How do you unlock an ipad that is disabled and says connect to itunes

Many business owners are using iPads to collect data from consumers at trade shows, out of office visits, and even within the office for various meeting requirements, including presentations. The iPad could become disabled if someone entered the wrong password multiple times. Although this is a great feature to protect the iPad from potential thieves, it can interrupt your work day if you can't unlock it quickly. There are a couple ways to unlock and reset iPad functions.

Reset iPad From iTunes

Connect your iPad to your computer with a USB cable. On the computer, open iTunes and locate your device in the upper right-hand corner of iTunes. Select your device and two options appear on the screen: Back Up Now or Restore Backup. If you haven't backed up the iPad ever or haven't done it in quite some time, select Back Up Now. This should sync the iPad to iTunes. The first part of the sync process is to enter the password on your iPad. If you know your password, enter it and you can continue with the backup or cancel this and proceed to use your device. You have successfully reset the iPad.

If the iPad is disabled and you are unable to sync the device, select Restore Backup. This will only work if you have previously backed up the iPad. When you Restore Backup, select the most recent backup you have to reclaim as much of your data as possible, including pictures, files and downloads. The restore process takes a few minutes, while the data transfers to the iPad from the computer.

Recovery Mode Without iTunes

If you have never synced with iTunes, you can still enable the iPad, but you may not restore all data to the device because you don't have a backup. Connect your iPad to a computer that has iTunes. While the device is connected via USB port, conduct a Force Restart by holding the Home button while also holding the Power button, until the Apple logo appears.

After a few minutes, you are prompted to either Restore or Update. You can try to Update to give yourself a chance of maintaining your data. However, if the iPad is disabled, you more than likely will need to Select Restore. This process restores the device to its original factory settings. It takes 15 minutes or more to complete this process. You will need to set up the device again. As long as you have your iTunes password, you should be able to reload all of the pertinent apps on the iPad to use, but you will not have data restored.

Third-Party Software

There are third-party software solutions that help unlock iOS devices while bypassing password protections. Always do your due diligence on third-party programs to prevent unwanted malware or virus infections.

LockWiper is one such third-party program that bypasses the password. Install the program and connect the device with the USB port to reset the iPad. Follow the prompts that put the device into a mode it can recognize. The device details get confirmed and firmware is updated. After verification, the unlock process is started when you click Start Unlock. The password to use in the system is "000000" to Unlock. Once completed, backup iTunes in the normal fashion and go back to using the device.

Table Of Contents

  • Solution #1 (Hard Reset)
    • Hard iPad Reset Video Walk-Through
  • Solution #2 (Contact Apple)
  • Solution #3 (Recovery Mode)
  • Solution #4 (Erase Device)
    • Solution #5 (UltFone iOS System Repair)
  • Use iPad manuals
  • Video Guides
      • How To Remove Fix A Disabled iPad & Reset Locked Passcode
      • How To Restore A Disabled Or Locked iPhone iPad Or iPad Mini (iOS 7, iOS 8, iOS 9
    • Related Posts:

If you’re getting the “iPad is disabled connect to iTunes” error message on your device, it’s likely that you’ve entered the wrong password too many times and now the iPad has locked you out.

One of the unfortunate consequences of this error is that there’s a probability you’ll have to erase your iPad to use it again.

We’ve compiled some DIY solutions below. The first one doesn’t require you to wipe the device, so try that one first.

After that, we recommend connecting with Apple support to see if they can help you restore your device without having to delete it. In a lot of cases, you’ll have an iCloud account that’s automatically synchronized and backed up your iPad, so you won’t lose everything!

Solution #1 (Hard Reset)

Try doing a ‘hard reset’. According to one Apple forum user, they were able to fix this error by doing a hard reset and not connecting to iTunes.

To do a hard reset, hold down your device’s home button and its lock button until the iPad turns off and then hold it until it turns back on. Now, check to see if the error message is cleared.

Hard iPad Reset Video Walk-Through

Solution #2 (Contact Apple)

If the above fix didn’t work, it probably makes sense to contact Apple support. There are some fixes you can try below, but you might want to get some official Apple tech support on the line to try an approved fix.

Most of the fixes below will erase all data from your iPad, so connect with Apple to see if they have a better solution for your particular use case.

Solution #3 (Recovery Mode)

Over in ifixit, the best-voted solution came from a user who suggested the following fix:

  1. Turn the iPad off
  2. Then hold the home button and plug it into the computer
  3. Continue holding the home button down until the iTunes logo appears
  4. This is recovery mode- you’ll be able to restore the iPad without a passcode from this point.

Solution #4 (Erase Device)

Apple itself has posted a solution. The problem with their solution is that it requires erasing your device.

They say that if the wrong passcode has been entered 6 times in a row on your iOS, you’ll be locked out and a message will appear saying that your device is disabled.

Hopefully, you’ve made a backup. Unless you have made a backup before you accidentally Apple says that there isn’t a way to save your device’s data. You’ll have to erase the device, which will delete all of your data and settings.

Solution #5 (UltFone iOS System Repair)

If you have tried the above methods but still find it hard to solve that “iPad is disabled connect to iTunes” or you just want to find a hassle-free, and more time- saving way.

Here we recommend a super easy tool: UltFone iOS System Repair. The software can help you solve the problem by easily resetting your disabled iPad without iTunes and performing a factory reset. Besides, This software can fix 150+ iOS issues.

  • Reset iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch without password/iTunes/Finder.
  • Fix 150+ iOS system issues like Apple logo, reboot loop, and black screen without data loss.
  • Downgrade from iOS 16 beta without iTunes.
  • Support all iOS versions and iPhone models, including the latest iPhone 13 series and iOS 16 beta.
  • 1-Click to enter and exit recovery mode on iPhone/iPad/iPod.

Follow the step by step guide to know how to fix to solve the “iPad is disabled connect to iTunes” Error.

Your iPad is disabled and cannot turn on anymore?

Or do you want to restore iPad but iTunes failed to do that?

Anyway, you just failed to connect to iTunes. No worries, with the Factory Reset function on UltFone iOS System Repair, you can directly reset iPad to factory settings without using iTunes or iCloud.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Launch the program and select Reset Device option at the bottom right of the main interface.

Step 2: On the appearing screen, please choose Factory Reset and click on the Factory Reset button to enter the firmware download page. 

Step 3: Here you’ll need to download the matched firmware package for your iPad before resetting it. You are also allowed to import the firmware package manually. 

Step 4: When you download the firmware package, you can start resetting your iPad. Once the process completes, you can set up your iPad as a new one. 

Use iPad manuals

One of the best things about having an iPad is that you can find manuals for just about everything on it. If you’re having trouble with your iPad, or you just want to learn how to use all of its features, iPad user manuals can be a great help.

You can usually find them by opening the Settings app and tapping on “Help.” or downloading them from websites.

If you’re having trouble with a specific app, you can also check the App Store for manuals. Just search for the app name and “manual” to see if anything comes up.

Some of the most useful manuals are for fixing common errors. If your iPad is running slow, or if apps are crashing, there’s likely a manual that can help you fix the problem.

If you can’t find a manual for your specific issue, you can always contact Apple support or visit an Apple Store for help.

Video Guides

How To Remove Fix A Disabled iPad & Reset Locked Passcode

In the above video, a computer technician walks you through how to reset your iPad. This will work on any model and it will help to remove any passcode or a disabled screen that you may have on your iPad.

You’re going to need your computer with iTunes, and you’ll also need the correct cable for whatever device you’ve got. This fix apparently works on all models from the original iPad, all the way to the latest.

How To Restore A Disabled Or Locked iPhone iPad Or iPad Mini (iOS 7, iOS 8, iOS 9

According to this video creator, the iPad in question is disabled and requires connection to iTunes to restore it. The problem was caused by entering too many wrong passwords.

The technician walks you through the process- connecting the disabled iPad to the computer, opening iTunes, connecting with a data cable, and doing a complete wipe of the device.

Let us know if any of these fixes worked. I think the big takeaway here is don’t forget your password! And if you do, don’t keep guessing until you’ve bricked your device!

How do you unlock an ipad that is disabled and says connect to itunes

Ryan is a computer enthusiast who has a knack for fixing difficult and technical software problems. Whether you’re having issues with Windows, Safari, Chrome or even an HP printer, Ryan helps out by figuring out easy solutions to common error codes.

What do I do if my iPad is disabled and says connect to iTunes?

How to fix a disabled iPad with iTunes​.
Connect your iPad to your computer..
Press and hold the Top button and the volume up or down button until the power-off slider appears. ... .
Hold down the Top button until the recovery mode screen appears—you should see a black screen with an image of a cable connecting to a computer..

How do you reset an iPad that says iPad disabled connect to iTunes?

Step 4: Restore your iPad.
Locate your iPad in the Finder or in iTunes on the computer that it's connected to. (Learn how to find your connected iPad.).
Choose Restore when you see the option to Restore or Update. ... .
Wait for the process to finish..
Disconnect your iPad from the computer, then set up and use your iPad..

How do you unlock your iPad when it's disabled without iTunes?

Go to iCloud.com on a computer or another device > Log in to your iCloud account (Apple ID). Click on “Find iPhone” > Click on the “All Devices” option > Select the device that has been disabled > Click “Erase iPhone”. Afterward, your device will reset back to factory settings and all data will be removed.