iPad Guides

Within this guide are KB articles that will help Extension staff navigate through many iPad-related activities, including iPad enrollment, iPad management instructions, and troubleshooting guides.

How to Find Your iPad Model and Serial Number

 

Option 1 (Recommended): Check in Settings

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap General.

  3. Tap About.

  4. Look for:

    • Model Name (example: iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation))

    • Model Number

    • Serial Number


Option 2: Check on the Back of the iPad

On most iPads, the Model Number (A####) is printed in very small text on the lower back of the device.

Note: The full serial number is not always printed on the back.


If the iPad Won’t Turn On

You can also find the serial number:

  • On the original box (if available), or

  • By connecting the iPad to a computer:

    • On Windows: Open iTunes, connect the iPad via the USB cord, select the iPad, and click Summary.

 

How to Factory Reset an iPad

 
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
 

How to enroll your iPad in JAMF

 If your Apple device supports iPadOS 18, please submit a JAMF enrollment form to Extension IT via this link: https://go.illinois.edu/UIE-JAMF-Request.   

How to set up your iPad

 
Important: Do not start the setup process until instructed by Extension IT. All iPads must be enrolled in JAMF (our iPad Management System) before they are set up. iPads set up prior to enrollment in JAMF will need to be factory reset and set up again. If you have not submitted the Serial Number to Extension IT for each iPad you wish to set up, please do so now.

If this is a new device, go ahead and power it on now. If you have just factory reset the iPad, it should power back on automatically after the reset process. Once you see “Hello” cycling in multiple languages on the screen, it is time to start.

  1. Select English.
  2. Select United States as the Country or Region.
  3. Choose your preferred display appearance (Light or Dark).
  4. Select Set Up Without Another Device.

Wi‑Fi Setup

Connect to a Wi‑Fi network:

  • In Your Extension Office:
    • Select UIE‑UOFI and enter your NetID and password
    • Select UIE‑Guest and use password: GOILLINI
  • Remote Working Location:
    • Select your Wi‑Fi network and enter your password.

After connecting, the iPad will take a few minutes to configure automatically.

JAMF Enrollment

You will be prompted to enroll the device in the University of Illinois device management system.

If this screen does NOT appear:

  • Stop and contact Extension IT.
  • The iPad serial number may not yet be added to JAMF.
  • The device will need to be reset again after it is added.

When prompted:

  1. Sign in using:
    • NetID@illinois.edu
    • Your NetID password
  2. Approve with Duo 2FA.

Final Setup Steps

  1. Choose whether to enable Location Services:
    • Select Enable or Set Up Later.
    • Set Up Later disables Location Services until manually enabled.
  2. You will be prompted to create a Passcode.
  3. Once the Home Screen appears, setup is complete.
 

iPad Troubleshooting Guides

How to Resolve Issues with an iPad Not Being Detected by iTunes

 

Steps to Troubleshoot iPad Detection Issues

  1. Verify the Cable Type
    Use an official Apple-certified Lightning or USB-C cable, depending on the iPad model. Third-party or damaged cables may prevent proper connection.
  2. Install the Full Version of iTunes
    Ensure you have the full desktop version of iTunes installed from the Software Center, not the Microsoft Store version.
  3. Restart the Computer and iPad
    A simple restart can resolve temporary detection issues.
  4. Try a Different USB Port
    Use a direct USB port on the computer. Avoid USB hubs or docking stations.
  5. Trust the Computer
    After connecting the iPad, unlock it and tap Trust This Computer when prompted.
  6. Update iTunes
    Make sure the installed version of iTunes is up to date. Please contact Extension IT for assistance. This requires admin approval.
  7. Try a Different Computer
    This helps determine if the issue is device-specific or computer-specific.

If you are unable to reset your Apple device, please submit a ticket for assistance to Extension IT - extensionit-help@illinois.edu 

 

Keywords:
ipad guide, mac guide, enrollment, dep, jamf 
Doc ID:
159366
Owned by:
Shauna S. in University of Illinois Extension KB
Created:
2026-02-27
Updated:
2026-02-27
Sites:
University of Illinois Extension KB