How to Unlock iPad Security Lockout with or without Computer

iPad Security Lockout means the screen passcode was entered incorrectly too many times. It might’ve been a mistake or maybe someone else tried to unlock it. Either way, you’re now locked out and it isn’t clear what to do next. This guide will help you get into your locked iPad again.

Whether you’re using a computer or not, we’ll walk you through every method available to get your iPad out of Security Lockout. We’ll also introduce Passixer iPhone Unlocker which allows you to unlock iPad without passcode or Face ID. So no matter what your situation is, you’ll find a way to get back into your device.

How Long Does Security Lockout Last on iPad?

The Security Lockout screen is Apple’s way of slowing things down when someone keeps guessing the wrong passcode. Each failed passcode attempt increases the wait time before you can try again. And after limited tries, it will lock you out completely, stopping any more passcode guesses.

Your iPad will show a message on the screen that tells you how long you have to wait. Here’s what it looks like:

Here is the lockout duration, depending on the number of wrong passcode attempts.

How to Turn off iPad Security Lockout With Computer [Data Loss]

If you have a computer nearby, then your best bet is to use one of the reset methods below. Keep in mind: all these computer-based methods will erase your data.

After the reset, your iPad will return to its original state. The passcode will be gone. Depending on the method you choose, Activation Lock can kick in afterward. We’ll explain that too.

Way 1. Use Professional Tool

One of the easiest and most effective methods is using a professional tool like Passixer iPhone Unlocker. It’s made specifically for users who don’t remember the screen passcode just set on their new iDevices or don’t know the passcode on their secondhand iPhone or iPad. For users needing to unlock iPhone with broken or unresponsive screen, Passixer also help too. 

The tool automates everything: just connect your iPad and it wipes the screen lock in a few clicks. Whether it’s a 4-digit/6-digit code, Touch ID, or Face ID, Passixer handles all of them. Besides screen lock removal, you can use Passixer to delete Apple ID, remove Screen Time passcode, bypass iCloud Activation Lock, etc.

Requirements

• A Windows PC or Mac.
• Passixer iPhone Unlocker installed on your computer.
• A working USB cable.
• Your locked iPad.

Steps to Unlock iPad with Passixer

Step 1. Open Passixer iPhone Unlocker on your computer. Choose the Wipe Passcode mode and use a stable USB cable to connect your iPad.

Step 2. Now comes the firmware stage. Confirm your iPad model is correct and hit Start to download the matching system file.

Step 3. Once the download wraps up, type 0000 into the confirmation box and click Unlock to begin the iPad unlocking process. After a while, a message will appear: Wipe passcode successfully.

And that’s it. You can start fresh: sign in with a new account, create a new passcode, and set up your iPad as if it just came out of the box.

Note: If Find My iPad is enabled, you need to enter Apple ID to remove iCloud Activation Lock after unlocking.

Way 2. Apply Apple Devices App

If you’re using a Windows PC, chances are you already have the Apple Devices App installed. On older versions, this role is handled by iTunes, while on macOS Catalina or newer, it’s done through Finder, all of them serve the same purpose: restoring your iPad to get around the lock screen passcode.

Just keep in mind. This is a full reset method. When the iPad comes back online, Activation Lock will be triggered if Find My iPad is off. So you’ll need the original Apple ID and password during setup.

Requirements:

• A computer with Apple Devices App, iTunes, or Finder.
• A working internet connection.
• A USB cable to connect your iPad.
• Your Apple ID credentials.

Steps to Unlock iPad with Apple Devices App

Step 1. Connect your iPad to the computer. Put your iPad into recovery mode with the following steps.

If it doesn’t have a Home button, use the volume and power combination.

If your iPad has a Home button, hold the Top and Home buttons together.

You’ll know you’re in recovery mode once you see a cable pointing to a computer.

Step 2. The Apple Devices App (or Finder/iTunes) will detect the iPad and show a pop-up saying there’s a problem. Click the Restore button. Once done, your iPad will restart like it’s brand new.

Step 3. After the reset, the iPad will still ask for the Apple ID that was previously signed in if Find My iPad is enabled before. Just enter the Apple ID info and you can set up your iPad again from scratch.

Way 3. Via iCloud Site

This method works when your iPad still has Find My enabled and is connected to the internet. Even if the iPad is locked, you can wipe it remotely without cables or the need for two-factor prompts. All you need is a browser.

Requirements:

• Your Apple ID and password.
• An internet-connected iPad.
• Find My iPad turned on.
• A phone, tablet, or computer (to use a browser).

Steps to Unlock iPad via iCloud

Step 1. Head to icloud.com/find from any browser. Sign in with your Apple account.

Step 2. Tap All Devices at the top-left and then select your iPad.

Step 3. Choose the Erase This Device option. You’ll get a prompt asking if you’re sure, just confirm it.

That’s all it takes. Apple will wipe the iPad remotely. A confirmation email will land in your inbox once it’s done. Once done, enter the previous Apple ID and password to remove Activation Lock and use it again.

How to Get iPad out of Security Lockout Without Computer [Data Loss]

Apple gives you a couple of clever ways to wipe your iPad and unlock it without plugging it into anything. These work especially well if you have access to another Apple device and your iPad still connects to Wi-Fi.

Just like the computer method, these will erase everything on the iPad. And they will take you to the usual activation screen. Still, the whole process happens wirelessly.

Let’s look at the two simplest options.

Way 1. Erase iPad in Locked Screen

For iPads running iPadOS 15.2 or later, Apple quietly added a self-reset feature right on the passcode screen. After too many passcode attempts, a small option at the bottom to erase the iPad appears. Your iPad must be  online for this to work. So, you can reset it instantly from the lock screen itself.

Requirements:

• iPad must be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• You must know the Apple ID password tied to the device.
• Find My iPad is enabled before.

Steps to Unlock iPad Through Lock Screen

Step 1. At the bottom-right corner of iPad Security Lockout screen, you’ll see Erase iPad. Tap it once and then select the same option again.

If you are running iPadOS 17 or later, you will see Forgot Passcode instead of Erase iPad in the lock screen. Simply tap it and choose iPad Reset > Start iPad Reset.

Step 3. Enter your Apple ID password and then click Erase iPad.

Your iPad will restore itself instantly without computers or cables. Once it finishes, you can set it up again.

Way 2. Reset iPad via Find My App

Using the Find My app on another Apple device is even more seamless,  compared to the iCloud’s Find My option. For one, you don’t have to sign in anywhere. It delivers the same end result too.

Requirements:

• Your iPad must still appear in your Find My list.
• A second Apple device (like an iPhone or another iPad).
• Internet connection on both devices.
• Apple ID and password used on the locked iPad.

Steps to unlock iPad Using Find My App

Step 1. On another iDevice signed with the Apple ID used on the locked iPad, open the Find My app.

Step 2. Tap Devices and choose the locked iPad.

Step 3. Scroll down and hit Erase This Device. Confirm when asked. The locked iPad will be wiped.

How to Unlock iPad Security Lockout Without Erasing Data

If you have updated your iPadOS version to 17 or later, then you will see iPad Unavailable message instead iPad Security Lockout prompt when your iPad is locked. In such cases, you can get your iPad out of Security Lockout state without data loss via its previous passcode.

Requirements

• Your iPad must be running iPadOS 17 or later.
• You must have changed the passcode within the last 72 hours.
• You must remember the previous passcode.

Steps to Unlock iPad with Previous Passcode

Step 1. In the iPad Unavailable screen, you’ll see the Forgot Passcode? Option at the bottom right corner. Select it and then tap Enter Previous Passcode.

Step 2. Enter the old passcode that you used before the change. You can then create a new passcode and confirm your new passcode. So, you can unlock the iPad using it from now on.

Why Is My iPad Locked for Security Reasons?

Security Lockout is Apple’s way of protecting your data from repeated wrong attempts or suspicious activity. For instance, if someone keeps guessing your code and the system detects tampering, the iPad will lock down.

This is also true for the Apple Account. It could also get locked because of wrong attempts showing messages like: “Your Apple ID has been locked for security reasons.”  

So, in Security Lockout cases, only going through an approved reset will unlock it.

How to Avoid iPad Locked for Security Reasons?

The best fix is not setting a screen passcode. Most iPads get locked simply because we forget what we just set. Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Enable Face ID or Touch ID to minimize the need to type your passcode often.
• Use a memorable passcode or write it down somewhere.
• Turn on the built-in iCloud Keychain.
• Back up regularly, so if anything ever does go wrong, at least your data will be safe.
• If you change your passcode, remember your old one for at least 72 hours. That’s the grace period where the iPad lets you unlock it with your previous code.
• Regularly update the iPad to enjoy newer restore options.

Conclusion

So those are all the ways to deal with the iPad Security Lockout screen. By now, you should be back into your device and ready to set things up again.

If you used Passixer iPhone Unlocker, you already know how helpful it can unlock iPad Security Lockout. It’s built for moments like this — when you can’t remember your screen passcode or Face ID is unavailable. And that’s not all it can do. Passixer also includes other powerful tools like Screen Time remover and Apple ID remover for iPhones and iPads. So Passixer is helpful in several tricky iOS lockout scenarios and gets the device back up.