Unlock iPad: These are the options

If your iPad is deactivated, for example because you forgot the lock code or entered it incorrectly six times, you can still unlock the device. In this practical tip, we show which options are available for this.

Unlock iPad using iTunes

First of all: You cannot unlock your iPad without losing data. To restore the device using iTunes, the iPad must have been connected to your computer before.

1. Turn off the iPad and connect the device to the computer using the cable.
2. Now switch the iPad on again. Hold down the home button until the recovery mode is displayed on the iPad. You can recognize this by the iTunes symbol together with the cable symbol.
3. The message "Connect to iTunes" should appear on your computer. Click "OK" to restore your iPad.
4. When this process is finished, the iPad turns on again and you can disconnect the device from the computer. Once you have backed up your iPad, you can use it to restore the device.
5. To do this, go to the settings on your iPad and select "Apps & data". Depending on the previous backup variant, select either "Restore from iCloud Backup" or "Restore from iTunes Backup".

Unlock iPad with iCloud

Alternatively, you can unlock your code using iCloud, more specifically "Find my iPhone".

1. To do this, go to the iCloud website in your computer's browser and log in with the same Apple ID that you use on your iPad.
2. Select the Find iPhone option. In the next window, select your iPad under the "All devices" option.
3. If you click here on "Delete iPad" and confirm the selection, the iPad will be deleted - all data will be lost - and thus also unlocked. Then you have to set up the device again or install a backup from your computer.

In our next practical tip, read how to connect the Apple Pencil with the iPad.