How To Fix Ipad Pro Unavailable Message [Solved]

Method Difficulty Requirements
Erase iPad (On-Screen) Easy Apple ID credentials & Wi-Fi
iCloud / Find My Medium Another device & Apple ID
Recovery Mode Advanced PC/Mac & Lightning/USB-C Cable

iPad Pro showing the iPad Unavailable message on a dark screen.

What is the iPad Pro Unavailable Message?

The “iPad Unavailable” or “Security Lockout” message appears on your iPad Pro after too many consecutive failed passcode attempts. It is a security feature designed to protect your data from unauthorized access.

When you see this message, the iPad Pro has disabled the login screen for a specific duration or permanently. This usually happens after six or more incorrect entries. If you reach ten failed attempts, the device will often lock completely, requiring a factory reset.

To resolve this, you must erase the device and restore your data from a backup. Without a backup, all local data will be lost, although your iCloud synced data (like Photos and Contacts) will remain safe in the cloud.

Step-by-Step Solutions

Method 1: Use the “Erase iPad” Option (iPadOS 15.2 or later)

If your iPad Pro is connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network, you can reset it directly from the lockout screen. This is the fastest way to fix the login failed issue.

  1. Keep entering the passcode until the “Erase iPad” option appears at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Tap Erase iPad, then tap it again to confirm.
  3. Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your account.
  4. Tap Erase iPad one last time to permanently delete all data and settings.
  5. Wait for the reboot and set up your iPad Pro as new.

Method 2: Restore via Recovery Mode (PC or Mac)

If the on-screen option does not appear, you must use a computer. This method forces the iPad Pro into a state where the firmware can be reinstalled.

First, ensure you have the necessary tools installed on your computer. If you are using Linux or a Mac terminal for device identification, you can use libimobiledevice to check the status:

# Install tools to identify connected iOS devices
brew install libimobiledevice

# Check if the iPad is recognized in Recovery Mode
ideviceinfo

Follow these manual steps to enter Recovery Mode on an iPad Pro (Models with Face ID):

  1. Connect your iPad Pro to your computer.
  2. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
  3. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
  4. Press and hold the Top (Power) button until you see the recovery mode screen (a cable pointing toward a computer).
  5. Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) and select Restore when the pop-up appears.

Method 3: Reset via iCloud Find My

If you don’t have a computer and the “Erase iPad” button isn’t showing, use another mobile device to wipe the locked iPad Pro remotely.

  1. Log in to iCloud.com/find or open the Find My app on another Apple device.
  2. Select your locked iPad Pro from the list of “All Devices.”
  3. Choose Erase This Device.
  4. Follow the prompts to confirm. Once the device is wiped, the “iPad Unavailable” message will disappear.