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Trying to change passcode on iPad, but keep getting locked out.

I have two iPads, a mini and a Pro.


For some reason, my Pro requires me to have a passcode that is 8 characters long (only alpha, not numeric).


I'm able to unlock the device, but when I try to change the passcode in settings, I'm asked to enter the passcode again. When I enter the same passcode I used to unlock the device, it says it's incorrect and locks me out.


I don't understand what passcode it's asking for: My AppleID passcode? A passcode from another device? A master passcode? It's not clear.


As a result, the passcode to unlock the device is now no longer working.


All devices are connected to FindMy, and can be used to confirm other device logins. Why is this only affecting my iPad Pro?

iPad Pro, iPadOS 16

Posted on Nov 18, 2024 4:45 PM

Reply
4 replies

Nov 19, 2024 6:08 AM in response to krispoore

You indicate that you are now locked-out from your iPad.


An iPad will be disabled or indicate that it is unavailable if an incorrect Passcode is entered too many times.


A forgotten or unknown iPhone/iPad passcode cannot be recovered - and neither can it be reset or modified from another device. If you see a waiting period you can wait and try again to input the correct Passcode; otherwise, the iPad must be restored.


You may find this support page to be helpful:

If you see an iPhone or iPad unavailable message or Security Lockout screen - Apple Support



iPadOS 17 or later with a forgotten Passcode


If you have changed your passcode in iOS/iPadOS 17 and later - and have since forgotten the new Passcode - you may be able to recover access using your previous Passcode. Passcode Reset gives you 72 hours to use your old Passcode to access your device; when you access your device in this way, you must change your passcode again immediately:

Temporarily use your old passcode when you forget your new passcode on iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


If you cannot use the new Passcode Reset feature, you must use another method.



iOS/iPadOS 15.2 or later with a forgotten Passcode


Apple has introduced a procedure with which to reset an iPad or iPhone with a forgotten Passcode - allowing you to use your AppleID and associated Password to reset your device.

How to reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch when you forgot your passcode - Apple Support


You will be able to restore data from a pre-existing iCloud backup without the use of a computer, but will require a PC/Mac to restore data from an iTunes backup.



iPadOS 15.1 and earlier - and all devices that are Disabled



If your iPhone/iPad indicates that it is disabled/unavailable/locked-out, or you have forgotten your iPad passcode, you have no alternative other than to follow this process:

If you’ve forgotten the passcode on your iPad, or your iPad is disabled – Apple Support


You’ll need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed -or more recent Apple Device App) or a Mac computer (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS).

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support


Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS


Use of a PC or Mac is unavoidable. If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store will be delighted to assist:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple



Activation Lock


Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be satisfied:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support


As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. With documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.


If you have the necessary documentation, Apple have introduced a portal though which you may be able to request release of an Activation Lock:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support & start an Activation Lock support request.



AppleID


You may also need your AppleID and associated password. If these have also been forgotten, they can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com


To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to one of the following:

  • Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
  • Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
  • Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID


More information about recovery of your AppleID and associated Password:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support



Nov 18, 2024 6:52 PM in response to krispoore

I've had similar issues where my passcode or 2nd factor code was not recognized even though it was correct. It's happened so many times that it usually is corrected by one of the following:(1) Under notifications, only allow badges and sounds so the system cant notify you with a statement that the passcode is wrong (2) another app can be the cause. This has happened 3 different times over the past six months. For example, yesterday I was using my iPhone trying to approve a TV for my Netflix account; however, my iPhone would not recognize the code Netflix was showing on the TV screen. I deleted the Apple clock app and tried the same code again and it was accepted. On separate occasions I had to delete the News app and the Proton Mail app for the same reasons (3) If you get a pop up message stating "you recently changed your passcode, reenter your passcode". DO NOT reenter your passcode. Instead force your phone to shut down by pressing the volume up button, then the volume down button, and then press and hold the power button (4) If I enter my passcode correctly 3 times but its not accepted until the 3rd time, I will get locked out the next time i reboot my phone, unless I change my passcode after it is accepted the 3rd time.


With all of that being said, I would suggest first starting with your browser and closing all open pages and deleting your history. The go to Notifications and for all of your apps only allow badges and sounds. Or maybe only change the notifications to 5-10 apps at a time so if Notifications is the problem you have it narrowed down to which apps might be causing the problem. Also, when I am trying to solve an issue, I reboot my device after a change.

Nov 19, 2024 7:05 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thank you, thank you! I'll be reading through the links and resources you provided.


The strange thing is that I was able to unlock my iPad, use the apps, and even get into settings. But when I tried to activate Face ID or change my passcode, it would tell me it's the wrong one. I've been a mac user since 2001 and have never experience a device having more than one passcode. Seemed strange.


Now, because I've attempted to activate FaceID too much, it's locked me out. I'll take a look at the articles you posted, thanks!

Trying to change passcode on iPad, but keep getting locked out.

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