These days, iPhone and iPad are equipped with several security features that you can use to lock your device and keep your data safe. In addition to your regular passcode, you can also use Touch ID or Face ID to unlock your device. If you forget your passcode and enter it incorrectly several times, iPad will be locked and unusable. If this happens, you will need to restore iPad to its factory settings and use the existing backup files to restore device data and settings. This wikiHow teaches you how to unlock an iPad.
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Method 1 of 2: Unlocking iPad
Step 1. Lift the iPad and press the Home button
This gesture works to “wake up” the iPad. On older iPad models that have a” Home button at the bottom of the screen, press the button to wake the iPad. On the new iPad Pro models, simply hold the iPad in front of you (in an upright or sleeping position) to wake the device.
Step 2. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen
After waking the device, you will see a notification window. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to see the unlock options.
Step 3. Use the desired unlocking method
iPhone and iPad have several security methods that can be used to unlock the device. Use one of these methods to unlock iPad:
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Passcode or passcode:
You must create a passcode when you want to enable other security features. Use the onscreen number keys to enter a passcode so you can unlock iPad using it. If you enter an incorrect code six times, iPad will be locked for one minute. The duration will increase each time you enter the wrong code. If you enter the wrong code 10 times, the device will be permanently locked and cannot be used.
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Face ID:
To unlock iPad using Face ID, hold iPad in front of your face (either upright or sideways). Make sure you don't cover the front camera with your fingers.
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Touch ID:
Place a finger on the Home button to unlock iPad using Touch ID (fingerprint scanner). You may need to rotate or reposition your finger for the fingerprint to be read properly. The new iPad Pro models don't have a Home button or Touch ID feature.
Method 2 of 2: Restoring Device
Step 1. Check the device lock message
Step 2. Press and hold the up button and one of the volume buttons
After a few seconds, the power slider window will be displayed.
Step 3. Turn off the iPad
To turn off the device, drag the power slider at the top of the screen towards the right.
Step 4. Connect the device to the computer
Prepare the lightning cable used to charge the device and connect the iPad to the computer. In every iPad purchase package, there is always one cable included for free.
Step 5. Click iPad
If you're using the Finder on MacOS, click iPad in the left pane. In the iTunes window, click the “iPad” button in the top right corner. This button is next to the two buttons, one of which is the “iTunes Store” button.
Step 6. Open iTunes or Finder on the computer
If you are using MacOS Catalina, open Finder. If you're using an earlier version of MacOS or Windows, open iTunes.
Step 7. Press and hold the up button
Keep holding the button in the upper-left corner of iPad until you see the recovery page on the device.
Step 8. Click Restore
This option is in the center of the screen after you connect iPad to iTunes or Finder in recovery mode.
Step 9. Click Restore and update
The iPad will be returned to its factory settings. The latest updates will also be installed on the device.
Step 10. Click Accept
With this option, you agree to the terms and conditions of the update.
Step 11. Set up the iPad
After restoring the device to its factory settings, you need to follow the instructions to complete the initial setup process. In this process, you can choose a new passcode and set up new security features like Touch ID or Face ID. If you have an iPad backup file, you can use it to restore files and device settings after the initial setup process is complete.
