New iPad set its own passcode

The Passcode is configured during initial set-up by the User; it doesn’t magically set itself.

An iPad passcode cannot be recovered, reset or modified from another device. If forgotten, all is not lost…

iPadOS 15.2 or later with a forgotten Passcode

Apple has introduced a new procedure with which to reset an iPad or iPhone with a forgotten Passcode - allowing you to use your AppleID and associated Password to reset your device.

How to reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch when you forgot your passcode - Apple Support

You will be able to restore data from a pre-existing iCloud backup without the use of a computer, but will require a PC/Mac to restore data from an iTunes backup.

iPadOS 15.1 and earlier - and all devices that are Disabled



If your iPad is disabled, or you have forgotten your iPad passcode, you have no alternative other than to follow this process:

If you’ve forgotten the passcode on your iPad, or your iPad is disabled – Apple Support

You’ll need access to either a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS).

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Use of a PC or Mac is unavoidable. If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store will be delighted to assist.

You may also need your AppleID and associated password. If these have also been forgotten, they can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com

To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to one of the following:

• Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
• Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
• Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID

Unless you AppleID account has not been fully/correctly configured, or has been seriously neglected, recovery of the AppleID and password should not be difficult.

More information about recovery of your AppleID:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

More information about recovery of your AppleID password:

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support

When you recover access to your credentials, you would be well advised to log-in to your AppleID account from a web browser - and verify/update any email addresses and trusted telephone numbers:

https://appleid.apple.com

No. It didn't. You had to have set it, or someone with physical access to it did.

Follow the instructions here: If you forgot your iPad passcode - Apple Support

Hello Hanley1290t,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

If the password set it unknown, you'll need to set the iPad up again.

This Apple Support page has the four steps to take with all the details to restore the iPad: If you forgot your iPad passcode - Apple Support

"Step 1: Make sure that you have a computer (Mac or PC)

This process requires a Mac or PC. If you're using a PC, make sure that it has Windows 8 or later, and that iTunes is installed. You also need the cable that came with your iPad, or another compatible cable, to connect your iPad to the computer.

If you don't have a computer and you can't borrow one, you need to go to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for help.

Step 2: Turn off your iPad

1. Unplug your iPad from the computer if it’s connected.
2. Turn off your iPad using the method for your iPad model:

• If your iPad doesn't have a Home button: Press and hold one of the volume buttons and the top button at the same time until the power off slider appears.
• 
  • 
    
• If your iPad has a Home button: Press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears.
  • 

1. Drag the slider to turn off your iPad, then wait a minute to make sure that it turns off completely.

Step 3: Put your iPad in recovery mode

1. Get ready by finding the button on your iPad that you'll need to hold in the next step:

• iPad models that don't have a Home button use the top button.
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  • 
    
• iPad models that have a Home button use the Home button.
  • 

1. Press and hold the correct button for your iPad while immediately connecting your iPad to the computer. Don't let go of the button.
2. Keep holding the button until you see the recovery mode screen on your iPad, then let go.
3. 
4. If you see the passcode screen, you need to turn off your iPad and start again.

If you can’t get your iPad to show the recovery mode screen and you need help, contact Apple Support.

Step 4: Restore your iPad

1. Locate your iPad in the Finder or in iTunes on the computer that it’s connected to. (Learn how to find your connected iPad.)
2. Choose Restore when you see the option to Restore or Update. Your computer downloads software for your iPad and begins the restore process. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and your device exits the recovery mode screen, let the download finish, then turn off your iPad and start again.

1. Wait for the process to finish. 
2. Disconnect your iPad from the computer, then set up and use your iPad."

We hope this helps so you can set the iPad up for yourself. Cheers!