See How to Wipe an iPad to Factory Settings Without a Passcode

The Apple iPad enables you to carry your business documents with you whether you're traveling to a meeting or giving a presentation to employees. If you forget your iPad's passcode, you won't be able to access your files and you will need to reset the device by putting it in recovery mode. Recovery Mode is also useful if you want to erase the iPad's settings or troubleshoot a problem with the device. Putting the iPad in recovery mode deletes all the content on it and restores it to a factory state.

Reset an iPad Synced with iTunes

1. Reset an iPad Synced with iTunes: Connect your iPad to the computer with the USB cable that came with your device.


2. Launch iTunes if the application doesn't launch when you connect the iPad.

3. Remove the iPad from the computer if iTunes asks for your passcode, and then follow the steps in Section 2.

4. Right-click on the iPad icon in the left column of the iTunes window if you're not prompted for the passcode. Click "Back Up."

5. Click "Restore" when the backup finishes. The iPad will enter Recovery Mode and reset its settings.

6. Right-click the iPad icon again when the device reboots and select "Restore from Backup..." This replaces the content that was deleted during the reset.

Reset an iPad Never Synced with iTunes

1. Section 2 - Reset an iPad Never Synced with iTunes: Disconnect the iPad from the computer, but leave the USB cable connected to the computer.


2. Hold down the "Sleep/Wake" button for several seconds until a red slider appears. Move your finger across the slider to turn the iPad off.


3. Connect the iPad to the computer while holding down the "Home" button to turn on the iPad.


4. Release the "Home" button when you see a message that says, "Connect to iTunes."


5. Launch iTunes. iTunes will alert you that it detects a device in Recovery Mode.


6. Click "OK" and click "Restore" to reset the iPad.