What happens if you input the wrong passcode into your iPad too many times? You get locked out for a period of time and you can then try and put the passcode in again once the lock has expired. This security feature is designed to protect your data from unauthorized access by gradually increasing the lockout period with each incorrect attempt.
The Consequences of Multiple Incorrect Attempts
Unfortunately, one dad found out that his 3-year-old managed to try and put the passcode in so many times that he cannot retry to enter it for the next 48 years. This extreme lockout period is a result of the iPad’s security mechanism, which exponentially increases the lockout time after a certain number of failed attempts.
Evan Osnos posted a photo on Twitter which shows that he is now locked out of his iPad for the next 25,536,442 minutes, which is roughly 48 years. You can see his tweet below.
Uh, this looks fake but, alas, it’s our iPad today after 3-year-old tried (repeatedly) to unlock. Ideas? pic.twitter.com/5i7ZBxx9rW
— Evan Osnos (@eosnos) April 6, 2019
Possible Solutions and Preventive Measures
Unfortunately, there is no way to reset this timer and also no way to get into the iPad. There is nothing that Apple can do to reset the device in such extreme cases. However, there are a few steps you can take to prevent this from happening and to recover your device if you find yourself in a similar situation.
1. Use iTunes to Restore Your iPad: If you have previously synced your iPad with iTunes, you can connect your device to your computer and use iTunes to restore it. This will erase all data on the iPad, but you can restore your data from a backup.
2. Use Recovery Mode: If you have never synced your iPad with iTunes, you can use recovery mode to restore your device. To do this, connect your iPad to your computer, open iTunes, and force restart your iPad. When you see the option to restore or update, choose “Restore.”
3. Enable Find My iPhone: If you have enabled Find My iPhone on your iPad, you can use iCloud to erase your device remotely. This will also remove the passcode, allowing you to set up your iPad again.
4. Set Up a More Secure Passcode: To prevent accidental lockouts, consider setting up a more secure passcode that is less likely to be guessed by children. You can also enable Face ID or Touch ID for added security.
5. Educate Family Members: Make sure that all family members, especially young children, understand the importance of not attempting to unlock devices without knowing the correct passcode.
In conclusion, while the iPad’s security features are designed to protect your data, they can sometimes lead to inconvenient situations if the passcode is entered incorrectly too many times. By taking preventive measures and knowing how to restore your device, you can avoid long-term lockouts and ensure that your data remains secure.
Source & Image Credit Evan Osnos
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