How to Factory Reset an iPad

This article explains how to factory reset an iPad using the Windows iTunes app and enroll it into JAMF for University of Illinois device management. It covers disabling Find My iPad, restoring the device, connecting to Wi-Fi, and completing JAMF enrollment using your NetID and Duo authentication. Follow these steps only after IT confirms the iPad serial number has been added to JAMF.

IMPORTANT NOTES

DO NOT factory reset the iPad until instructed to do so by IT.
All iPad serial numbers must be added to JAMF before setup can begin.
Resetting an iPad before it is added to JAMF will require the process to be repeated.

If you do not know the passcode for the iPad you are trying to reset, you will only be able to reset the iPad via the iTunes method and must first put the iPad into Recovery Mode.
Instructions for how to put the iPad into Recovery Mode can be found here.

iPad Recovery Mode Instructions

Factory Reset iPad via iPad

  1. Unlock the iPad using your passcode.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Tap General.
    iPad settings: Click General
  4. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPad.
    Scroll Down: Click Transfer or Reset iPad
  5. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
    iPad Settings: Click Erase All Content
  6. Tap Continue.
    Click Continue
  7. Tap Erase iPad.
    Click Erase iPad
  8. Enter the passcode for this iPad.
    Enter Passcode for iPad
  9. The iPad will begin the factory reset process. When complete, you will see “Hello” cycling through different languages.
  10. Use the iPad Setup Article to complete setup in JAMF.

    iPad Setup Article

Possibly Optional Step!

After entering the passcode, you may be prompted to confirm the Apple ID password to disable Find My and Activation Lock.

If Find My and Activation Lock are enabled, the iPad cannot be reset without the Apple ID password.

iPad: Activation Lock

If you do not know the Apple ID password:

  • Reset it using Apple’s website.
  • Extension IT cannot reset Apple ID passwords.
  • If the Apple ID belongs to a former employee, you must notify Extension IT. Removal of Activation Lock may take several days.

Factory Reset iPad Using iTunes

Part 1: Restore iPad Using iTunes

  1. Connect the iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Open the iTunes Desktop Application.
    (You may need IT to install the full desktop version of iTunes if you do not already have it.)
  3. When the device appears in iTunes, click the small iPad icon near the top of the window to open the device summary screen.
    iTunes button to click for step 3.
  4. Click Restore iPad…
    Screenshot of step 4 to click Restore iPad.

If Prompted to Disable “Find My iPad”

You may see a message stating that Find My iPad must be turned off before restoring. If this message does not appear, skip to the Restore Options section below.

Pop up of Find My needing to be disabled

To disable it:

  1. On the iPad, open Settings.
  2. Tap your Apple ID name at the top.
  3. Tap Find My.
    Screenshot of iPad Settings
  4. Tap Find My iPad.
    Screenshot of Find My iPad settings
  5. Toggle Find My iPad off.
    Toggle Find My iPad off
  6. Enter the Apple ID password when prompted.
    Enter Apple ID password

If you do not know the Apple ID password:

  • You must reset it using Apple’s website.
  • Extension IT cannot reset Apple ID passwords.
  • If the Apple ID belongs to a former employee, you will not be able to continue and must notify IT.

Once Find My iPad is disabled, return to iTunes and click Restore iPad… again.

Restore Options

IMPORTANT: Nothing can be transferred to the new JAMF‑managed device. All devices must be set up as new.
If you need to save photos, videos, or files, manually back them up prior to resetting the iPad.
  1. After clicking Restore iPad…, select Don’t Back Up.
    Don't Back Up option
  2. Click Restore and Update.
    Restore and Update option
  3. You may see an iPadOS update prompt:
    • Click Next.
    • Agree to the Software Update Terms of Service.
  4. The computer will download the latest version of iPadOS and restore the device. Keep the iPad connected the entire time.
    iTunes downloading update
  5. When finished, you will see “Hello” cycling in different languages. Use the iPad Setup Article to complete setup.

    iPad Setup Article

Keywords:
iPad factory reset, JAMF migration, restore iPad iTunes, enroll iPad JAMF, Find My iPad disable, iPad setup 
Doc ID:
158279
Owned by:
Wil B. in University of Illinois Extension KB
Created:
2026-02-03
Updated:
2026-02-27
Sites:
University of Illinois Extension KB