iPad Passcode Woes
An iPad can become disabled from entering in the wrong passcode too many times (Passcode disabling happens to iPhone, too). When that happens, you’ll see a message saying your iPad is disabled and to try again later—sometimes it says in a few seconds, sometimes in hours or days. No matter what the screen says, it really means wait a few minutes and try again.
What Causes a Disabled iPad That Needs to be Connected to iTunes or Finder?
When you see the message on an iPad’s screen saying “iPad is Disabled Connect to iTunes” it’s most likely caused by an operating system update that failed or other serious software problem. When that happens the iPad stops responding to anything you do and needs to be put into Recovery Mode to get it working again.
How to Fix an iPad That Is Disabled and Says ‘Connect to iTunes or Finder’
When you see the connect-to-computer icons on your disabled iPad, follow these steps to unlock it and return it to working order: If you are using a Window-based PC or a Mac running macOS Mojave (10.14) or earlier, make sure to have the latest version of iTunes.
On a Mac running macOS Catalina (10.15) and higher, open a Finder window.On a PC or Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes.
For iPads without a Home button, press and hold Volume Down and the top button.For iPads with a Home button, press and hold the Home and top buttons.
When the power-off slider appears, slide it from left to right.
For iPads with a Home button, press and hold the Home and top (or side) buttons at the same time.For iPads without a Home button, press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, and press and hold the top button.
On a Mac running macOS Catalina and higher, click your iPad in the Finder sidebar (if you don’t see it, expand Locations).
On a PC or Mac running macOS Mojave, click the iPad icon in the top left corner in iTunes under the playback controls.
You’ll now need to set up the iPad as if it were brand new. When you get the step with a choice, you can choose to restore the iPad from back up.
