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If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your device is disabled

I'm trying to factory reset my son's iPad. We rarely use it and I've forgotten the parent passcode. How do I reset the iPad back to the factory settings if I've forgot the passcode for my iPad? There isn't anything saved to the iPad. I can reload it all via the cloud. However, Everything I've read tells me to connect the iPad to my computer...well my MacBook Air cord isn't compatible with my iPad cord. And I'm over five hours away from an Apple Store. Help!


iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi

Posted on Dec 24, 2019 12:11 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 24, 2019 12:17 PM

If you have two different connectors, you are going to have to get an adapter. I'm guessing that you have a newer MacBook Air with the USB-C, and the iPad uses the lightning? If the Apple Store is a ways away, try something like Wal-Mart, Staples, Target, Best Buy, they all sell Apple power connectors. You need this one, https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MX0K2AM/A/usb-c-to-lightning-cable-1-m?fnode=97&fs=f%3Dcable%26fh%3D458e%252B45c4 This is from the Apple website, but you should find it at one of the stores I indicated. Then follow the steps here, If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your device is disabled - Apple Support


You also mention parent passcode. If you have forgotten that as well, you will have to set the iPad up as new, not from a backup, as the backup contains that screen time passcode and will put it right back on.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 24, 2019 12:17 PM in response to blessingsandglory

If you have two different connectors, you are going to have to get an adapter. I'm guessing that you have a newer MacBook Air with the USB-C, and the iPad uses the lightning? If the Apple Store is a ways away, try something like Wal-Mart, Staples, Target, Best Buy, they all sell Apple power connectors. You need this one, https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MX0K2AM/A/usb-c-to-lightning-cable-1-m?fnode=97&fs=f%3Dcable%26fh%3D458e%252B45c4 This is from the Apple website, but you should find it at one of the stores I indicated. Then follow the steps here, If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your device is disabled - Apple Support


You also mention parent passcode. If you have forgotten that as well, you will have to set the iPad up as new, not from a backup, as the backup contains that screen time passcode and will put it right back on.

Dec 24, 2019 12:21 PM in response to blessingsandglory

There isn't an option other than connecting to a computer. It doesn't have to be a Mac computer so if you know someone who has a Windows computer you could use that. See the following from If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your device is disabled - Apple Support

You need a computer to follow these steps. If you don't have a computer, borrow one from a friend, or go to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.


It sounds like your Mac is one of the newer models that only has USB-C connections. If so, the other option would be to buy an adapter: USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple

You can order that online from Apple with free shipping.

If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your device is disabled

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