How to Unlock a Disabled iPad with iTunes [2025 Updated]

July 23, 2025Nicole Jones

If you’ve ever seen the message “iPad is Disabled. Connect to iTunes,”. This error typically appears after too many incorrect passcode attempts, completely locking you out of your device. Fortunately, Apple recommends a reliable solution, unlocking your disabled iPad with iTunes. Whether your iPad is disabled, unresponsive, or stuck on the lock screen, this method is often the first step toward regaining access. In this guide, you’ll learn how to unlock iPad with iTuneshow to unlock iPad with iTunes using step-by-step instructions. We’ll also explore other effective solutions if iTunes isn’t working, including using Unlocker, unlocking through iCloud, and fixing the device via the Find My app. Let’s begin!

Unlock Ipad With Itunes

Part 1. How to Unlock iPad with iTunes

If your iPad has been disabled after several failed passcode attempts, iTunes can help you recover it. With this method, you can restore from a backup or set your device up as new by erasing everything, including the passcode. The steps to unlock iPad with iTunes are as follows:

Step 1.
Use a USB cord to attach your iPad to a computer with iTunes installed. If iTunes doesn’t open automatically, launch it manually.
Step 2.
Put Your iPad into Recovery Mode

For iPads with Face ID: First, press and hold the Volume Up button rapidly. Next, quickly tap and release the Volume Down button. Holding down the Top button will bring up the recovery mode screen.

For iPads with Home button: Hold the Home and Top (or Side) buttons simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen.

Step 3.
Once in recovery mode, iTunes will detect your iPad and prompt you with options to restore or update. Choose Restore to erase your iPad. iTunes will download the latest iPadOS and restore the device.
Choose Restore Button
Step 4.
After the process is complete, your iPad will restart. You can now set it up as new or restore from a previous iCloud or iTunes backup.

Using this method, you can successfully unlock iPad with iTunes, even when the device is disabled or unresponsive.

Part 2. Other Methods Available to Unlock an iPad Easily

While learning how to unlock an iPad with iTunes is often the first solution recommended by Apple, iTunes doesn’t always work for everyone, especially if your device isn’t recognized or your computer doesn’t have iTunes installed. Fortunately, there are other reliable ways to unlock a disabled iPad without using iTunes. Below are three alternative methods that are simple, effective, and beginner-friendly.

Method 1. Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker

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How to Use Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker

Step 1.
Head to our website by clicking this link: https://www.aiseesoft.com/iphone-unlocker/
Step 2.
Download and install the software. Launch the program and select Wipe Passcode mode.
Select Wipe Passcode Mode
Step 3.
Hit the Start button to initiate the Wipe Passcode process. Connect your disabled iPad via USB and wait for it to be detected.
Click The Start
Step 4.
Confirm your device information, then hit Start to download the firmware package.
Check And Start
Step 5.
After the download completes, enter 0000 and click Unlock to begin removing the screen lock. Once finished, your iPad will be reset and ready to set up, no passcode or iTunes needed.
Hit Unlock And Next

Whether iTunes isn’t responding or your device is stuck on the disabled screen, Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker gives you a stress-free way to recover access to your iPad.

Method 2. Unlock a Disabled iPad with iCloud

If you’ve enabled Find My iPad before your device was disabled, you can easily erase and unlock it remotely using iCloud. This method is especially helpful when you don’t have access to a computer or if how to unlock an iPad mini with iTunes doesn’t work due to connection issues or iTunes errors.

Steps to Unlock iPad with iCloud

Step 1.
Go to iCloud.com on any browser. Use the Apple ID linked to your disabled iPad to log in.
Enter Apple Id
Step 2.
Click Find iPhone from the main menu. Tap All Devices, then select your iPad Mini or other iPad model.
Step 3.
Click Erase This Device to reset the device and remove the passcode remotely. After the process completes, you have the option to restore your iPad from a backup or set it up like new.
Click Erase This Device

Using iCloud is a safe and wireless option when traditional methods, like how to unlock an iPad mini with iTunes are unavailable or unsuccessful. Ensure your iPad is linked to your Apple ID and has an active internet connection.

Method 3. Fix a Disabled iPad via Find My App

If you have credentials to another Apple device or an old iOS device, you can use the Find My app to erase and unlock a disabled iPad. It will be useful if you have the iPad nearby, it is connected to Wi-Fi, and it is logged into your Apple ID.

Steps to Fix a Disabled iPad via Find My App

Step 1.
Open the Find My app on another Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) and tap the Devices tab.
Step 2.
Select your disabled iPad from the list. Scroll down and tap Erase This Device.
Erase This Device Find My App
Step 3.
Confirm your Apple ID and follow the on-screen instructions to erase the iPad. Once the process is done, your iPad will be reset and ready to set up as new or restored from a backup.

This solution offers a rapid wireless option and is a great choice if you cannot access a computer. It is a good solution for users already in the Apple ecosystem, allowing them to quickly restore an iPad without the need for cables or additional software.

Part 3. FAQs about Unlocking iPad with iTunes

How do you unlock an iPad with iTunes?

To unlock an iPad with iTunes, connect your iPad to a computer with iTunes, put it into recovery mode, and then select Restore when prompted. It erases the device and removes the passcode. After the process, you have the option to restore from a backup or set up your iPad as new. This method works for all iPad models, especially when the device is disabled.

iTunes doesn’t recognize my iPad. What should I do?

Try using a different USB cable, switching USB ports, or updating iTunes. If it still doesn’t work, use an alternative like Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker.

What’s the difference between Recovery Mode and DFU Mode?

Recovery Mode is easier and is used for most restore cases. DFU (Device Firmware Update) Mode is more advanced and used when iTunes can’t detect the device normally.

Conclusion

Getting locked out of your iPad can be frustrating, but there are reliable solutions available to help you regain access. We explained how to unlock iPad with iTunes by putting your device back into recovery mode, a method recommended by Apple when your iPad is disabled. However, suppose iTunes isn’t working or is inaccessible. In that case, we introduce alternative options, such as Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker, iCloud, and the Find My app, which offer simple and effective ways to reset your iPad. You now have multiple methods to regain access and start using your iPad again with ease.

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