The process generally works like this:

When your display says "iPad is disabled," you face a permanent security lockout. At this stage, you're stuck. Many people want to escape this situation and wonder, “How do I unlock a disabled iPad”? Let’s tell you!

You'll have to go a little extra to use your device again. Typically, resetting or restoring your device will work. In the following sections, we will explain how to respond to the iPhone is disabled message and how to open a disabled iPad by resetting it.

Part 2. What to Do When an iPad is Disabled?

If you notice the "iPad is disabled" message in the first place, don't panic. Immediately do the following easy steps:

1. Stop attempting random passcodes. This will only make the situation worse and may lock your iPad forever.
2. Recall whether you have ever synced your iPad with iTunes on your computer or iCloud. This will simplify the restoration of your device.
3. If all else fails, restoring your iPad is typically the last resort. This means you'll delete everything on your iPad and begin anew. Be sure you're prepared for this step, as you could lose your data without a backup.

Now, let’s move on to the solutions and check how to enable your iPad when it is disabled.

Part 3. How to reset a Disabled iPad?

Here are practical solutions to unlock and reset your disabled iPad:

Method 1. Bypass Security Lockout using Erase iPad

The “Erase iPad” option appears in iPadOS 15.2 and later. You can erase your iPad directly from the lock screen with this button.

Follow the step-by-step method below for this easy method.

Step 1. Tap on the "Erase iPad" option. You can see it at the bottom of the “iPad Disabled” screen.

Step 2. "Tap Erase iPad" again to confirm.

Step 3. Put your Apple ID and password. It will proceed with erasing your iPad.

These steps will erase your device. You can now open a disabled iPad and set it up as a new device.

If you cannot see or use the "Erase iPad" button, you can still unlock iPad that is disabled by using iTunes or Finder.

Method 2. Restore the Disabled iPad with iTunes or Finder App

In case you have synced your iPad to iTunes in the past, you can restore it very easily. Use the following process to reset the disabled iPad to factory settings using iTunes and unlock the disabled device.

Step 1. Firstly, ensure that iTunes is Updated.

Step 2. Plug the iPad into your computer using a USB cable.

Step 3. Put Your iPad into Recovery Mode.

For iPads with a Home Button:

1. Simultaneously, hold down the Home and Top (or Side) buttons.
2. Continue holding until you notice the recovery mode screen, which has an image of a cable plugging into a computer.

For iPads with no Home Button:

1. Press and release the Volume Up button quickly.
2. Press and release the Volume Down button quickly.
3. Next, press and hold the Top button until the recovery mode screen is displayed.

Step 4. After you successfully put the iPad in recovery mode, launch iTunes on your computer. A message “There is a problem with iPad” will show on the screen. Press the "Restore" button and confirm when asked.

Step 5. iTunes will install the required software and restore your iPad to its original settings.

Step 6. Once the restoration process is finished, your iPad will restart. You can then set it up as new or restore it from an earlier backup.

Let’s review another way to reset your iPad using Apple’s built-in Find My feature.

Method 3. Using iCloud Find My iPad

Find My is a free tool by Apple. It can assist you in tracking, finding, or remotely controlling your Apple devices. It lets you wipe the device remotely and all contents to secure your privacy.

The service can only be used once Find My is activated in device settings. If "Find My iPad" is turned enabled, you can remotely reset your device using the method below:

Step 1. Sign in to iCloud.com using your Apple ID.

Step 2. Click on "Find iPhone."

Step 3. Choose your disabled iPad from the list of devices.

Step 4. Click "Erase iPad" to begin remotely resetting your iPad.

After that, you can restore your device as new or restore it from a backup.

You can use all these methods if you can access your Apple ID, iCloud, or iTunes. But what if you have forgotten your Apple ID or password?

If you are wondering how I can unlock a disabled iPad without an Apple ID, Dr. Fone can help you with that. Let’s learn in detail.

Method 4. Editor's Pick: Unlock Disabled iPad with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

You can use Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) if the traditional methods listed above fail to assist you. Dr. Fone is a toolkit for fixing most smartphone device problems. This tool makes it easy and convenient to unlock your disabled iPad and reset the disabled iPad to factory settings. It will bypass your “iPad is Disabled” lock screen without requiring technical expertise.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Unlock iPhone/iPad Lock Screen Without Hassle.

• Simple, click-through, process.
• Remove screen passcodes, Face ID, Touch ID and Apple ID with ease.
• Bypass iCloud Activation Locks without Password.
• Bypass MDM and screen time without data loss.
• Supports the latest iOS version fully!

Available on: Windows Mac

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Step by Step method to Restore your iPad using Dr. Fone

Step 1. Download and install Dr. Fone on your computer.

Step 2. Launch the App and click the Toolbox tab. Select Screen Unlock and then select iOS. It will launch Dr. Fone’s iOS screen unlocker tool.

Step 3. Click Unlock iOS Screen to start unlocking your device.

Step 4. Click Start, and Dr. Fone will ask you to put your device in Recovery mode. Follow on-screen instructions according to your device’s model. If you fail to enter Recovery mode, click the DFU Mode button at the bottom and see the instructions for entering your device into DFU Mode.

Step 5. The system will detect your device’s model and system version automatically. Select your desired version if needed and click Start.

Step 6. Dr. Fone will now download the firmware package for your device. You can also copy the link and download it manually if the download speed is too slow.

Step 7. After successfully downloading the firmware package, click Unlock Now. Confirm to unlock and wait for a while until Dr. Fone removes the iPad's disabled screen.

Step 8. Check if your device is appropriately unlocked, or click Try Again to repeat the process.

That’s how easy it is to unlock your device using Dr. Fone’s screen unlock tool. Now, let’s review some frequently asked questions. Check this section if you have any questions.

Conclusion

In this article, we detailed why your iPad was disabled and compiled answers for people asking, “How can I unlock a disabled iPad?”. We mentioned various methods to resolve this problem, such as using iTunes, iCloud, or your device's easy "Erase iPad" feature.

If you've forgotten your password and standard approaches don't work, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is the way to go. It's a third-party application that will unlock your iPad with ease. No technical knowledge is needed, and it runs seamlessly. So, follow our guide, and your disabled iPad will be up and running quickly!

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