I Bought a Used iPad – How to Wipe an iPad without Passcode

Last Updated on September 15, 2021 by Jason Ben


Being wise about your hard-earned money is important, which is why buying used or secondhand iPad is common among gadget enthusiasts these days. However, if you have concerns about having the previous owner’s information being retained on the iPad, you should consider restoring the device to its original settings.

Tips about secondhand iPad

When purchasing a used iPad, you must ensure that the lock screen passcode has already been removed. Also, check if the Apple account has been logged out of the device. This will save you from the trouble of getting asked to sign-in using the old Apple account in the future.

If you just found the iPad, you must find ways to return it. For instance, keep the device powered on in case the owner activates the Lost Mode, and so that they contact you for the retrieval of the device.

You can also try and command Siri to “Call Home” or “Call Wife/Husband”, not unless they’ve previously disabled Siri on their Settings.

If you have previously tried the ways mentioned above, and you still can’t find the owner, you can consider restoring the device since you won’t benefit from keeping a locked device with you.

So, if you already have the iPad, and you can’t get back to the previous owner, the next thing you should do is wipe the passcode and Apple account from the device. To do this, down below are a few options that you can try.

How to Wipe a Used iPad via iTunes

If you do not have the lock screen passcode, you can use the system restore feature on iTunes.

iTunes Main Screen

To start, get your iPad and computer ready. Please ensure that your iTunes is in the latest version.

Also, note that you may be required to sign-in using your Apple ID and password after restoring your iPad.

First, plug your iPad to your computer using an appropriate USB cable.

Next, open the iTunes app on your computer. Once your device is detected, restart your iPad by holding the Home and Power button at the same time. Then, click on the Restore button to proceed. The reset will take some time.

Once the reset is finished, you will be able to set-up your device like it is brand new.

In some cases, the restored device still requests for the old Apple ID and password. If you have it, kindly input the Apple account to complete the process.

However, if you do not have the old Apple account, you can resort to third-party software. Some software like Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker can both wipe away the passcode and remove the old Apple ID.

How to Wipe a Used iPad without Passcode

The iPhone Unlocker is carefully designed by professionals to help Apple users like you restore your iDevice in the comfort of your own home. Simply download the app and follow the steps down below.

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Step 1 To remove the lock screen passcode, open the iPhone Unlocker on your computer. On the main interface, choose Wipe Passcode module.

iPhone Unlocerk Interface Functions

Step 2 You will be prompted by a notice, please click on the Start button. Then, plug your iPad on the computer to start the process.

Step 3 Check and confirm the details on the screen, and click on the Start button. Then, the app will start copying a firmware that will remove the iPhone passcode.

Step 4 Once the download is complete, click on the Unlock button to proceed with the passcode removal.

Note: Be reminded that this will delete your previous data and will update the iOS to the latest version.

Type “0000” to verify unlocking.

Do not unplug your device to avoid glitches in removing the passcode.

You will be notified as soon as the procedure is finished.

After this, on the main interface, choose the Remove Apple ID mode.

Once prompted, click the Trust button on your device.

Then, you’ll be informed that this will delete your stored data.

To continue, click the Start button.

There are two options for you after this:

Option 1: If Find My iPhone is disabled from your device, iPhone Unlocker will automatically remove Apple ID from your device.

Option 2: If Find My iPhone is enabled from your device, you will need to reset all settings to proceed.

To do this, go to Settings icon, tap on General, and then choose Reset.

Since you have already removed the lock screen passcode, tap Reset All Settings.

After, the iPhone Unlocker will start to remove the old Apple account from the iPad. During this process, please do not unplug your device from your computer.
And you’re done!

Related Article:

Simple Tips to Bypass Passcode on iPad
Three Ways to Unlock iPad without Password