How to fix an iPad that's been disabled after entering the wrong passcode

by Kelly Hodgkins, tuaw.com

February 11th 2014 11:30 AM

Have you ever picked up your iPad, only to discover it has been disabled by your curious children who entered the password too many times? Or maybe you've done it yourself when you've forgotten the passcode you created a month ago? if you enter in an incorrect password too many times, iOS will think someone is trying to break into your device and will disable it.

The problem with a disabled device is that you can't type in the password anymore, even if you suddenly remember it. You either have to wait a certain amount of time or connect the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to iTunes, if it has been permanently disabled. Here are a few tips to help you get that device unlocked without losing valuable information.

Try to back up the iOS device in iTunes

The first thing you should try to unlock your disabled device is a simpleiTunes backup. Connect your iOS device to your computer via USB and open iTunes. Select the device in the upper right-hand corner to display its properties in the main screen.

Restore the device using iTunes and a previous backupClick on the "Back Up Now" button to start a sync. You may be prompted to type in your password on your iOS device to start the sync because the device is locked. Once you have typed in your password, you can cancel the back up and start using your device.

If the backup trick doesn't work, then you may have to reset the passcode by restoring the device. This only works if you have previously synced your device with iTunes and have a backup stored on your computer. Follow these steps to restore your device and reinstall your backup.

1. Connect the device to the computer with which you normally sync and open iTunes.
2. If the device is still disabled, or if iTunes does not automatically sync your device, sync the device with iTunes by pressing the "Back Up Now" button.
3. When the backup and sync are complete, restore your device.
4. When iOS Setup Assistant asks to set up your device, choose "Restore from iTunes backup."
5. Select your device in iTunes and choose the most recent backup of your device.
6. Wait patiently while the restore completes its process.

When the restore is completed, you should have all your documents, photos, emails and settings in place and the device should no longer be disabled.

Restore the device using recovery mode and reset the password

If you've never connected your iOS device to your computer, then you may need to place the device in recovery mode and restore it to erase the device. Unless you have an iCloud backup, you will lose all of your data using this method. If you use iCloud for backup, you can select a backup during the setup process after the restore.

1. Disconnect the USB cable from the device, but leave the other end of the cable connected to your computer's USB port.
2. Turn off the device: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button for a few seconds until the red slider appears, then slide the slider. Wait for the device to shut down.
3. While pressing and holding the Home button, reconnect the USB cable to the device. The device should turn on.
4. Continue holding the Home button until you see the Connect to iTunes screen.
5. iTunes will alert you that it has detected a device in recovery mode. Click OK, and then restore the device.
6. Follow the prompts in Setup Assistant and proceed to "Set up your device."
7. If you used iCloud for backup, tap Restore from a Backup, then sign in to iCloud.
8. Proceed to "Choose backup," then choose from a list of available backups in iCloud.

Posted with Blogsy

Is an Apple TV Announcement Imminent?

iphonelife.com

Rumors have been pointing to the launch of a major update to Apple TV software and possibly also a new version of the device itself. Apple has virtually confirmed that something is coming, as can be seen by changes they've made in the Apple Store this week.

If you go to the Apple Store, you'll now see a new guy in the lineup: Shop Apple TV. Right there alongside Shop Mac, Shop iPhone, Shop iPad, and Shop iPod. This elevation of Apple TV from being hidden among accessories to equal footing with Apple's other products strongly suggests that Apple no longer views the device as a "hobby" and is gearing up to give us something new. I'm excited.

9To5Mac gave a boost to the rumors yesterday by passing along information gleaned from their "solid sources." They report that Apple has been working on an Apple TV that integrates Apple's Airport Express wireless router. They also report again that the new Apple TV will have a focus on gaming, and they say users will likely use iOS devices as controllers. In addition, they say that dedicated controllers that are being developed for iOS devices will likely also work with the new Apple TV. Also, 9To5Mac repeats something we kept hearing last year: that Apple has also been working on a version of Apple TV that would function as an interface for your cable TV service, essentially replacing the box from your cable TV provider.

It's hard to know what we'll see. Apple is always working on a variety of initiatives, but only a small number eventually make it to market. I think the most likely scenario is that Apple will announce a major update to the software that will include a new interface, gaming, and an Apple Store. I'm guessing it will be in the coming weeks, given their changes to the Apple Store And I think it's likely they'll come out with a new Apple TV device within the next six months.

The new Shop Apple TV section of the Apple Store has all the features associated with the sections of their other full-fledged products: the device itself, Apple TV accessories, Apple Care protection, refurbished Apple TV devices, and a question-and-answer section. They're definitely serious about this product.

Apparently the device has been selling fairly well, even though Apple doesn't do much marketing. I've read that Apple TV and Roku are far ahead of the competition in terms of sales. Google's Chromecast is a dark horse contender, with a low price of $35 and a promise from Google that more channels are coming soon. (The content is currently fairly limited, mainly YouTube, Netflix, and the Google Play Store.)

I hope Apple launches the new Apple TV soon. I can't wait to see what they've been working on.

Posted with Blogsy