Unofficial archive. This is a read-only, community-run archive of the Apple Support Community. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple Inc.

Unable to reset Apple ID password on iPad, prompted for old iPad passcode

I have forgotten the password to the Apple account on my iPad and have been trying to reset it. Each time I try, it asks me for the old passcode (lock screen password) to an old iPad that haven’t owned for over five years. I am fairly certain that I remember that old passcode, however each time I put it in, it does not work. I also remember removing the old iPad from my Apple account so I do not understand why it is asking me for that device’s old password.

I have tried to do account recovery but unfortunately it did not work as I need to use the iPad for school and also didn’t realize that I am not supposed to use the device while account recovery is in process. I am not really sure what to do from here because I need to use my iPad but also need to reset the password to my Apple account as I am currently logged out of the account.

Is there any way to reset the password to my Apple account that will not prompt me to use the passcode of the old device or require me to undergo the full account recovery process?

2 replies


You can reset your Apple ID password without using an old device passcode or doing account recovery by using the official website at Apple iForgot on a computer, phone, or borrowed device.

Yes, I know that however, as stated in my original post, if I do that then I am unable to use my iPad for multiple days straight while the account recovery process takes place. This is a problem because I need to use it for school. Is there really no other option besides this? :(