iPad requires a passcode you have never set after an iOS update? It's quite weird that iPad asks for an unknown passcode. But many users have shared their experience of this error on Reddit. If your iPad is asking passcode you have never set, we will share you with quick fixes to unlock the iPad and five unlocking methods to remove the passcode.

• Part 1. Why Is iPad Asking for Passcode I Never Set?
• Part 2. Quick Fixes for iPad Asking for Passcode I Never Set
• Part 3. How to Unlock iPad When It Asks for an Unknown Passcode
  • Method 1. Unlock iPad Passcode on Lock Screen
  • Method 2. Unlock iPad Passcode with iTunes
  • Method 3. Unlock iPad Passcode with MagFone
  • Method 4. Unlock iPad Passcode via iCloud Find
  • Method 5. Unlock iPad Passcode via Find My App
• Part 4. Conclusion

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Part 1. Why Is iPad Asking for Passcode I Never Set?

When an iPad asks for a passcode but you have never set one, it can be confusing. This usually happens after a software update, a factory reset, or a change in security settings. In some cases, the iPad may have been linked to a management profile and be remotely locked with a passcode.

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Part 2. Quick Fixes for iPad Asking for Passcode I Never Set

Before trying further unlocking methods, you can try these quick fixes first.

Try Previously Used Passcode

The iPad may be requiring you to enter a passcode that you have previously used. Think about those old passcodes you have used before and test their correctness. Avoid entering random and uncertain passcodes repeatedly because too many failed attempts will disable the iPad.

Restart the iPad

A temporary software issue may cause the iPad to display an unexpected passcode prompt. Restart your iPad to check whether the passcode prompt is removed.

Check Whether Someone Else Set a Passcode

Think about whether anyone else accessed your iPad and created the passcode. Ask your family members or friends about the unknown passcode.

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Part 3. How to Unlock iPad When It Asks for an Unknown Passcode

If you want to remove the unknown passcode from your iPad, you need to restore the iPad to regain access. Here are five methods to remove the passcode from an iPad. You can check the details below and choose one to unlock the iPad.

Method 1. Unlock iPad Passcode on Lock Screen

You can erase the iPad on the lock screen, then you can unlock the iPad and set it up.

iPadOS 15.2 ~ iPadOS 16:

Step 1. Enter the wrong passcode until the iPad is unavailable.

Step 2. Tap Erase iPad on the iPad Unavailable screen.

Step 3. Enter the Apple ID password to proceed.

iPadOS 17 ~ iPadOS 27:

Step 1. Enter an incorrect passcode until the iPad is unavailable.

Step 2. Tap Forgot Passcode? on the iPad Unavailable screen.

Step 3. Tap Start iPad Reset, then enter the Apple ID password.

Step 4. Tap Erase iPad to remove the passcode on the iPad.

Method 2. Unlock iPad Passcode with iTunes

When the iPad is locked, you can also put it into recovery mode and restore it with iTunes.

Step 1. Put the iPad into Recovery Mode.

• iPad with Home button: Keep holding the Power button and the Home button at the same time, and release them until a computer image appears on the iPad screen.

• iPad without Home button: Press the Volume-up button and release it. Press the Volume-down button and release it. Then keep holding the Power button until a computer image appears on the iPad screen.

Step 2. Connect the iPad to a computer and open iTunes.

Step 3. When the iPad is detected by iTunes, click Restore to restore the iPad to factory settings and upgrade the iPad to the latest system.

Method 3. Unlock iPad Passcode with MagFone

When your iPad is locked by an unknown passcode, MagFone iPad Unlocker is recommended to remove the passcode. It's a professional unlocking tool for iPhone and iPad users, target to remove lock screen passcode, Screen Time passcode, Apple ID password, MDM password, iCloud Activation password, etc. With MagFone iPad Unlocker, you can deal with any forgotten or unknown passcodes or passwords without needing the original code. If you are stuck with an unknown iPad passcode, follow the steps below to unlock the iPad.

Step 1 Launch MagFone iPad Unlocker

Download and install MagFone iPad Unlocker on your computer, then use a data cable to connect the iPad to the computer. Afterwards, open MagFone iPad Unlocker to remove the passcode.

Step 2 Put the iPad into Recovery Mode

Choose Unlock iOS Screen from MagFone's main interface. Then click Start and follow the on-screen instructions to get the iPad into recovery mode.

Step 3 Download the Correct Firmware Package

After the iPad enters Recovery Mode and is detected by MagFone, click the Next button. Check the iPad information and click Download to download the firmware package.

Step 4 Remove Unset Passcode from iPad

After downloading and verifying the firmware package, click Unlock to remove the unknown passcode from the iPad.

Method 4. Unlock iPad Passcode via iCloud Find

When Find My service is enabled on the iPad, you can manage the iPad on the iCloud Find website.

Step 1. Open the iCloud Find website on any device and sign in to your Apple Account.

Step 2. Enter the iPad details page.

Step 3. Click Erase > Next, and enter the Apple ID password to erase the iPad.

Method 5. Unlock iPad Passcode via Find My App

When Find My service is enabled on the iPad, you can also utilize the Find My app on another Apple device to manage the iPad.

Step 1. Open the Find My app on another Apple device.

Step 2. Tap Devices, and tap the triple-dot icon next to the locked iPad.

Step 3. Tap Erase > Continue, and enter the Apple ID password to confirm the operation.

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Part 4. Conclusion

iPad asking for a passcode you never set usually comes up when updating the iPad system. So next time you need to update the iOS system, you'd better set a simple passcode in advance, then turn off the passcode after you successfully upgrade the device. If you are locked out by an unknown passcode, follow the methods in this guide to remove the passcode. If you want to remove the passcode in the quickest way, try MagFone iPad Unlocker.