How to Erase a Lost iPad Remotely
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Tested on
- iPadOS 18.4
- You will need
- Access to another Apple device, iCloud.com, or the Find My app
Step by step
Sign in to Find My
Open the Find My app on another Apple device signed in with your Apple ID, or navigate to iCloud.com/find in any web browser. Sign in using your Apple ID and password to access your device dashboard.
Note: If prompted, enter the two-factor authentication code sent to your trusted device.Locate the lost iPad
Select the Devices tab at the bottom of the app interface or the All Devices menu on the web dashboard. Tap or click on the name of the lost iPad from the list to display its current status and control options.
Initiate Erase Device
Scroll down the device details card until you find the Erase This Device option. Select Erase This Device to begin the remote wipe process.
Note: Do not select Remove This Device, as this prevents you from remotely erasing or tracking the iPad.Confirm the action
Read the confirmation prompt carefully, which details that all content and settings will be permanently deleted. Select Continue to proceed with the request.
Enter contact details
Enter a phone number or email address that will appear on the iPad screen if it is found. This allows an honest finder to contact you, even after the device has been erased.
Note: The wipe command will execute as soon as the iPad regains an internet connection.