Getting locked out of your iPad can be frustrating, especially if you can’t remember the passcode. Luckily, there is a way to regain access by putting your iPad into recovery mode without needing the passcode. This method can help you reset your device and get back to using it in no time.
Before you start, make sure you have a computer with iTunes or Finder ready. For iPads with a Home button, press and hold both the Home button and the Top button at the same time. If your iPad doesn’t have a Home button, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and finally, hold the Top button until the recovery mode screen appears. This will set your device into recovery mode, making it ready to be restored.
Once your iPad is in recovery mode, connect it to your computer. Your iPad should be detected by iTunes or Finder, allowing you to restore your device to its factory settings. This process will erase all data on the iPad, but you will be able to set it up as new or restore from a backup afterward.
How to Put iPad in Recovery Mode Without Passcode
If you’ve forgotten your iPad passcode or it’s disabled after too many failed attempts, don’t worry — you can still put your iPad into Recovery Mode and restore it using a computer. This process works for all iPad models, including those with or without a Home button.
⚠️ Important: Putting your iPad in Recovery Mode will erase all data on the device. If you’ve previously backed it up to iCloud or iTunes/Finder, you can restore your data after the reset.
🧩 What You’ll Need
Before starting, make sure you have:
- A Mac or Windows PC
- The latest version of Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (for Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier)
- A USB or USB-C cable to connect your iPad to the computer
- A stable internet connection
🔌 Step 1: Turn Off Your iPad
- Disconnect your iPad from any cables if it’s plugged in.
- Turn it off:
- For iPads with Face ID or no Home button: Press and hold the Top button and either Volume button until the power slider appears. Drag it to turn off the iPad.
- For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold the Top (or Side) button until you see the power slider, then drag it to power off.
💻 Step 2: Put Your iPad Into Recovery Mode
The button combination depends on your iPad model:
🔹 iPads with Face ID or no Home button (e.g., iPad Pro 2018 and later):
- Hold the Top button while connecting your iPad to the computer.
- Keep holding the Top button until the Recovery Mode screen appears (a cable pointing to a computer or iTunes logo).
🔹 iPads with a Home button (e.g., iPad 7th gen, iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2):
- Hold down both the Home button and the Top (or Side) button simultaneously.
- Keep holding both buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
🧰 Step 3: Restore or Update Your iPad
Once your iPad is in Recovery Mode, your computer will detect it and show a pop-up window in Finder or iTunes.
You’ll see two options:
- Update: Reinstall iPadOS without erasing your data (use this first if you just need to fix a software issue).
- Restore: Erase all data and reinstall iPadOS (use this if you forgot your passcode or can’t unlock the iPad).
💡 If the download takes more than 15 minutes, your iPad may exit Recovery Mode automatically. If that happens, repeat Step 2 to re-enter Recovery Mode.
🔄 Step 4: Set Up Your iPad
After the restore or update process finishes:
- Disconnect your iPad from the computer.
- Turn it on and follow the on-screen setup instructions.
- If you had an iCloud or iTunes backup, you can restore your data during setup.
🧠 Troubleshooting Tips
- iTunes or Finder doesn’t recognize your iPad: Try a different USB cable or port, or restart both your iPad and computer.
- Stuck on Apple logo: Force restart the iPad and repeat the Recovery Mode steps.
- Forgot Apple ID password: You’ll need to reset it at iforgot.apple.com before activation.
✅ Summary
| iPad Model Type | Button Combination for Recovery Mode |
|---|---|
| iPad with Face ID or no Home button | Hold Top button while connecting to computer |
| iPad with Home button | Hold Home + Top (or Side) buttons together |
Once in Recovery Mode, use Finder or iTunes to restore or update your iPad — no passcode needed.
🧭 Related Guides
- How to Factory Reset an iPad Without Passcode
- How to Wipe an iPad to Factory Settings Without Apple ID
- How to Put iPad in Recovery Mode (All Models)
Key Takeaways
- Press specific buttons to enter recovery mode without the passcode.
- Connect to a computer with iTunes or Finder for restoration.
- Restoring will erase all data but allows a fresh setup.
Preparing Your iPad for Recovery Mode
To put your iPad into recovery mode without a passcode, it’s crucial to follow certain steps. These steps include compatibility checks, backup of data, and connecting to a computer.
Verifying Compatibility and Requirements
First, ensure your iPad is compatible with recovery mode. All Apple devices, including iPads, can enter recovery mode. You need a computer with the latest iTunes or Finder. MacOS Catalina and later uses Finder, while macOS Mojave and earlier, and Windows 10 or later, use iTunes. Ensure you have a USB cable to connect your iPad to your computer.
Apple provides updates often, so it’s important to keep your software up-to-date. Confirm your Mac or PC runs the latest version of macOS or Windows. Check if your Apple ID credentials are ready, as you might need them later.
Backing Up iPad Data
Before entering recovery mode, it’s wise to back up your iPad. This helps prevent data loss during the restore process. Use iCloud or iTunes to create a backup. To use iCloud, go to the Settings app, tap your name, then tap iCloud and iCloud Backup. Hit Back Up Now.
Using iTunes involves connecting your iPad to your computer and opening iTunes. Select your iPad, then click Summary followed by Back Up Now. Ensure the backup finished successfully before moving on.
Connecting to a Computer
Once you confirm compatibility and backup, connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable. Open Finder on macOS Catalina or later, or iTunes on Windows or earlier macOS versions.
Follow these steps to enter recovery mode:
- For iPads with a Home button, press and hold the Top (or Side) button and the Home button together.
- For iPads without a Home button, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Top button.
Keep holding buttons until the recovery mode screen appears. Your computer should recognize the device, allowing you to choose the Update or Restore option.
