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

  1. 1 min

    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.
  2. 30 sec

    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.

  3. 30 sec

    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.
  4. 30 sec

    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.

  5. 30 sec

    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.