How to Factory Reset iPad with Buttons [Without Passcode]

We don’t forget iPad passcode on purpose. It just happens and no matter how many times you try, the exact code doesn’t come back. The usual fix at that moment? A factory reset of your iPad. However, the challenge is that most online guides or even Apple’s own documentation don’t lay out all the possible ways to help you get back into your iPad conveniently.

This guide will walk you through how to factory reset iPad with buttons. Whether you want to use physical keys or rely on the on-screen options available on newer iPad models, we’ll cover every method clearly. The idea is to help all iPad users, regardless of model or situation.

Can You Factory Reset iPad with iPad Buttons Only?

Yes, you can factory reset the iPad but only if you’re talking about tapping the onscreen buttons. Apple knew passcodes would sometimes slip from memory. So, beginning with iPadOS 15.2, they placed the reset option right on the lock screen itself. So, you can reset just using your locked iPad and an internet connection.

Physical buttons, the ones for volume or power, can’t reset your device on their own. Yet, they’re still essential when factory resetting your iPad with a computer’s help.

Factory Reset iPad with Just Screen Buttons [Without Computer and Passcode]

Apple placed the reset option directly on the lock screen, starting with iPadOS 15.2. In newer updates, however, the procedures and wording changes slightly. To keep things simple, we’ll walk through each version individually. That’ll also let us clarify differences related to eSIM-equipped iPads.

First, ensure your iPad has an active internet connection, either Wi-Fi or cellular. Also essential? Your Apple ID credentials.

With that in mind, let’s break down each version clearly, step-by-step, so the exact reset process will become familiar.

For iPadOS 15.2 to iPadOS 17:

Before you even begin, remember this: on iPadOS 15.2 through 17, resetting the device will erase eSIM data. So, reach out to your carrier ahead of time, they’ll help you reactivate it later.

Now, to start the reset, intentionally enter the wrong passcode several times. After a few failed attempts, your iPad will show iPad Unavailable, starting a countdown. Around the 15-minute mark, the Erase iPad will appear on-screen. Then, it’s just two simple steps:

Step 1. Hit Erase iPad and confirm once more on the next screen when asked.

Step 2. Quickly enter your Apple ID password to prove it’s really you. Then tap Done. Finally, hit the Erase iPad button again.

Now your iPad will erase everything including passcode, personal info, settings, and your eSIM details, restoring the device to its original factory condition. In just a few minutes, it will restart, showing the familiar Hello screen. From here, you can set up the iPad as you wish, even restore everything from your backup.

For iPadOS 17 or Later:

With iPadOS 17, Apple replaced the familiar Erase iPad button with something friendlier: Forgot Passcode? Selecting this option will still show you 2 options including iPad reset which restores your iPad into factory resetting. Plus, Apple now thoughtfully offers an option to preserve your eSIM during the reset.

Take these simple steps to start fresh on your iPadOS 17.0 and later:

Step 1. After entering an incorrect passcode five times, watch for Forgot Passcode? to show up at the lower edge of your lock screen and tap it to begin.

Step 2. Next, choose iPad reset and confirm you’re ready to proceed by choosing Start iPad Reset.

Step 3. To securely sign you out, Apple prompts you for your Apple ID password. Enter it carefully and tap Done.

Step 4. Finally, a confirmation pops up: select Erase iPad to continue.

Important: If your device includes an eSIM, two distinct options will appear on the confirmation modal. Choose one depending on your needs.

Factory Reset iPad with Physical Buttons and Computer [No Passcode]

Your iPad’s physical buttons including volume up, volume down, power button, as well as the Home button serve a helpful role that guide your device into recovery mode for a factory reset via computer. The specific button combinations do vary by iPad model, but once you’re in recovery mode, the reset process remains reassuringly consistent across every generation.

All you have to do is connect your iPad to a computer, press the right physical buttons on your iPad, and let iTunes, Finder, or Apple Devices (on Windows 10 and later) handle the rest. Here’s how the process unfolds.

Step 1. Connect your iPad to Computer

Start with this essential step: plug your iPad directly into your computer. And then open either iTunes, Apple Devices, or Finder, whichever your system uses. If the app was already open, quit it first and reopen it after connecting your iPad.

Plus, make sure you have the latest versions of Apple Devices or iTunes on your Windows machine or an older Mac.

Step 2. Put iPad into Recovery Mode

Now, the button combinations for entering recovery mode differ slightly depending on your iPad model, whether it has a Home button or not. Here’s what have to do:

For iPads without a Home button (newer models):

• Quickly press and release the volume up button. Immediately after, press and release the volume down button.
• Right after that, press and keep holding the top button (power button). Note: Ignore the power off slider that appears and keep holding as the screen goes black.
• Don’t let go yet, even when the Apple logo pops up. Continue holding until you see the recovery mode screen: a cable pointing to a computer or, on older versions, an iTunes icon.

For iPads with a Home button:

• Press and hold both the Home button and the top button (or side button, depending on your model) simultaneously.
• Keep both buttons pressed and release only when the recovery mode screen comes into view.



• Once you see this recovery screen (a cable and a computer or iTunes icon), your iPad is officially in recovery mode, ready to reset through a connected computer.

Step 3: Restore iPad in Apple Devices/iTunes/Finder

Right after you enter the recovery mode, a prompt will appear in Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes, letting you know there’s a problem with the iPad and that it needs to be either updated or restored. Here’s how to respond:

• Choose Restore.



• Up next: the Restore and Update option. Select it.



• Apple’s software terms will follow, just tap Agree to continue.



• The latest version of iPadOS begins downloading automatically.



• Once the reset wraps up, your iPad will restart. Instead of jumping straight into setup, it will pause at Activation Lock. Enter the Apple ID and password linked to the device earlier.

That’s it. You’re ready to start over!

Factory Reset iPad Without Using iPad Buttons or Passcode

The Erase iPad feature doesn’t work for you or you want to reset your iPad without putting it into recovery mode? Passixer iPhone Unlocker must be what you need, which allows you to wipe your iDevice without buttons and screen passcode.

Passixer lets you factory reset the iPad without the passcode or Apple ID, restoring full access without delay. It works across every iPad model and iPadOS version, including the newest releases. Whether you’re locked behind Face ID, a six-digit passcode, or a screen too damaged to touch, Passixer treats them the same, removing the screen lock and resetting the device in just three steps. What follows is simple: you can set a new passcode, sign in with a fresh Apple ID, and start using your device again.

Key Features:

• Support iPadOS 17 and 18 with full compatibility across models, chips, and security updates.
• Unlock iPad screen, even when Find My iPad is on.
• Remove iCloud account from locked iPad or delete Apple ID from workable iPad.
• Easily get rid of Screen Time without passcode and data loss.

Steps to Factory Reset Your iPad Without Passcode or Apple ID Using Passixer

Step 1. Launch Passixer and select Wipe Passcode mode from the main screen. Then, plug your iPad into the computer using a certified USB cable.

Step 2. Your iPad is detected automatically. Take a moment to confirm that the Device Category, Model, and iPadOS Version. When everything looks right, press Start to download the necessary firmware.

Step 3. After the firmware finishes downloading, enter 0000 to confirm, then tap Unlock.

Step 4. Passixer will perform a full factory reset to wipe the passcode. You’ll see the Wiped passcode successfully message on the screen.

Turn to your iPad. It will restart and return to the familiar Hello screen, as if brand new. From there, you can sign in with a fresh Apple ID and create a new passcode.

How to Restart iPad with or Without Buttons

When your iPad freezes, becomes unresponsive, or won’t move past the lock screen even after the correct passcode is entered, restarting is often the fastest way to bring it back.

Let’s explore both ways to restart, whether your buttons are working or not. You can use physical buttons, on-screen options, or even just your voice.

With Buttons

Restarting the iPad with buttons is generally referred to as a manual restart. Since the device won’t turn itself back on, you’ll need to press the Power button again to complete the reboot.

The exact steps depend on which model you’re using, so we’ll look at both types: iPads with a Home button, and those without.

Restart with Physical Buttons (For iPads Without a Home Button):

Step 1. Press and hold the Top button and either Volume buttonwhichever is closer to your grip. Hold both until the screen responds.

Step 2. The power slider will appear. Swipe it gently to turn the iPad off.

Step 3. Wait about 30 seconds. Once the screen is fully dark, press and hold only the Top button until the Apple logo appears. You’ll have to enter the passcode to use it again.

Restart with Physical Buttons (For iPads With a Home Button):

Step 1. Just press and hold the Top button until the power slider appears on screen. Once it does, swipe the slider to power off. Wait for about 30 seconds.

Step 2. Then press and hold the same Top button again to power on the iPad. 

Without Buttons

Without physical iPad buttons, you can use Siri and AssistiveTouch to help reboot your iPad. Let’s walk through both.

On newer iPadOS versions, this way works in most cases. Once you’re inside the iPad’s environment, just ask Siri to help. Say:

• “Hey Siri, restart my iPad” or “Reboot iPad.”
• A confirmation will appear. Tap Restart and iPad will power off and reboot automatically.

The Siri option doesn’t work on every model or software version. So, a more universal method is to use AssistiveTouch, Apple’s floating on-screen control. To turn it on:

Step 1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch. And enable the AssistiveTouch toggle.

Step 2. Once enabled, a small floating menu appears on your screen, which looks like a light gray circle overlapping your display. Tap it and then choose Device > More (•••) > Restart.

Step 3. You’ll see a prompt asking to confirm. Tap Restart and your iPad will shut down and reboot with no buttons needed.

How to Hard Reset iPad with Buttons

A hard reset goes deeper than a regular restart. It cuts down the power at the hardware level, which is why your iPad will take slightly longer to boot back up. That pause is part of the fix.

The hard reset method is really effective when your iPad freezes at the passcode screen or suddenly stops responding to touch. And the best part? It only uses the physical buttons—no passcode or screen interaction is required at all. Here’s how to do a hard reset properly.

Steps to Hard Reset iPad

The steps to hard reset your iPad look nearly identical to how you’d enter Recovery Mode. The only difference? You don’t connect the iPad to a computer.

For iPad without a Home button:

• press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Do the same with Volume Down. Then, press and hold the Top button. You’ll see the power slider appear—ignore it. Keep holding the button.



• After a few seconds, the Apple logo will show up. That’s your cue to let go of the Top button. The iPad will stay still for a moment, then restart normally.

For iPad with a Home button:

Just press and hold both the Top button and the Home button at the same time. Don’t let go until you see the Apple logo. As soon as it appears, release your grip. The device will reboot on its own.

Difference Between Hard Reset and Factory Reset iPad

It’s better to set a few ground rules here. Many people confuse a factory reset with a hard reset, partly because the term “hard reset” doesn’t appear in Apple’s official lexicon. In everyday use, though, it’s commonly used to mean a force restart, a quick button-based reboot, not a full data wipe. To clear things up for good, here’s a simple table that lays the differences out side by side:

Conclusion

Here’s where each method fits into the bigger picture of resetting iPad without buttons and passcode. Having access to your Apple ID means you can use a lock screen reset or connect your iPad to a computer to erase it.

Passixer iPhone Unlocker is recommended, which helps you reset the device and bypass the screen lock (4-digit, 6-digit, Face ID, or Touch ID) within a click through process. In fact, starting with Passixer is often the better call, especially if you want to avoid being locked out mid-reset.