You can erase or restore an iPad without iTunes in three situations: erase it from Settings, use the reset option on a locked iPad if it meets Apple’s requirements, or connect it to a Mac using Finder or a Windows PC using Apple Devices. Each method erases the iPad; getting your personal data back afterward requires an existing backup. On current systems, you do not need iTunes, though older Macs and some Windows setups may still use it.
Choose the right method
| Your situation | Use this method | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| You can unlock and use the iPad | Erase it in Settings | The iPad passcode or Apple Account password if requested; a backup is recommended. |
| You forgot the passcode and see Security Lockout or iPad Unavailable | Erase it from the lock screen | iPadOS 15.2 or later, Find My enabled before the lockout, an internet connection, and the Apple Account password. |
| The iPad will not start, is stuck, or cannot be erased in Settings | Use recovery mode with Finder or Apple Devices | A Mac or Windows PC, internet access, and a cable that can charge and transfer data for your iPad. |
“Restore” can mean two different things: returning the iPad to factory settings, or putting personal content back from a backup. The methods below erase the device. Restoring your personal content is a separate step during setup.
Method 1: Erase an accessible iPad in Settings
This is the simplest option if you can unlock the iPad. Apple’s iPad User Guide says Erase All Content and Settings removes personal information, content, and settings and returns the iPad to factory settings.
- Back up the iPad if you want to keep its data.
- Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings, then follow the prompts. Enter your passcode or Apple Account password if asked.
- If prompted on a cellular iPad, choose whether to keep or erase the eSIM. If you erase it, contact your carrier to reactivate the cellular plan.
When erasing finishes, the iPad starts at its setup screen. You can configure it as new or restore an available backup during setup.
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Method 2: Erase a locked iPad without a computer
If you forgot the passcode, Apple supports erasing directly from the iPad’s lock screen on iPadOS 15.2 or later. This option works only if Find My was enabled before the iPad was locked, the device can connect to Wi-Fi or cellular data, and you know the Apple Account password associated with it. The Apple passcode-reset instructions describe this on-device process; it is not an erase initiated from iCloud.com.
iPadOS 17 or later
- At the Security Lockout or iPad Unavailable screen, tap Forgot Passcode?
- Tap Start iPad Reset and enter the Apple Account password when prompted to sign out.
- Choose Erase iPad and confirm.
iPadOS 15.2 or 16
When the erase option appears on the locked screen, tap Erase and follow the prompts to authenticate with your Apple Account. The wording and availability can differ by software version.
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This erases the iPad’s data and settings. Afterward, complete setup and restore a backup if you have one. If the on-device erase option does not appear or the requirements are not met, use recovery mode with a computer.
Method 3: Restore with Finder on Mac or Apple Devices on Windows
Use recovery mode if the iPad will not start, is stuck, or cannot be erased through Settings. On a current Mac, use Finder; on Windows, use the Apple Devices app. Apple’s guidance notes that iTunes may still be needed on macOS 10.14 or earlier, or on Windows where Apple Devices is not installed. See Apple’s instructions for an iPad that cannot be updated or restored and resetting an iPad and passcode with a Mac or PC.
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- 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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- 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.
- A Mac or Windows PC with an internet connection.
- A USB cable compatible with your iPad that supports charging and data transfer. Check the iPad’s connector and the computer’s ports rather than assuming one cable fits every model.
Put the iPad in recovery mode
Turn off the iPad first. Then use the sequence that matches its buttons:
- iPad without a Home button: Connect it to the computer. Quickly press and release the volume button nearest the top button, then quickly press and release the farther volume button. Hold the top button until the recovery-mode screen showing a computer and cable appears.
- iPad with a Home button: Connect it to the computer while holding Home and the top or side button together. Keep holding until the recovery-mode screen appears.
Choose Restore
- Open Finder on the Mac or Apple Devices on Windows, then select the iPad when it appears.
- If offered Update or Restore, choose Restore to erase the iPad and reinstall iPadOS. If you are troubleshooting a startup issue and have not tried Update, Apple advises trying Update first; Restore erases data.
- Wait for the process to finish, then set up the iPad and restore a backup if available.
Apple estimates that its computer-based passcode-reset procedure can take up to 60 minutes; this is an estimate, not a guaranteed completion time. If a software download takes more than 15 minutes and the iPad exits recovery mode, let the download finish, then repeat the recovery-mode steps. Apple explains this in its computer reset instructions.
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Restore personal data from a backup after erasing
Factory-resetting an iPad does not recover its previous content. To put personal data back, you need an existing iCloud or computer backup. During setup on the new or erased iPad, choose Restore from iCloud Backup, or connect to the computer that holds the backup. Apple’s backup restoration guide directs users to Finder on macOS 10.15 or later; older macOS versions and some Windows setups use iTunes. If the computer backup is encrypted, you will need its password.
When recovery mode does not work
Apple identifies recovery mode as a possible route when a computer cannot recognize the iPad, the Apple logo remains on screen for several minutes without progress, the iPad displays a recovery screen, or Recovery Assistant repeatedly restarts. If recovery fails, or a broken button prevents entering recovery mode, Apple says service may be needed.
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