What to do if iPad is disabled and says to connect to iTunes?

Here is the most important thing to know upfront: All official Apple methods for fixing a disabled iPad will erase your data. There is no free way to unlock the iPad and keep your photos, apps, and settings intact. If you have a backup saved to iCloud or your computer, you can fix iPad is disabled and says to connect to iTunes that data after the iPad is wiped.

If your iPad was running iPadOS 15.2 or newer when it became disabled, Apple has built a direct solution right into the lock screen.

What you need:

• An active internet connection on the iPad
• Your Apple ID email address and password

How to fix iPad is disabled and says to connect to iTunes: 

1. On the disabled iPad lock screen, look for an "Erase iPad" button in the bottom corner. It may appear after you have entered the wrong passcode enough times.

2. Tap the "Erase iPad" button.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm. You will need to sign in with your Apple ID and password.

Once confirmed, the iPad will begin erasing itself. After it restarts, you can set it up as new or restore your data from a backup.