How to reset your iPad and your passcode using your Mac or PC

Use a computer to get your iPad into recovery mode so you can erase it and set it up again.

If you forget your passcode, try Passcode Reset first. If you can't use Passcode Reset, you can then reset your iPhone or iPad without a computer to regain access to your Apple device. Finally, if you can't use Passcode Reset and can't reset your iPhone or iPad on your device, you can reset your iPhone or iPad with a computer.

What you need

  • Mac or Windows PC

  • Cable that could charge your iPad

  • Internet connection

  • Up to 60 minutes

This process deletes your data and settings, including your passcode, allowing you to set up your iPad again.

Turn off your iPad

  1. Unplug your iPad from the computer if it's connected.

  2. Turn off your iPad using the method for your iPad model:

    • If your iPad doesn't have a Home button: Press and hold one of the volume buttons and the top button at the same time until the power off slider appears.

    • If your iPad has a Home button: Press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears.

  3. Drag the slider to turn off your iPad, then wait a minute to make sure that it turns off completely.

Put your iPad in recovery mode

  1. Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable.

  2. Keep your iPad connected and press the buttons for your iPad model:

    • For iPad models without a Home button: Press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button. Press and hold the top button.

    • For iPad models with Home button: Press and hold both the Home and the top (or side) buttons at the same time.

  3. Keep holding the button while the Apple logo appears. Do not release the button until an image of a computer and a cable appears, then let go.

  4. If you see the passcode screen, you need to turn off your iPad and start again.

If you need to reset your iPad with a computer, you don't have a computer, and you can't borrow one, you can go to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for help.

Restore your iPad

  1. Locate your iPad in the Finder or the Apple Devices app on the computer that it's connected to. (Learn how to find your connected iPad.)

  2. Choose Restore when you see the option to Restore or Update. Your computer downloads software for your iPad and begins the restore process. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and your device exits the recovery mode screen, let the download finish, then turn off your iPad and start again.

    The restore or update option when you connect your iPad to a computer with MacOS Ventura.

  3. Wait for the process to finish.

If you use a Windows PC to reset your iPad, you need Apple Devices installed. Get Apple Devices from the Microsoft Store and learn how to restore your iPad using Apple Devices on your Windows PC.

Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your iPad

Once the restore process finishes, the Hello screen will appear on your iPad. Disconnect your iPad from the computer and set up and use your iPad.

Published Date: