IPad 2 asks to connect to iTunes while iTunes asks for passcode on iPad

ipaditunessoftware-update

SCENARIO:

I have an old iPad 2 (I think) model A1396 from a relative reclaiming an iTunes update. iPad screen is telling device is deactivated and should be connected to iTunes.

WHAT I'VE TRIED

I downloaded iTunes and connected the iPad, iTunes detects the iPad, but complains because I need to put the passcode in the iPad.

PROBLEM

I have the passcode, but the iPad screen is not asking for it, I can't unlock the screen and I just can restart the iPad, entering in this way in a vicious circle… sigh!

QUESTION is: Is there some way to unlock the iPad to insert passcode and allow update via iTunes?.

Best Answer

It seems that the reason the iPad is disabled and requires you to connect to iTunes to re-activate it is because the passcode was entered incorrectly too many times.

In this case, you'll need to erase the iPad, and unless you made a backup before the iPad got disabled, there isn't a way to save your device's data, and you'll lose all your data and settings.

Erase your device with recovery mode:

If you've never synced with iTunes or set up Find My iPhone in iCloud, you'll need to use recovery mode to restore your device. This will erase the device and its passcode.

  1. Connect your iOS device to your computer and open iTunes.

  2. While your device is connected, force restart it: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons at the same time. Don't let go when you see the Apple logo — keep holding until you see the recovery mode screen.

  3. When you see the option to Restore or Update, choose Restore.

    iTunes will download software for your device. If it takes more than 15 minutes, your device will exit recovery mode and you'll need to repeat steps 2 and 3.

  4. Wait for the process to finish. Then you can set up and use your device.

For more info, check Apple's support article.

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