If you know your current passcode, you can turn one on or change it in Settings. If you’ve forgotten it and are locked out, Apple’s reset options erase the iPad; you can restore your data afterward only if you have a backup.
Set or change a passcode you know
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Open Settings.
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Tap Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, depending on your iPad model.
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Tap Turn Passcode On to create a passcode, or Change Passcode to replace your current one. Follow the prompts.
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To choose a different format, tap Passcode Options. Apple identifies Custom Alphanumeric Code and Custom Numeric Code as its most secure options. See Apple’s passcode instructions.
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Apple iPad 11-inch: A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Blue- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
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This Settings method is for a passcode you still know. If you’re locked out because you forgot it, use one of the erase-and-reset methods below.
What your iPad passcode does
Apple says setting a passcode turns on data protection, which encrypts iPad data with 256-bit AES encryption; some apps may opt out. The iPad may also require the passcode even when Face ID or Touch ID is available—for example, after the iPad is turned on or restarted, or after it has gone more than 48 hours without being unlocked. Read Apple’s iPad data-protection and passcode guidance.
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- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
In passcode settings, you can optionally turn on Erase Data. If enabled, it erases information, media, and personal settings after 10 consecutive failed passcode attempts. This is an optional setting, not an automatic consequence of every wrong attempt.
Forgot your passcode? Check for an on-device reset
Some iPads offer an erase option directly on the lockout screen. Availability depends on the iPadOS version and whether the device meets Apple’s requirements.
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- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
iPadOS 17 or later
When the iPad is locked out, look for Forgot Passcode?. Apple says this option requires the iPad to have a network connection, be signed in to the owner’s Apple Account, and have Find My turned on. You’ll need the Apple Account password to proceed.
iPadOS 15.2 or iPadOS 16
The corresponding lockout-screen option is Erase [Device]. It also depends on the network, Apple Account, and Find My requirements, and requires the Apple Account password.
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Either on-device flow permanently erases data and settings before you set up the iPad again. These options aren’t available in every lockout state or on every iPad. If the option isn’t shown or you don’t meet its requirements, use computer recovery. See Apple’s instructions for resetting a forgotten passcode without a computer.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteUse a Mac or Windows PC to restore a locked iPad
Apple’s computer recovery method erases the iPad, including its passcode. You’ll need a Mac or Windows PC, an internet connection, and a cable that can charge the iPad. Check that the cable fits both the iPad and computer. Apple advises allowing up to 60 minutes for the process.
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- Smart Connector. 3.5 mm headphone jack. Stereo speakers. On/Off - Sleep/Wake. Home/Touch ID sensor. Dual microphones. Volume up/down. Nano-SIM tray (cellular models). Lightning connector
- A10 Fusion chip.
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor,
- 8MP back camera, 1. 2MP FaceTime HD front camera.
- Stereo speakers.
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Turn off the iPad.
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Connect it to the computer with the cable, then put it in recovery mode. The button sequence depends on whether your iPad has a Home button; follow Apple’s recovery instructions for the correct sequence.
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On a Mac, open Finder. On a Windows PC, use the Apple Devices app. When the iPad appears with the option to update or restore, choose Restore.
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Wait for the restore to finish, then follow the iPad’s setup prompts.
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If the software download takes more than 15 minutes and the iPad exits the recovery screen, let the download complete, then turn off the iPad and repeat the recovery-mode steps.
Restore your data after the reset
During setup, restore personal data and settings from an iCloud or computer backup made before you forgot the passcode, if one is available. Without a backup, set up the iPad as new. Apple’s backup and restore guidance explains the available backup routes.
Quick Recap
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