[Solved]Bypass iPad Locked Screen With The Best Methods

There is a particular kind of panic that only Apple users understand.

You pick up your iPad after weeks of not using it. Face ID fails because your appearance changed, or Touch ID no longer recognizes your finger. You try several passcodes, but none work. Suddenly, the screen displays:

• iPad Unavailable
• Try again in 15 minutes

Or worse:

iPad is disabled. Connect to iTunes.

At that moment, the iPad in your hand feels more like a brick than a premium device.

The good news? A locked iPad is almost never permanently inaccessible.

Apple built several ways to erase and unlock a disabled device. And if you use the right tools, the process can be much faster and simpler than many people expect.

This article explores three proven methods to bypass the iPad locked screen without passcode or Face ID, including a professional solution using iDatapp iPad Unlocker.

Why Does an iPad Become Locked?

An iPad may be locked for several reasons:

• Forgotten screen passcode
• Too many incorrect passcode attempts
• Face ID or Touch ID malfunction
• Child accidentally changing the passcode
• Purchasing a second-hand iPad with an unknown password
• iPad disabled after software update
• Cracked screen causing incorrect input

When this happens, there is no legitimate way to access the device without erasing the screen lock. The goal is to restore access as efficiently as possible.

Can You Bypass an iPad Lock Screen Without Losing Data?

If you never created a backup in iCloud or Finder on Mac, removing the passcode will erase existing data.

However, if you have a backup, your apps, photos, notes, and settings can be restored after unlocking.

That’s why unlocking and data recovery should be considered together.

Method 1: Bypass iPad Locked Screen with iDatapp iPad Unlocker

For most users, the easiest approach is to use iDatapp iPhone Unlocker.

Unlike iTunes, it walks you through the process step by step and automatically downloads the required firmware.

iPad Unlocker

Erase/Unlock the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

• 4-digit and 6-digit passcodes
• Face ID and Touch ID locks
• Screen Time restrictions
• Apple ID lock (in supported situations)
• MDM profiles

Free Download Free Download Learn more

Why This Method Stands Out

Many unlocking tutorials assume users are comfortable with Recovery Mode and firmware restoration. In reality, most people simply want clear instructions and a tool that handles the technical details.

iDatapp simplifies the entire process, making it ideal for beginners and repair technicians alike.

Steps to Unlock iPad Without Passcode:

Step 1: Install and open iDatapp iPad Unlocker.

Step 2: Select Unlock iOS Screen.

Step 3: Connect your locked iPad using a USB cable.

Step 4: Confirm device information.

Step 5: Quickly select your iPad device model and put your iPad into recovery mode.

Step 6: Click Start Now.

Step 7: Download the matching firmware package.

Step 8: Wait for the lock screen to be removed.

Important Details

• Works with most iPad models and iPadOS versions.
• Requires internet to download firmware.
• Erases the device but allows restoration from backup.

Best For

• Forgotten passcode
• Disabled iPad
• Broken Face ID
• Second-hand devices

Method 2: Unlock iPad Using Find My iPad (iCloud)

If Find My iPad was enabled and you know the Apple ID credentials, you can remotely erase the device.

This method is especially useful if your iPad is not physically with you or if your computer doesn’t recognize it.

Steps to Unlock via iCloud

Step 1: Visit iCloud Find Devices.

Step 2: Sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 3: Select Find My iPad > All Devices

Step 4: Click Erase iPad.

Step 5: Wait for the process to finish.

Step 6: Set up the device again.

Important Details

• Requires internet connection on the iPad.
• Activation Lock remains, so you must know the Apple ID password.
• All data is erased.

Best For

• You remember your Apple ID.
• Find My was already enabled.
• You want an official Apple solution.

Method 3: Restore iPad in Recovery Mode

Recovery Mode is Apple’s universal rescue system for devices that are locked, disabled, or malfunctioning.

This method is highly reliable, but it requires manually entering Recovery Mode.

Steps to Enter Recovery Mode

For iPads Without Home Button

1. Press Volume Up.
2. Press Volume Down.
3. Hold Top button until the recovery screen appears.

For iPads With Home Button

1. Hold Home + Top buttons together.
2. Release when the recovery screen appears.

Restore Process

Step 1: Connect the iPad to a computer.

Step 2: Open Apple Devices for Windows, iTunes for Windows, or Finder on Mac.

Step 3: Select Restore.

Step 4: Download firmware and reinstall iPadOS.

Step 5: Set up the iPad again.

Important Details

• Free official solution.
• Requires stable USB connection.
• Can take longer than dedicated software.

Best For

• Users comfortable with Apple tools.
• Situations where third-party software is unnecessary.

Which Method Should You Choose?

What Happens After Unlocking?

Once the lock screen is removed, the iPad restarts to the setup screen.

You can then:

• Restore from iCloud backup
• Restore from computer backup
• Transfer data from another iPad
• Set up as new

If the iPad was linked to your Apple ID, you must complete Activation Lock verification.

Recover Lost Data After Unlocking a Disabled iPad

Unlocking solves the immediate access problem, but another issue often appears right afterward:

“My iPad is unlocked, but all my photos and notes are gone.”

Because passcode removal erases the device, users frequently need to restore deleted or missing data. This is where data recovery becomes just as important as unlocking.

Why Data Loss Happens

Data may disappear because of:

• Forced restore during unlocking
• Interrupted iOS update
• Accidental deletion
• Factory reset
• Water damage
• Screen damage preventing normal backup
• System crashes

For students, business users, and families, this can mean losing years of important files.

iPhone Data Recovery

Recover Deleted/Lost Data from you iPhone/iPad/iPod devices

Free Download Free Download Learn more

Practical Solution: iDatapp iPhone Data Recovery

iDatapp offers an iOS Data Recovery solution that can retrieve:

• Photos
• Videos
• Notes
• Contacts
• Messages
• WhatsApp chats
• Safari bookmarks

The software scans the device, iTunes backup, or iCloud backup and lets you preview recoverable files before restoration.

Typical Recovery Workflow

1. Install iDatapp iPhone Data Recovery.
2. Select recovery mode.
3. Scan device or backup.
4. Preview recoverable data.
5. Export files to your computer.

Real-World Example

A parent unlocks an old iPad used by their child. During restoration, they realize family photos from vacations are missing. Instead of accepting the loss, they scan the device backup with iDatApp and recover thousands of images.

Why This Matters

Unlocking a device is only half the story. A complete recovery strategy ensures that forgotten passwords do not turn into permanent data loss.

Frequently Asked Questions