With over 1.5 billion active iPad devices, it’s no surprise that Apple’s tablet computer is immensely popular around the world. From watching movies together on Facetime to playing the best offline games, iPad has a variety of use cases. If you’re as careful as we are, you probably have a password set for your iPad. However, we are all human and often tend to forget things. And if you unfortunately found yourself at the error screen, “iPad disabled, connect to iTunes” You do not need to worry. Well, your iPad is not beyond saving, because in this article we will teach you how to fix “iPad is disabled” error and restore your disabled iPad.
“iPad Disabled, Connect to iTunes” Error [SOLVED]
This article will cover the entire process of restoring a disabled iPad, including how to remove the passcode and restore your backup data. If you want to jump directly to the relevant steps, use the table below and skip to that section.
What Happens When Your iPad Is Disabled?
Most likely, you landed on this screen because you didn’t enter the correct passcode for your iPad multiple times. While Apple is pretty forgiving and gives users plenty of chances to enter the code, your iPad will be disabled if you exceed the total number of attempts. That’s when you’ll see “iPad disabled”. Connect to iTunes” error.
A disabled iPad, actually locked to protect owner’s data and the rest of the content. If your device has reached this stage, the only way to access it back is to connect the iPad to iTunes and try a restore. Read on as we detail this process below.
Can I Repair My Disabled iPad Without Losing Data?
Users whose iPads are disabled only until: 1 hour timeout can unlock the lock provided they enter the correct password when the timer expires. However, if your iPad is disabled, then, Unfortunatelyyou will really lose all your data unless you create a backup before the error.
If you take it to Apple, you might think the admins there can unlock it for you. However, according to available information, even Apple support cannot restore a disabled iPad without erasing it. This is undoubtedly part of Apple’s strict privacy practices. So, if you are a user who wants to fix a disabled iPad, learn how to restore it below.
Things You Need Before Proceeding
Before we begin the process of restoring a disabled iPad, we will need a few things ready. Be sure to tick this list before continuing.
1. A working Mac or Windows PC
If you are trying to restore a disabled iPad, this is definitely what you need. A working Windows PC or Mac will allow you to connect the iPad and start the recovery process. However, it doesn’t have to be your computer. So if you find yourself without a PC, borrow your friend’s laptop or Macbook and get down to business.
If neither is possible, you should contact an Apple Retail Store for further assistance.
2. iTunes or Finder
The next thing you need is iTunes or Finder to fix the problem. “iPad disabled, Connect to iTunes” error. We will connect iPad to PC or Mac and then use iTunes to restore the device. Windows users can download iTunes from the Microsoft Store (free) or Apple’s website. Mac users macOS Catalina or later can use Finder for the same action. But if you want to use iTunes, be sure to update using the built-in App Store. Check it out connection for further assistance.
3. Optional – iCloud Backup
This only applies if you haven’t enabled automatic iCloud backup or backed up your iPad for a long time. As mentioned above, you can’t get your data back if you haven’t backed up your iPad before.
Remove Passcode from Your Disabled iPad
Since we’re trying to restore a disabled iPad after failing to enter the passcode, it’s only natural that we’ll need to remove it before continuing. We will do this with a simple process. Put your iPad in DFU or Recovery mode, will allow us to connect iPad to iTunes. But before we get started, connect your iPad’s lightning to USB cable to your PC with the lightning tip ready to connect to the iPad when we say so. Depending on your iPad model, follow these steps:
How to Remove Passcode from iPad with Face ID
1. Make sure your iPad is not yet connected to the computer.
2. Press and Press and hold the top button and the volume up or down button Drag right to turn off your iPad until the power slider appears.
3. Next, hold the Top button while connecting your iPad to your computer. That means it’s time to plug in the lightning cable. Keep holding the top button until you see the iPad’s recovery mode screen.
Your iPad is now passcode removed and connected to your computer. Read on to find out what to do next.
Remove Password from iPad with Home Button
1. Make sure your iPad is not yet connected to the computer.
2nd. hold the top button Drag right to turn off your iPad until the power slider appears.
3. Press and hold the Home button When connecting your iPad to your computer. Press and hold the Home button until you see your iPad’s recovery mode screen.
Your iPad is now passcode removed and the device is connected to your Mac or Windows PC. Read on to find out what to do next.
Steps to Fix “iPad is Disabled, Connect to iTunes” Error
Now that your iPad is connected to iTunes or the Finder, you will get a popup indicating that there is a problem with your device. But if that doesn’t happen, we can easily find your iPad and start the process of restoring your disabled iPad. Depending on the software you are using, follow these steps:
Find your disabled iPad in iTunes
When your iPad is connected to the computer, you will see it in the upper left corner of the iTunes window. Click on it to get a popup about the disabled iPad. If you don’t see a device icon, try reconnecting the iPad or updating your operating system and iTunes.
Find your Disabled iPad in Finder
If you’re a Mac user running macOS Catalina or later, Find your iPad in the Finder’s sidebar. To see your iPad’s information, simply click on it.
Fix Your Disabled iPad and Get It Working Again!
Once your iPad is connected to your PC or Mac, you will see the message shown in the screenshot below. The popup will give you the option to “update your iPad” to fix the problem, but since we came here with a wrong password, Repair button.
Click and confirm the checkboxes that appear and you’re set! iPad will now begin the restore process and iTunes or Finder will download the required software to your iPad. Restoring a disabled iPad is a quick process and should be done in about 15 minutes if you have a good internet connection. If your iPad exits recovery mode without recovery, follow the steps to remove the passcode and start over.
When you’re done, you’ll be greeted with the iPad’s hello screen where you need to set it up to use your device.
Restore Your Disabled iPad in Few Easy Steps!
That is all. After the step-by-step process above,iPad disabled, connect to iTunes” The error was fixed without any problem. After restoring your disabled iPad and getting a fresh start, we suggest you load it up with these best iPad games to have fun. Also, if you’re in the mood to test new iPadOS 15 features like Quick Note or new Multitasking features on your iPad, read our guide on how to install the iPadOS 15 public beta on your device.