How to bypass iPad passcode without losing data
Lock yourself out of iPad because you forgot the passcode? If you're lucky enough, it's possible to bypass lock screen passcode on iPad without data loss. Here's how.
Alex Griffith Updated on Feb 28, 2025 5:43 PM
In most cases, Apple routes below should bypass iPad lock screen if you forget the passcode. If these don't help, go with iPhone Unlocker. Despite the name, the software is versatile, allowing for quick detection and straightforward removal of screen locks on iPad and iPhone.
Unless you have an old passcode changed within 72 hours, you'll have to reset the iPad to bypass the passcode.
In a bid to safeguard personal data and privacy, Apple puts a security mechanism on the iPad that makes it impossible to access the device without knowing the passcode. Anyone who tries to unlock your iPad will get this error "iPad Unavailable" or "Security Lockout" after multiple incorrect passcode attempts. While it keeps out the others, it can also pop up for you while being unable to remember the passcode yourself.
Knowing how to bypass your passcode on iPad is a practical trick to get you out of trouble when you forgot the iPad passcode and need to regain control of the device. The good news? Apple includes a few routes and they're straightforward processes that you'll grasp within minutes. And the same steps apply to bypassing iPhone passcode, regardless of the models.
If you're lucky enough, you can even bypass the iPad screen lock and passcode without losing any data, and in this article we go over them all.
Table of Contents
How to bypass iPad passcode without losing data
If you want to bypass your passcode without resetting the iPad that results in loss of data if you've forgotten your codes, the only official way is to make use of what Apple is calling "Passcode Reset" option. This option is additional bonus for people who recently changed passcodes within 72 hours before the iPad locked up. Passcode Reset allows using old passcode to sign into iPad temporarily and then setting a new passcode again.
Keep in mind that Passcode Reset only works in an iPad based on iPadOS 17 or later. If you're on an earlier software, you won't be able to see this option.
To bypass passcode on iPad without losing data, you can simply enter any passcode to your iPad more than 5 times until you see the iPad says unavailable, then follow the steps below:
1. Tap Forgot Passcode? in the bottom corner of the screen.
2. Tap Enter Previous Passcode.
3. In "Passcode Reset" page, enter your previous passcode and then create a new one.
That's it! You've bypassed your iPad passcode successfully without losing data. You can now unlock the device with the new passcode.
Also: How to recover external hard drive on Mac
Bypass iPad passcode without computer via Apple Account
While Apple does not leave a lot of room for iPad users to bypass a passcode when forgotten on iPad, it did implement a "Passcode Reset" workaround - as long as you changed the passcode in the past 72 hours. If you don't have this option, unfortunately, there is no way to bypass iPad password without resetting the device, which erases everything and restore it to factory settings.
Fortunately, you can now use your Apple Account and password to reset the iPad without a computer involved if you forgot iPad passcode. Be sure to check if your iPad is running iPadOS 15.2 or later, and it has internet connection.
1. When you continue to enter wrong passcode to the iPad, the screen will say that the iPad is Unavailable or in Security Lockout state.
2. Tap Forgot Passcode? at the bottom right.
3. Select Start iPad Reset.
4. Enter the Apple Account password used to set up the iPad.
5. Tap Erase iPad to reset it to factory settings. It will also remove the passcode, allowing you to set the iPad up again and restore from a backup.
Bypass iPad passcode with iPad Unlocker software
For those who are facing "iPhone Unavailable no erase option" problem, there are some other methods you can try. If you're looking for an easy and quick way to unlock your iPad without passcode, iPhone Unlocker is worth adding to your arsenal for consideration.
Don't let the name fool you, the software is comprehensive and elegance, and packed full of features to tackle various screen locks if you forgot password/ -code on both iPhone and iPad. With it, you can reset the lock screen passcode, bypass Apple ID, unlock Screen Time passcode, remove remote management (MDM) lock, and much more. The process of removing iPad passcode you forget is simple and straightforward — the program will guide through the steps you need to take on the screen.
Here's how to bypass iPad lock screen by resetting the device using iPhone Unlocker. You will need to download and install the software on your either Mac or PC first.
Step 1: Launch iPhone Unlocker
Open the software, you should see the interface as below. Click "Wipe Passcode" to proceed.
On the next screen, you will need to connect the iPad that you want to bypass passcode into your computer.
If the device isn't detected, you may manually click the "Device connected but not recognized?" link on the screen to solve it.
Step 2: Device information
This is optional, as the software will display your iPad information correctly after detected in most cases.
Click on "Start" button to go on.
Step 3: Download iPad firmware
Wait for the software to download iPadOS firmware for your iPad model.
As the package is being downloaded, you will be able to see its progress as it is downloaded. The time required will vary based on the speed of your computer and the file size.
Step 4: Begin resetting iPad and passcode
After the download, click on the "Unlock" button. Read the warnings.
Once you click on the "Unlock" button again, you're good to go.
After you've erased your iPad, it reboots automatically. Log in to your iCloud account and set it up just as you did when you first bought it.
See: How to get into a locked iPhone
How to bypass lock screen on iPad in Recovery mode
If you own a computer with iTunes installed, or have a Mac nearby, the ability to bypass the lock screen passcode on iPad is built into iTunes or Finder itself. Enter to Recovery mode and you'll see Restore feature, select that, then you'll be able to reset the iPad lock screen. Here's how.
1. Start by connecting your iPad to your Mac or PC with a cable.
2. Place your iPad into recovery mode.
For iPads without a Home button: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Top button until you see the recovery mode screen.
For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold the Home button and the Top button at the same time until the recovery mode screen appears.
3. Select your iPad on the top center of your iTunes Window, or left sidebar of Finder window.
4. Click Restore iPad.
5. If you have a backup, you may opt for Restore Backup.
6. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the restore process.
Also: How to transfer photos from iPhone to PC without iTunes
How to bypass lock screen on iPad in iCloud.com
If you registered the iPad with your Apple Account and the device is connecting to an internet, you're in luck. You can use iCloud.com website to get iPad passcode bypassed. The downside to this method is that it only works if you already set up the Find My iPad feature.
iPad bypassing lock screen through iCloud Find My iPad will also erase and reset the device completely, though.
Step 1. Open iCloud.com and sign in.
Step 2. Click Find My from iCloud menu.
Step 3. Select your iPad from "All Devices" list at the top.
Step 4. Choose "Erase This Device."
Step 5. Input your Apple Account password and confirm the action.
After the iPad is reset remotely, the screen lock information will be deleted. This could be the passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID that you originally set up.
Related: How to recover deleted photos on iPad
FAQ
Q1. Can I bypass my iPad password without data loss?
Yes, you can sign in to your iPad with your old passcode that you changed within 72 hours to unlock the iPad when locked. This won't erase all your data and reset the iPad. Of course, you can perform a reset on your iPad without losing data if you back up your data before resetting.
Q2. How do I turn off lock screen passcode on iPad?
Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Password for older models) > Turn Passcode Off > enter your current passcode > Turn Off > enter your Apple ID password > Turn Off.
Q3. How to bypass passcode on iPad when it says disabled?
If your iPad is disabled and locks you out, you may plug it into your computer and use iTunes to restore from Recovery mode. Or use Appgeeker iPad Unlocker to bypass the passcode.
