Recovering encrypted data from iPad after incorrect passcode entry

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Recovering encrypted data from iPad after incorrect passcode entry

One year ago I entered the incorrect passcode into my iPad too many times. It still reads “iPad unavailable” and nothing else. No countdown. Isn’t it ironic that I know the passcode now that the countdown no longer exists.

I have precious videos and photos stored on this iPad and I have no iTunes or iCloud backup.

Is there any way I can get the videos back? Someone recommended I get a data recovery service but I thought they cannot recover it as it’s encrypted… and not actually on the physical iPad or something.

i want to start using the iPad again, which means erasing it - but i want to know if all my recovery options are gone.

(iPad 8)

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iPad Data / Recovery

iPad, iPadOS 17

Posted on Sep 8, 2025 12:43 AM

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Answer 1

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LotusPilot

Community+ 2025

Level 10

299,738 points

Sep 8, 2025 01:24 AM in response to AppleUser_Marley

As you are clearly aware, all locally stored data on your iPad is encrypted. Successfully unlocking the iPad with its Passcode unlocks the iPad's security chip, within which the only copy of the encryption keys required to decrypt and access any locally stored data resides.

If the iPad indicates that it is "unavailable", it is already too late - as the encryption keys have been automatically destroyed (this process being known as a crypto-erase). Unless you have a pre-existing iCloud or iTunes backup of your iPad or its data, which can be restored, all locally stored data is unrecoverable.

Be aware that any data and files that had been synchronised with iCloud will remain available to you using another Apple device that is signed-in to iCloud with the same Apple Account (previously known as your AppleID), or using a web-browser from another computer:

https://icloud.com

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