What to do when your tablet is locked and you can't remember the password

A locked tablet with a forgotten password is frustrating, but you have several ways forward depending on what kind of tablet you own and what information you still have access to. The fastest route is usually to sign back into your Google account (Android) or Apple ID (iPad), which can unlock the device without erasing it. If that doesn't work, a factory reset will clear the lock but will also delete everything on the tablet — photos, apps, documents, all of it — so this is a last resort.

The method you use depends on whether you remember your Google account password, your Apple ID password, your PIN, or nothing at all. Start with the easiest option for your situation and work down the list.

Key Takeaways

  • If you remember your Google account or Apple ID password, you can unlock most tablets without erasing them by entering that password on the lock screen after a few failed attempts.
  • A factory reset will remove the lock but will also delete all data on the tablet, so use this only when you cannot remember any account passwords.
  • Android tablets usually require a Google account to complete setup after a factory reset, and iPads require an Apple ID, so you will need one of these to finish the process.
  • If you bought the tablet used or inherited it, you may not be able to reset it without the original owner's account information.

Unlocking an Android tablet with your Google account

After you enter the wrong password or PIN five times on most Android tablets, the screen will show a message saying "Forgot password?" or "Forgot PIN?" Tap that option. The tablet will ask you to enter the email address and password for the Google account that is signed into the device.

If you remember that Google account password, enter it. The tablet will verify it and unlock. You can then set a new PIN or password right away in Settings under Security or Lock Screen (the exact path varies by manufacturer and Android version). If you do not remember the Google account password, go to the Google Account Recovery page on a computer or phone, enter the email address, and follow the steps to reset it. Once you have reset the password, return to the tablet and use the new one to unlock it.

This method works on most Android tablets made by Samsung, Amazon, Lenovo, and others. Tablets made by Amazon (Fire tablets) sometimes use a different lock system and may ask for your Amazon account instead — the process is the same, but you will enter your Amazon password.

Unlocking an iPad with your Apple ID

iPads locked with a passcode will show an option to unlock with your Apple ID after several wrong attempts. Tap "iPad Unlock" or "Unlock with Apple ID" (the exact wording depends on your iPad model and iOS version). Enter the email address and password for your Apple ID.

If you remember your Apple ID password, enter it and the iPad will unlock. You can then set a new passcode in Settings under Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode. If you do not remember your Apple ID password, use another device or a computer to visit iforgot.apple.com, enter your Apple ID email, and follow the recovery steps. Once you have reset the password, return to the iPad and use the new one to unlock it.

Some older iPads may not have this feature and will require a factory reset instead. If the unlock option does not appear after several wrong attempts, move to the factory reset section below.

Factory reset when you cannot remember any passwords

A factory reset erases everything on the tablet and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This removes the lock, but you will lose all photos, videos, apps, documents, and other data stored on the device. Do this only when you cannot remember your Google account password, Apple ID password, or any PIN or pattern.

To factory reset an Android tablet, turn it off completely. Then hold down the Power button and Volume Down button at the same time for about 10 seconds until you see the boot menu (a list of options on a black screen). Use the volume buttons to highlight "Wipe data/factory reset" and press the Power button to select it. Confirm the action when prompted. The tablet will erase and restart. This process varies slightly by manufacturer — Samsung tablets, for example, may show different menu names — so if the steps above do not match what you see, search for "[your tablet brand] factory reset" to find the exact steps for your model.

To factory reset an iPad, connect it to a computer with iTunes or Finder (on Mac) or a Windows PC with iTunes installed. Open iTunes or Finder, select your iPad, and click "Restore." This will erase the iPad and install a fresh copy of iOS. If you do not have access to a computer, you can also factory reset some iPads by going to Settings, then General, then Reset, and selecting "Erase All Content and Settings" — but this option may not appear if the iPad is locked.

Setting up your tablet after a factory reset

After a factory reset, your tablet will restart and show a setup screen, just like a new device. You will be asked to sign in with your Google account (Android) or Apple ID (iPad). You must have the password for one of these accounts to finish setup — if you do not, you will not be able to use the tablet.

Enter your Google account email and password on an Android tablet, or your Apple ID email and password on an iPad. The tablet will verify the account and complete the setup. Once you are signed in, you can set a new PIN, password, or biometric lock (fingerprint or face recognition) in the security settings. Your tablet will be unlocked and ready to use, but all your previous data will be gone — you will need to reinstall apps and restore photos and documents from a backup if you have one.

What to do if you bought the tablet used or inherited it

If the tablet belonged to someone else before you, it may be locked to their Google account or Apple ID. This is a security feature designed to prevent theft. If you try to factory reset it, the tablet will ask you to sign in with the original owner's account before you can use it.

Contact the person who gave you the tablet and ask them to remove it from their account. On Android, they can go to myaccount.google.com, select "Security" on the left, scroll to "Your devices," and remove the tablet from the list. On iPad, they can go to iCloud.com, select "Find My," and remove the device. Once they have done this, you can factory reset the tablet and set it up with your own account. If you cannot reach the original owner, you will not be able to use the tablet without their account information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I unlock a tablet without erasing it if I don't remember any passwords?

No. If you cannot remember your Google account password, Apple ID password, or any PIN or pattern you set, a factory reset is the only way to remove the lock. This will erase all data on the tablet. You can prevent this in the future by writing down your passwords in a find place or using a password manager.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the tablet model and how much data is on it. Do not turn off the tablet or disconnect it during this time, or it may not complete properly.

Will I lose my apps and photos after a factory reset?

Yes. A factory reset deletes everything on the tablet. If you have a backup of your photos and documents stored in Google Photos, OneDrive, iCloud, or another cloud service, you can read them again after setup. Apps will need to be reinstalled from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

What if my tablet is locked and I don't have a computer to factory reset it?

Most Android tablets can be factory reset using the Power and Volume Down buttons without a computer. iPads are harder to reset without a computer, but some newer models allow you to go to Settings, General, Reset, and select "Erase All Content and Settings" directly on the device — this option only appears if you can access the Settings app.

Can someone else unlock my tablet if they know my password?

Yes. This is why it is important to use a strong password or PIN that only you know and to keep your Google account and Apple ID passwords private. If someone has your account password, they can unlock your tablet and access everything on it.