This ultimate guide will explain how to unlock iPad Pro – even without Face ID, Touch ID, or if you have forgotten the passcode.
This easy-to-follow article will explain the following iPad Pro passcode removal topics:
- Free passcode unlocking techniques.
- How to keep all your data after a passcode reset without a restore.
- Passcode unlocking without a computer.
- How to use recovery mode.
- The official passcode unlocking procedure.
- Unlocking iPad Pro without Face ID or a password.
- Face ID usage and reset instructions.
- How to use Touch ID.
- How to factory or hard reset iPad Pro without the password.
- Recommended software tools.
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Related: How to bypass iCloud Activation on iPad Pro.
About the iPad Pro passcode and Touch ID
Let’s start with some basic information on the iPad Pro and the screen lock system.
There are some large differences that make the well-reviewed iPad Pro unique beyond its high-powered performance. This is why we produced this dedicated guide for iCloud unlocking this model of tablet.
Depending on the version of iPad Pro you own, it can include Face ID, Touch ID, and a passcode.
| Model | Released | Passcode | Touch ID | Face ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro (1st generation) | 2015 | Yes | Yes | No |
| iPad Pro (2nd generation) | 2017 | Yes | Yes | No |
| iPad Pro (3rd generation) | 2018 | Yes | No | Yes |
| iPad Pro (4th generation) | 2020 | Yes | No | Yes |
| iPad Pro (5th generation) | 2021 | Yes | No | Yes |
| iPad Pro (6th generation) | 2022 | Yes | No | Yes |
Face ID allows you to unlock your device by just glancing at it. However, it can go wrong meaning you have to resort to using the passcode to unlock the screen. This makes it vital that you remember your iPad Pro passcode.
When you get the 4 or 6-digit passcode wrong too many times your device will be disabled. After 10 attempts in a row, your iPad will be locked forever and an on-screen message will say “iPad is disabled. Connect to iTunes”.
The official iPad passcode reset method Apple recommends erases all the data on your device. This is fine if you have a backup that you can use to restore the contents back to the device.
But what if you don’t? Will all your data be lost forever?
Perhaps not.
There are some techniques you can use to prevent data loss and recover erased information from your iPad Pro in the next section.
How to unlock iPad Pro if you’ve forgotten your passcode
Method 1: If you don’t have a backup or restore
As mentioned earlier, if you follow the official instructions from Apple to reset a forgotten passcode then all your data will be deleted from your iPad Pro. The idea is that you recover the erased contents from a backup.
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But what if you don’t have a backup?
There are a couple of solutions you can try – one free and one paid – that will remove the passcode and recover the missing data.
Free method
There is a free unlock method that worked with older iPad models that may work on the iPad Pro.
It has quite a low success rate, but if you want a free way to unlock your passcode and keep your data – even without a restore – then it may be worth trying.
This technique uses a software tool called IPSW to hack your iPad Pro.
As shown in the video below, it is downloaded onto a PC and used to unlock the passcode without erasing the data.
For a step-by-step guide on this method and further information, see how to reset your iPad Pro passcode for free without data loss.
Paid method
If the free technique doesn’t work there is also a few paid software tool you can use to unlock the passcode and restore the lost data. You will need a computer for these to work.
| Tool | Rating | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 LockWiper | ★★★★★ | Removes locks such as passcode, Face ID, Apple ID, MDM lock, & screen time lock. | |
| #2 D-Back Data Recovery | ★★★★★ | Recovers erased data from an iOS device, iTunes, or iCloud – including photos, messages, and more… | |
#3 Ultdata | ★★★★ | Recovers 35 deleted file types from iOS devices, iTunes, or iCloud backups. | |
Regardless of the specific tool used, the paid passcode unlocking process is as follows:
- Download and install the data recovery tool of your choice. There are free trial versions available – so you can try them out before you buy them.
- Before you wipe your device, test the data recovery program on your iPad Pro to see if it will get back deleted files. If so, move on to the next step. If not, try the other tool.
- Download and install the passcode removal tool.
- Use the passcode removal tool to unlock the iPad Pro screen. The tablet’s data will be wiped.
- Recover your data from the wiped device using the data recovery tool you successfully tested in step 2.
For more in-depth instructions on unlocking iPad Pro without a backup or restore, see Reset forgotten iPad Pro passcode without a restore.
Method 2: If you don’t have a computer
You can still unlock your iPad Pro when it is passcode locked, even if you don’t own a computer. For example, you can use a friend’s smartphone, use another Apple device you own or even ask for help in an Apple Store:
- Ask for help from a friend, family member, or colleague. Borrow their smartphone, tablet, or computer to go online using a web browser and log in to your iCloud account and erase the passcode from there.
For more information on accessing your iCloud account, see How to sign in to iCloud. - Another option is to download the Find My app onto another Apple device you own, such as an iPad. You can use the app to remotely erase your iPad Pro and remove the passcode.
- A third option is to pop into your nearest Apple Store or Apple reseller and ask them to help you perform the passcode reset using one of their computers.
For more detailed instructions on what to do, see How to unlock the passcode when you don’t have access to a computer.
Method 3: For free using Find My and iCloud
When you use Find My or iCloud to unlock your iPad Pro it will erase all the data.
To avoid losing recent information permanently, it is important to check the last backup date for your device.
You can unlock the passcode via iCloud using any internet-connected smartphone, tablet, or computer as follows:
- On another computer, tablet, or smartphone, open a web browser and go to iCloud.com and sign in.
- If you have Two Factor Authentication turned on, you will be prompted for your authentication code.
- Once signed in, click Find iPhone.
- All the Apple devices you own will be located.
- Once your devices have been located, they will appear on a map.
- At the top of the screen, select All Devices and select your iPad Pro from the list.
- Next, click Erase iPad to remove the passcode. This process will also remove all the data from your iOS device.
- On the dialog box that pops open, confirm you want to erase the device.
- The passcode and all the data will be removed from your iPad.
- Once erased, set up your device and restore your device.
Method 4: For free using recovery mode
The officially recommended method to unlock and reset the passcode is to put your iPad Pro into Recovery Mode.
When using this technique, you need to gather the following items:
- A Mac, or a PC with Windows 8, or newer and iTunes installed.
- Your passcode locked iPad Pro.
- A USB cable to connect your iPad to the computer.
To use recovery mode do the following:
On iPad Pro with Face ID
The following models of iPad Pro have Face ID:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch
If your iPad Pro has Face ID and you should use the following method:
- Press and hold the Top button, also called the Sleep/Wake button. At the same time, hold down the Volume Down or the Volume Up button.
- There will be a Slide to Power Off message that comes up on the screen.
- Release the volume button and drag the slider to the right, turning off the iPad Pro.
- Connect the iPad Pro to your computer via an Apple-approved USB cable while continuing to hold the Sleep/Wake button.
- Keep holding down the button till you see the recovery-mode screen.
- When you see the option to Restore or Update, choose Restore. Your computer downloads software for your iPad Pro and begins the restore process. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and your device exits the recovery mode screen, let the download finish, then turn off your iPad and start again.
- Wait for the process to finish.
- Once done, disconnect your iPad from the computer, then set up your iPad.
On iPads with a home button
If you have a 2nd generation or older iPad Pro with a Home button you should:
- First, turn off the device, if it is not off already.
- Press and hold down your On/Off button, which you will find on the top of the iPad. Keep holding it down for 3 seconds.
- The Slide to Power Off slider should pop up on the screen. Slide it to the right.
- Next, press the tablet’s Home button and hold it down.
- On a laptop or PC, pull up iTunes. Make sure that you are running the latest version of it.
- Connect the iPad to your computer via a USB cable.
- When you see a Connect to iTunes screen, let go of the Home button.
- iTunes should now inform you that it has detected the iPad. You can now go about restoring the device.
- When you see the option to Restore or Update, choose Restore. Your computer downloads software for your iPad Pro and begins the restore process. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and your device exits the recovery mode screen, let the download finish, then turn off your iPad and start again.
- Wait for the process to finish.
- Once done, disconnect your iPad from the computer, then set up your iPad.
Method 5: Using Face ID
If you have Face ID configured on your iPad Pro, do the following:
- Tap the screen or raise your iPad Pro to wake it, then look at your device. The lock icon at the top of the lock screen animates from closed to open to indicate that your device is unlocked.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to use the tablet.
To lock iPad again:
- Press the side button.
If you don’t touch the screen for a minute or two, your iPad Pro locks automatically.
If you don’t have Face ID enabled, find out how to Set up Face ID on iPad.
If Face ID doesn’t work
If you set up Face ID on your iPad Pro, but it no longer works do the following:
Check your Face ID settings
- On your iPad, tap Settings.
- Then, tap Face ID & Passcode.
- Check Face ID is set up and turned on.
Check the front-facing camera can scan your features properly
Make sure nothing is covering the front-facing TrueDepth camera on your iPad Pro with the following checks:
- Get rid of anything that may be covering the front camera such as dirt, a case, or a screen protector
- Ensure you are not covering the front-facing TrueDepth camera with your hand.
- Make sure your face is not covered. Your eyes, nose, and mouth must be fully visible to the front TrueDepth camera.
- Make sure your eyes aren’t blocked if you’re wearing a face mask. You may need to hold your iPad higher than normal.
- If you’re wearing sunglasses designed to block certain types of infrared light your iPad Pro won’t unlock. Try using Face ID without your sunglasses.
If none of these fixes work, check if there are any iOS updates for your iPad.
How to fix Face ID
If you have tried the fixes above and they haven’t worked, you need to reset your Face ID on your tablet.
Before you begin, make sure your face isn’t covered and you take off your sunglasses.
You can use Face ID with face masks on iPad Pro as long as you have iOS 15.4 or later installed. Face ID works best when your iPad is approximately 10-15 inches from your face.
To reset Face ID:
- On your iPad, tap Settings.
- Scroll down, then tap Face ID & Passcode.
- If prompted, enter the screen lock code.
- Tap Reset Face ID. This will disable Face ID security on your device.
- Return to the Home screen.
- Tap Settings.
- Then, tap Face ID & Passcode. If asked, enter your passcode. If you didn’t set a passcode, you’ll be asked to create one to use as an alternative way to verify your identity.
- Tap Set Up Face ID.
- Next, tap Get Started.
- Position your face inside the frame shown on the screen and move your head to complete a circle.
- When you’ve finished the first Face ID scan, tap Continue.
- Repeat the scan a second time.
- Tap Done.
You can unlock iPad Pro without Face ID by using the passcode you picked when you first set up your device.
Method 6: Using Touch ID
If you have Touch ID configured on your iPad Pro, do the following:
- Press the Touch ID sensor on the home button to unlock the screen. Make sure you use the correct finger. The lock icon at the top of the lock screen animates from closed to open to indicate that your device is unlocked.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to use the device.
To lock the iPad again:
- Press the side button, or
- don’t touch the screen for a minute or two, your iPad Pro locks automatically.
If you don’t have Touch ID enabled, find out how to Set up Touch ID on iPad.
Getting rid of the passcode on other iPad models
If you want to remove the passcode on a different iPad model see:
- How to unlock iPad if you forget the passcode.
- How to unlock iPad mini if you forget the passcode.
- How to unlock iPad Air if you forget the passcode.
Other iPad unlocking guides
Beyond the passcode lock, Apple also uses Activation Lock and the carrier lock to restrict and secure their products.
Find out more about these iPad unlocking methods:
