iPad Passcode Not Working? Here's How to Fix It

If your iPad passcode is not working, you're not alone. Whether it's due to an iOS update, software glitch, or simply forgetting your code, being locked out of your device can be frustrating. Thankfully, there are multiple reliable methods to fix the issue—some even without losing your data. This comprehensive guide walks you through all possible fixes, explains the causes, and helps you prevent this issue in the future.

Part 1. Why Is Your iPad Passcode Not Working?

There are several reasons why your iPad might not accept your passcode. If you understand the cause, you'll be able to choose the most effective solution.

• iPadOS Update Bug: After updating, devices may misread existing passcodes.
• Changed Passcode Forgotten: A recently changed passcode may be easy to forget.
• Unresponsive Touchscreen: Faulty input can cause wrong attempts.
• Security Lockout: Too many incorrect tries trigger lockout or disable mode.

Part 2. 9 Methods to Fix iPad Passcode Not Working

What to do if the iPad passcode suddenly not working problem comes up? Well, no need to worry as we have lined up some simple quick strategies through which you can unlock your iPad without any more trouble. So, let's get started!

Way 1. Force Restart Your iPad

A force restart is often the simplest first step for many iPad issues, including minor software glitches that might be affecting passcode entry. It doesn't erase any data. Here are the quick steps.

Step 1. The method varies slightly depending on your iPad model:
* For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold both the Top (or Side) button and the Home button simultaneously. Keep holding them until you see the Apple logo appear.
* For iPads without a Home button (Face ID models): Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears.
Step 2. Once the Apple logo appears, release the button(s). Your iPad will restart.
Step 3. After it restarts, try entering your passcode again.

Way 2. Use the "Erase iPad" Option on the Lock Screen (iPadOS 15.2 - 16)

If your iPad is running iPadOS 15.2 to 16 and has been disabled after too many incorrect passcode attempts, you might see an "Erase iPad" option directly on the lock screen. This feature requires your Apple ID and password. Now check the following step-by-step guide.

Step 1. Keep entering incorrect passcodes until your iPad is disabled and shows the "iPad Unavailable" or "Security Lockout" screen with an "Erase iPad" option at the bottom.
Step 2. Tap "Erase iPad". Then tap "Erase iPad" again to confirm.
Step 3. Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple ID on the iPad.
Step 4. Tap "Erase iPad" one more time to permanently delete all data and settings.
Step 5. Once the process completes, your iPad will restart as if it were new. You can then set it up and restore from a backup if you have one.

Way 3. Use "Forgot Passcode?" with Previous Passcode (iPadOS 17 and Later)

A newer feature introduced in iPadOS 17 allows you to reset your forgotten passcode using a previous passcode, but only within 72 hours of changing it. If you recently changed your passcode and then forgot the new one, this could be your lifeline. The following are the simple steps.

Step 1. On the "iPad Unavailable" or "Security Lockout" screen, look for a "Forgot Passcode?" option, usually in the bottom corner. Tap it.
Step 2. Tap the "Try Passcode Reset" option when you see it.
Step 3. Enter your previous iPad passcode.
Step 4. If the previous passcode is accepted, you'll be prompted to create a new passcode. Create it and confirm it.

Way 4. Restore Your iPad via iTunes/Finder

One of the most common and reliable methods to fix the iPad passcode not working is to restore your iPad with iTunes or Finder. If you have sync your iPad to the computer (iTunes for Windows or older macOS, Finder for newer macOS), then you can easily restore your locked iPad and remove the passcode in a few simple steps.

Step 1. Connect your iPad to the Windows computer you have synced with. (For Macs with macOS Catalina or later, you'll use Finder. For macOS Mojave or earlier, use iTunes.)
Step 2. Open iTunes and allow it to sync your device and make a backup.
Step 3. After iTunes have created a backup of your device, click on the Device icon at the top of the screen.
Step 4. Click the Summary > Restore iPad. Wait until the restore process is complete.
Step 5. Restart your iPad and set a new passcode.

Way 5. Erase Your iPad with iCloud (Find My)

In case you are unable to sync your iPad with iTunes, we have another way of dealing with passcode on iPad not working issue. That is, to erase your iPad with iCloud Find My feature. iCloud is a cloud-based storage system designed for Apple users. The service securely stores all your data including files, photos, files, and notes. To restore your iPad using iCloud, follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to iCloud.com on your computer.
Step 2. Sign in using your Apple ID, then navigate to the Find My iPad option.
Step 3. Select All Device option from the top of the screen.
Step 4.In the drop-down menu you can see all your Apple devices under the same ID. Select iPad device that has a passcode problem.
Step 5. In the next window, you will see three options including Erase iPad. Select the option.
Step 6. It will erase all your settings and data from the iPad. Now, you can either set up the device again or restore your lost data using a backup.

Way 6. Restore Your iPad via Recovery Mode

If you have never sync your account with iTunes or you don't remember your Apple account, you can put your iPad in Recovery Mode to fix passcode for iPad not working problem. This method will erase all the data stored on your device and the iPad will be restored to factory settings. You can follow the steps below to unlock the iPad using the Recovery Mode.

Step 1. Connect your iPad to the computer. Open iTunes app on your computer.
Step 2. Simultaneously press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Home button. This will force the iPad to restart. Don't release the button until you see the Recovery Mode menu on the iPad screen.
Step 3. From the window on your screen select Restore. The iTunes will download a software for your iPad and will begin to reset your iPad device.
Step 4. Allow iTunes to finish the process and set up your device again.

Way 7. Use a Trusted Third-Party iOS Unlocking Tool

The smartest and the most authentic way of resolving the iPad passcode not working issue is to consider a trusted third-party professional iOS unlocking tool such as TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.

Designed with a simple user interface, the program is quite helpful for users stuck with a locked iPad. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker supports all iPadOS models, including iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini. It can also unlock all sorts of passcodes including 4-digit password, 6-digit password, numeric codes, alphanumeric passcode, Face ID, and Touch ID as well. Moreover, the software is compatible with both Windows and macOS.

The following content will show you how to fix iPad pascode not working by using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.

Step 1. Download TunesKit Unlocker on your PC or Mac, and connect your iPad using a USB cable. Next, click the "Unlock iOS Screen" option from the main interface. In the next window, click on the "Start" option. The device will then automatically detect the model of your device.

Step 2. After the app has successfully identified the mmodel of your device, click the "Download" button to download the firmware version to unlock the iPad.

Step 3. Finally, click the "Unlock" button. The software will unlock the iPad in a few seconds.

Way 8. Update iPadOS via iTunes

If you suspect a minor software glitch is the sole reason and you can somehow get your iPad recognized by iTunes/Finder without needing to fully restore (which is rare when a passcode isn't working), an update might help. However, usually, if the passcode isn't working, you'll be forced into a restore. To update your iPad using iTunes, connect your device with the computer and then follow the steps below:

Step 1. The computer will ask for permission to access your iPad. Click Continue.
Step 2. In the iTunes Library on the PC, click on iPad icon.
Step 3. In the next window, you will see the "Check for Update" option.
Step 4. Then click on the Download and Update option. Restart the device after the update is finished.

Way 9. Restore Your iPad via DFU Mode

Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode is a more profound restore than Recovery Mode. It allows your device to interface with iTunes/Finder without loading the operating system or bootloader. This is often a last resort if other restore methods fail. The process is similar to Recovery Mode but with slightly different button presses.

Step 1. Connect your iPad to your computer with iTunes/Finder open.
Step 2. Manually put your iPad into DFU Mode (timing is crucial) by following the steps below:
* For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold both the Home button and the Lock (Top/Side) button for about 10 seconds. Release the Lock button but continue holding the Home button until iTunes/Finder detects an iPad in recovery mode. The iPad screen should remain black (this is key for DFU mode).
* For iPads without a Home button (Face ID models): Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Top button until the screen goes black. While still holding the Top button, press and hold the Volume Down button for 5 seconds. Release the Top button but continue to hold the Volume Down button for another 10 seconds until iTunes/Finder detects an iPad in recovery mode. The screen should remain black.
Step 3. iTunes/Finder will show a message: "iTunes/Finder has detected an iPad in recovery mode. You must restore this iPad before it can be used with iTunes/Finder". (Note: Even though it says "recovery mode," if the screen is black, it's DFU mode).
Step 4. Click "OK" and then "Restore iPad..". Follow the prompts to restore your device.

Part 3. Tips for Preventing Future Passcode Problems

Now, your new iPad passcode not working issue must have been resolved after using the solutions above. Once you've regained access to your iPad, take a few steps to avoid this frustration in the future:

• Choose a memorable yet strong passcode. Avoid overly simple combinations.
• Utilize Face ID or Touch ID as your primary unlocking method, as they are secure and convenient.
• Regularly back up your iPad to iCloud or your computer. This is your best defense against data loss for any reason.
• Store your Apple ID and password securely, as they are crucial for many recovery methods.

Part 4. FAQs Related to iPad Passcode Not Working

Here are some questions that most users are concerned a lot. Check the quick answers now.

Part 5. Conclusion

iPad passcode not working is a common problem but one that can be solved using various methods above. The best way to solve the iPad passcode issue without encountering any hassle is to use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. 3 simple clicks and your iPad is back to normal. Make sure to back up your data and set up recovery systems for the future.