iPad locked: how to get it working again in 4 steps

iPad locked? Fix it yourself in 4 steps.

Your iPad is dead. The screen is black. Or you've forgotten your password. Perhaps an error message keeps popping up. Frustrating, because all your work, photos, and apps are locked inside. Most people immediately think of expensive repairs or even buying a new iPad .

But here's the thing: in 9 out of 10 cases, you can easily get a blocked iPad working again yourself. No technical knowledge required, no expensive tools, and certainly not a new iPad from the refurbished range . The solution often involves four simple steps that Apple itself doesn't prominently share. In fact, many technicians use the exact same tricks, but charge hundreds of euros for them.

In this article you will learn how to get your iPad fully working again – including all your data – within half an hour.

Useful links

• Refurbished iPhone collection - if you're considering switching
• Accessories - cables and adapters for recovery
• iPad refurbished collection - if replacement is needed

The four most common blockages

Before you panic about your blocked tablet, it's helpful to know exactly what the problem is. Each blockage requires a different approach.

1. Forgot your password?

This happens more often than you think. After a vacation, or when your children have been playing with the device, you suddenly forget the code. The screen displays "iPad is disabled" after too many incorrect attempts.

2. Black screen but on

You hear sounds and feel vibrations, but the display remains pitch black. This usually indicates a software issue, not a broken screen.

3. Stuck on Apple logo

The device boots up, displays the familiar Apple icon, but doesn't get past it. A classic case of a failed update.

4. Activation lock

After a reset, the device asks for Apple ID information you've forgotten. This is especially annoying with second-hand models.

Step 1: Try the soft reset

For almost every problem, this is your first attempt. It costs nothing and works surprisingly often.

For iPads with a Home button:

• Press and hold the power button and home button at the same time
• Continue holding until the Apple logo appears (about 10 seconds)
• Release and wait for the device to boot up

For newer models without a home button:

• Press and release volume up
• Press and release volume down
• Hold the top button until the logo appears

This method doesn't erase any data. Everything is saved. It simply reboots the system, similar to restarting a crashed computer.

Step 2: Recover via computer

If the soft reset doesn't work, it's time for more robust solutions. You'll need a computer with iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac) for this.

Preparation

• Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes or macOS
• Use the original cable or an MFi-certified variant
• Free up at least 10 GB of space on your computer
• Temporarily disable your antivirus (may disrupt the process)

The recovery process

1. Connect the device to the computer
2. Open iTunes or Finder
3. Select your device when it appears
4. Click on "Restore iPad"
5. Confirm you have a backup (if possible)
6. Wait for the process to complete (15-30 minutes)

Important: This will erase all data. If you have a recent iCloud backup, you can restore everything after restoring.

Step 3: Using Recovery Mode

Sometimes the computer doesn't recognize your tablet. Or the normal recovery fails. In that case, recovery mode is the answer, a deeper system that always works.

Activate recovery mode

With home button:

1. Connect to the computer
2. Hold the power and home buttons at the same time
3. Continue holding even after the Apple logo
4. Release at the iTunes icon

Without home button:

1. Connect to the computer
2. Short press volume up, then volume down
3. Hold the top button until the recovery icon appears

Performing the recovery

The computer automatically detects a device in recovery mode. You'll be given two options:

• Update : Try to reinstall iOS without data loss
• Restore : Complete clean install

Try updating first. If that doesn't work, try restoring. The download process can take a long time with a slow internet connection.

Step 4: DFU mode as a last resort

DFU stands for Device Firmware Update. This is the deepest recovery level, which even reinstalls the bootloader. Use this only if all else fails.

Activating DFU mode varies by model:

• With home button: 3 seconds on/off + home, then 10 seconds both, then home only
• No Home Button: Complex Volume Button Combination with Precise Timing

The screen remains black in DFU mode. iTunes notifies you that a device has been detected in recovery mode. Select "Restore" and wait patiently.

Special situations

Bypass activation lock

This is only possible with the original proof of purchase. Apple can remove the lock through their support team, but it takes a few days. Never buy a used model without first checking that the activation lock is disabled.

Water or fall damage

Software solutions don't help with physical damage. Signs of water damage:

• Condensation under the screen
• Spots or streaks on the display
• Random touch input
• Speakers that crackle

Let the appliance dry for at least 48 hours in a warm, dry place. Do not use rice (mythical) or a hairdryer (too hot).

Prevention for the future

Prevention is better than cure. These simple measures will save you a lot of hassle:

• Automatic Backup : Turn on iCloud backup for daily security
• Password manager : Use Apple's Keychain or an app like 1Password
• Update regularly : Install iOS updates within a few weeks
• Screen Time passcode separate : use a different code than your master password
• Note serial number : useful for support and warranty claims

When to seek professional help

Some problems you can't solve yourself. Seek help with:

• Physically broken screen or casing
• Battery that swells
• Recurring crashes after recovery
• Loss of important company data
• Warranty claims or insurance issues

Professional repair costs vary widely. A screen replacement costs €150-€400, depending on the model. Sometimes a refurbished screen is more cost-effective than a repair.

Conclusion

A locked iPad feels like a nightmare, but in most cases, you can get it working again within an hour. Always start with the simplest solution: a soft reset. Work your way up to more complex methods only when necessary. With patience and this guide, you'll usually manage. The most important thing is to stay calm and take it one step at a time. Good luck!

A blocked iPad is no drama

A blocked iPad doesn't have to be a nightmare. In the vast majority of cases, you can get your tablet working again with these four steps, without expensive repairs or technical expertise. Simply start with a soft reset and work your way back up as needed.

If it really doesn't work or there's physical damage, you can always opt for an affordable refurbished alternative . Most importantly: make regular backups , so you'll never lose your data again if problems arise.