We carry around our phones for communication, social media, and laptops for work, but the iPad is right there in the middle. Bigger screen for better communication and work experience than the phone, but less bulky than a laptop.
However, the “iPad Disabled” message instantly turns your iPad into a colossal phone you can’t use. The experience gets worse when you don’t have a computer that you can use to unlock it.
In this article, we’ll look at the various methods you can use to unlock your iPad without a computer or iTunes. Read on!
Unlocking your iPad doesn’t have to be done using a computer or iTunes. When locked out and can’t access your computer, the methods discussed below can come in handy.
While these methods work for most iPads, a few of them have specific system requirements your iPad has to meet. Confirm your iPadOS version and pick the best method for you.
Method 1. Via “Erase iPad” Option
For iPads running on iPadOS 15.2 or later, you can now unlock your iPad directly from the screen using the “Erase iPad” feature of the Security Lockout/iPad Unavailable screen. This feature will be automatically enabled when you enter the wrong passcode several times.
Warning: “Erase iPad” feature will wipe your device clean. Make sure you have a recent backup of your iPad before you proceed.
Conditions:
- iPad should run on iPadOS 15.2 or later
- iPad should be connected to a Wi-Fi network or cellular data
- Find My must be enabled on the iPad
- Apple ID and password should be known to set up your iPad
How to Unlock an iPad Via the “Erase Option.”
Step 1: Enter the wrong passcode seven times in a row. After the seventh try, you’ll see the Security Lockout try again in 15 minutes warning displayed on the screen.
Step 2: At the bottom right of the screen, tap Erase iPad. Tap Erase iPad again on the “Erase All Content & Settings” screen.
Step 4: Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple ID.
Step 5: Wait for the process to finish. Your iPad will restart afterward.
Method 2. Unlock iPad From iCloud.com
Another option you can use is Apple’s tracking service Find My option, which can be accessed via iCloud.com.
In addition to locating iOS devices, “Find My” allows one to erase their device remotely if it has sensitive data. This is crucial when the device is lost or has been stolen.
Even though your iPad is not lost, we can still erase it from the Find My app and set it up fresh with a new passcode. Finally, you can restore your data from iCloud and have the iPad working as if nothing had happened.
Requirements:
- Find My should be enabled on the iPad
- Your Apple ID should be logged in on the iPad
- iPad should be connected to a Wi-Fi network or cellular data
How to Unlock Your iPad From iCloud.com
Step 1: Head to iCloud.com on a web browser and enter your Apple ID and password to log in.
Step 2: On the homepage, select Find iPhone.
Step 3: Select your iPad from the “All Devices” drop-down list.
Step 4: On the next screen, tap Erase iPad, then tap Erase iPad again on the confirmation pop-up screen.
Step 5: Wait for the process to finish. When the iPad restarts, enter your Apple ID and password to continue with the setup process.
Method 3. Via “Find My” App
Find My feature is available on iCloud.com and as a mobile app for iPhone users. Find My app is a quick alternative if you don’t have access to a computer.
Erasing iPad from iCloud.com and Find My app is pretty much the same. The only difference is the platform (web browser vs. mobile app). Therefore, all the requirements mentioned above apply to this method.
Note: This method requires your iPad and the iPhone you are using to be signed in to the same Apple ID.
How to Unlock iPad Via “Find My” App
Step 1: Tap Find My app on your apps list and sign in to the same Apple ID as your locked iPad.
Step 2: Locate your iPad from the devices list and tap on it.
Step 3: At the bottom of the next screen, tap Actions, then tap Erase iPad. Confirm this by tapping Erase iPad again.
Step 5: Wait for the process to finish, then set up your iPad.
Bonus Tip: Cancel iPad Erase
Find My app also allows you to cancel the erase iPad process before it begins. This feature can be useful when your device loses an internet connection, and the erase request is still pending.
In case you wish to cancel the erase process:
Step 1: Locate and tap your iPad from the devices list at the bottom-left.
Step 2: Tap Cancel Erase, then enter your Apple ID password to cancel the erase request.
Method 4. Via Auto Erase
Auto Erase is a great option for people who store sensitive information on iPads. This feature will automatically begin erasing your iPad after ten wrong attempts to unlock the device.
Just like the methods mentioned above, it can also be used to unlock an iPad. However, there is a catch. This method will only work if you had enabled the Auto Erase feature before you got locked out.
Cons of Using Auto Erase:
- Auto Erase must be enabled before the iPad gets locked.
- Requires Apple ID and password to set up the phone after the restart.
How to Unlock iPad Via Auto Erase
Part 1: Enable Auto EraseTo enable Auto Erase on your iPad:
Step 1: Go to your iPad’s Settings.
Step 2: On the settings page, tap Passcode Lock. Enter the password again if prompted.
Step 3: Tap Erase Data. Confirm your choice if prompted.
Part 2: Unlock iPadAssuming you already did part 1 before you got locked out, the only step left is unlocking your device. All you have to do is enter ten incorrect passcodes, and Auto Erase will automatically kick in.
The iPad will restart after the process is finished. Set up the device fresh and, if necessary, restore it to a backup you had saved.
Method 5. Via Siri Bug
Last but not least, you can also unlock your iPad via Siri. Apple’s virtual assistant has a bug you can exploit if you have forgotten your passcode.
Even though this method has worked for some people, there is no guarantee that it will work for you, as it depends on factors such as the OS version.
How to Unlock an iPad via Siri Bug.
Step 1: Press and hold the home button to activate Siri.
Step 2: Request Siri to open the clock by saying, “what time is it?”. Tap the clock widget when it shows on the screen.
Step 3: On the next screen, tap the world clock, then plus (+) sign.
Step 4: On the search bar, enter any name, then tap and hold the text. Tap Select All from the options, then tap Share.
Step 5: On the pop-up screen, tap Message to share via the messaging app
Step 6: Enter any name in the “To” field, then tap Return on the keyboard.
Step 7: On the message info screen, tap Create New Contact.
Step 8: Add Photo > Choose Photo on the new contact screen. This will open your iPad’s gallery.
Step 9: Press the home button to return to the home screen. Voilà! Your iPad is unlocked.
Cons
- Your iPad should be running on iOS 10.3.2 or below.
- Siri must be enabled.
- Internet connection.
- No guarantee that it will work.
What If You Don’t Have the Apple ID and Password
You have probably noticed that all the methods except the last require you to know your Apple ID and password. To finish the setup, you must enter the combination after the device has restarted.
What if you don’t know your Apple ID and password? The good news is you can still unlock your iPad without knowing your Apple ID and password.
AppleiPhoneUnlocks allows you to unlock iOS devices, even if you have forgotten your Apple ID and password. You will only provide your iPad’s IMEI or serial number; the rest will be done for you.
How to Unlock an iPad via AppleiPhoneUnlocksStep 1: Go to AppleiPhoneUnlocks unlock page.
Step 2: Enter your iPad’s IMEI or Serial number, then click on Unlock iCloud.
Step 3: Follow the payment instructions to complete the order.
Conclusion
There you have it. You can use those methods to unlock your iPad without using a computer or iTunes.
As you have seen, most methods we have mentioned involve erasing the device. Always back up your devices to avoid data loss if you have to erase the device.
Leave us a comment below if any of the methods discussed were helpful. If you have more solutions and tricks, feel free to share them with us so we can include them in the next article.
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