iPad Disabled Connect to iTunes Not Working? How to Fix

Sometimes you can forget your iPad's passcode and try different variations too many times that the device prompts you to "Connect to iTunes." This is usually the first indication that the iPad has been disabled and you need to fix it. As terrible as it sounds, there are ways that you can fix a disabled iPad and be able to use it.

Here, we will show you what you can do when your iPad is disabled but "Connect to iTunes" doesn't work.

iPad Disabled Connect to iTunes Not Working?

Your iPad will typically become disabled if you enter the wrong passcode too many times. The clearest indication that the iPad has been disabled is when you see a message on the device asking you to try again later (sometimes seconds or even hours later). Regardless of the duration indicated on the screen, you can try to re-enter the passcode in a few minutes.

But if you try the wrong passcode after 10 times, your iPad may then display the "iPad Disable Connect to iTunes" message, which typically means that you need to connect your disabled iPad to iTunes and restore the device in iTunes. If you find connecting to iTunes not working, check the following:

• Check the lightning cable you are using to connect the device to the computer. You can also try using a different cable.
• Check the USB port you are using and try connecting the device to a different USB port or another computer.
• Restart the computer and make sure both OS and iTunes are up to date.
• Make sure that you are pressing the correct buttons to enter recovery mode and that you continue to press the buttons until you see the recovery mode screen.

If all of the above is working as expected but you are still unable to restore the device, you'll need to try alternative ways to unlock your disabled iPad.

Unlock Disabled iPad Without iTunes Using Unlockit iPhone

The process to unlock a disabled iPad using iTunes can often be too complicated for most people. If you are unsure if you can follow the steps above to troubleshoot iPad not connecting to iTunes issue properly, there is an easier and more reliable solution.

Unlockit iPhone is an iOS unlocking solution that helps you unlock the disabled or locked iPad or iPhone without iTunes or iCloud effectively in just a few steps.

It is compatible with all common iPad models and iPadOS versions. What's more, it is specially designed for non-techies, allowing them unlock the device without calling the experts.

To use Unlockit iPhone unlock the device, just follow the steps:

Step 1: Install Unlockit iPhone on your computer

Download and install Unlockit iPhone on your PC and Mac.

Step 2: Choose Unlock Screen Passcode mode

Open it and on the main screen click on "Unlock Screen Passcode."

Step 3: Connect your iPad

Connect the locked iPad to the computer using a suitable lightning cable. When Unlockit iPhone confirms the device has been connected, click "Start" to continue.

Step 4: Unlock the disabled iPad

You will then need to download the latest firmware for the device. To do that simply click on "Download" and wait while the program downloads the required firmware.

When the download is complete, Unlockit iPhone will begin to unlock the device. You should be able to access the device in a few minutes.

Unlock Disabled iPad Using DFU Mode

You can also try putting your device in DFU mode (Device Firmware Upgrade) to unlock your disabled iPad. You will need a PC or Mac and to avoid any issues with the process, make sure that your computer's operating system is up to date.

Step 1: On your PC or macOS running Mojave or earlier, open iTunes. On macOS running Catalina or higher, open Finder.

Step 2: Connect the iPad to the computer using its lighting cable.

Step 3: With the iPad connected to the computer, use the following procedure to enter DFU mode. Here's how to do it depending on the model:

If your iPad has a Home Button:

1. Press and hold down the Top and the Home buttons at the same time for 5 seconds.
2. Release the Top button but continue to hold the Home button for 10 seconds.
3. Release the button when iTunes or Finder recognizes your device.

If your iPad doesn't have a Home Button:

1. Press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Then press and hold the Top button for about 10 seconds.
4. Hold the Top button and the Volume Down button for another 5 seconds.
5. Hold the Volume Down button for another 10 seconds while removing your finger from the Top button.
6. Release the button when iTunes or Finder recognizes your device.

Step 4: In Finder, click on the iPad in the sidebar. In iTunes, click on the iPad icon in the upper left corner of the screen.

Step 5: Click "Restore" and follow the instructions to restore your device. This will erase all data and settings from the device although you will be able to restore the iPad from a backup.

FAQs

1. Can I Backup My Disabled iPad?

You will not be able to back up data on a disabled iPad. There are some sources online that claim you can create a backup on a computer that the device had previously synced with, but all our tests didn't work. If there is data on your device that you may lose after restoring the iPad, your best bet might be some third-party data recovery services.

2. iPad Disabled and Won't Connect to iTunes?

If you have followed the steps above and your iPad won't connect to iTunes, try the following:

• Make sure the lightning or USB cable you are using is not faulty
• Check the USB port you are using or try a different one
• Make sure the lightning port on the iPad is working

Conclusion

You can fix a disabled iPad by connecting the device to your computer and restoring it using iTunes. If entering recovery mode is too complicated for you, Unlockit iPhone is an more effective, simpler solution that is also an ideal option when connecting the device to iTunes doesn't work.