How to Factory Reset iPad Air without Passcode
When your iPad Air is disabled or encounter some software problems like iPhone frozen, what will you do to unlock it? Because of the security restriction of the iOS system, unlocking or factory resetting an iOS device without knowing the passcode will be difficult. It is therefore important for users to protect their iPad passcodes well.
To help users who are finding the solutions to factory reset iPad Air without passcode, I list some effortless methods in this post, including using iTunes, iCloud, and a professional iOS unlocking tool. If you think this post will help you, please read on and learn.
Note
Before we proceed, it is essential to understand two critical points.
First, every method listed here to reset an iPad without a passcode will completely erase all data on the device. This includes all your apps, photos, messages, and settings. There is no way to bypass a forgotten passcode without deleting the device's contents. If you have a recent iCloud or computer backup, you will be able to restore your data after the reset is complete.
Second, resetting the iPad does not remove the associated Apple ID. After the factory reset, you will be met with the "Hello" screen and will need to set up the device again. During this process, you will be stopped by a feature called Activation Lock, which requires you to enter the original Apple ID and password that were used on the device. This is an anti-theft feature, and it cannot be bypassed. You must know these credentials to use the iPad again.
Method 1: How to Factory Reset iPad Air without Passcode Using iCloud
This is often the most convenient method if you meet the requirements, as it can be done wirelessly from any web browser on another device. For this to work, the locked iPad Air must be connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network, and you must have enabled the "Find My" feature before it was locked.
Step 1. Navigate to the icloud.com website and sign in using the same Apple ID and password that are linked to the locked iPad Air. You may need to complete a two-factor authentication step.
Step 2. Click on the Find My option.
Step 3. Click on the All Devices option, and choose your iPad.
Step 4. Click on the Erase iPad option. Then, enter the verification code that you have received on your device and click on the Continue button to finally factory reset your iPad Air.
Method 2: How to Factory Reset iPad Air without Passcode Using iTunes or Finder
This is Apple's standard procedure for resetting a device using a computer. You will use the Finder on a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, or iTunes on a Windows PC or a Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier. This method works best if you have previously synced your iPad with this computer.
Step 1. Launch the iTunes program on your computer. If you are now using macOS Catalina or the later version, please launch the Finder program. Connect your iPad Air to the program via a lightning cable.
Step 2. When iTunes detects your iPad, click on the device icon that appears on the top-left interface. If your iPad cannot be detected by iTunes, you can try restarting your iPad or the iTunes program.
Step 3. Click on the Summary option.
Step 4. Tap on the Restore iPad option. And then follow the on-screen instruction to make this process done.
Method 3: How to Factory Reset iPad Air without Passcode Using Recovery Mode
Sometimes, the standard iTunes or Finder method fails, especially if the iPad is disabled or has never been synced with the computer before. In this case, manually putting the device into Recovery Mode is the most reliable solution.
How to Enter Recovery Mode on Your iPad Air Model
The key to this method is pressing the correct buttons in the correct sequence. Find your model below for specific instructions.
- For iPad Air models with a Home button:
Step 1. Press and hold the Top button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your device.
Step 2. Connect your iPad to your computer while pressing and holding the Home button.
Step 3. Keep holding the Home button until the Recovery Mode screen appears on your iPad.
- For iPad Air models with a Top button:
Step 1. Press and hold the Top button and either Volume button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn it off.
Step 2. Connect your iPad to your computer while pressing and holding the Top button.
Step 3. Keep holding the Top button until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
Once your device is in Recovery Mode, your computer will detect it and present you with the "Restore" or "Update" options. Click Restore to have your computer erase the device and install a fresh version of iPadOS.
Method 4: How to Factory Reset iPad Air without Passcode via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker
By using a dedicated iOS unlocking tool, you will be able to factory reset your iPad Air without entering any passcode. In nowadays market, you can find various programs to set your iPad Air back to its factory resetting.
As a multifunctional iOS unlocking program, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker can be in the top rank. It allows users to unlock iOS screen, unlock Apple ID, remove Screen Time passcode, and remove MDM restriction. When your iPad is disabled or forgot iPad passcode, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will also be the optimal choice for you to overcome these problems. Though you have no experience unlocking iOS devices, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will help you.
Key Features of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker
Factory reset iPad Air without password. Allows users to unlock iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Work efficiently with almost all iOS versions.
The following content will show you detailed guide on how to factory reset iPad Air without passcode.
Step 1Connect iPad Air to the Computer
Download and launch TunesKit iPhone Unlocker on your computer first. Then, connect your iPad to the computer. Hit on the Unlock iOS Screen option, and then hit the Start button.
Step 2Put iPad into Recovery Mode
Here, you will need to put your iPad into Recovery mode. The interface of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will show you a step-by-step guide to make it. When your iPad access the Recovery mode successfully, click on the Next button on the bottom-right window.
Step 3Download Firmware Package
Please ensure that your device information is the same as the given information on the TunesKit iPhone Unlocker interface. If not, you can correct it manually. Then, click on the Download button to download the firmware package.
Step 4Factory Reset iPad Air
TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to factory reset your iPad Air without entering any passcode. The factory resetting will erase all the data and content on your iPad. If you don't want to lose any data, please make a backup before factory resetting your iPad.
FAQs about iPad Air Factory Reset
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Q1: What is the difference between a hard reset and a factory reset?
A "hard reset" is simply a force restart, which you do when the device is frozen. It does not erase any data. A "factory reset," which this guide covers, erases everything on the device and returns it to its original out-of-the-box state.
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Q2: Will this remove the previous owner's Apple ID?
No. A factory reset will erase the passcode and the data, but it will not remove the Apple ID. The Activation Lock will require the original account credentials to set up the device again.
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Q3: Can I reset my iPad Air without losing my data?
Unfortunately, no. If you have forgotten the passcode, the only way to regain access is to erase the device. This is a security measure to protect your data from unauthorized access.
Conclusion
That's it! In this post, you will learn the best solutions to factory reset iPad Air without passcode. By using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, factory resetting your iPad will be the easiest way for most users. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave us a comment below.