User level: Level 1 (4 points)I have an older iPad, purchased around 2013. It has been setup since then and I was just using it after a year, or so. Turned it on, battery still at 53% and looked at some things. I turned it off for a bit and when I turned it back on, it is insisting on being set up again.
is there a way to bypass this?
Thank you.
Posted on Sep 19, 2026 6:16 PM
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)Sep 20, 2026 2:49 AM in response to Rockranch1
Presumably your iPad indicates that it must be restored:
If you see the Restore screen on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
These support pages outline the available methods to restore an iPad - either from a backup, or to Factory Settings:
Restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch from a backup – Apple Support
Restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod to factory settings – Apple Support
Restore all content to iPad from a backup - Apple Support
You’ll need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed, or more recent Apple Devices App) or a Mac computer (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS).
Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support
Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support
Use of a PC or Mac computer is unavoidable. If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)Sep 22, 2026 2:52 PM in response to Rockranch1
We have to start somewhere - and without a screenshot to illustrate precisely what you see, and limited information provided, it can sometimes be difficult to interpret what may be going on. Please remember, the information that contributors here have to work with is the information that you provide; without an actual screenshot or image, we can't see what you see.
I too am somewhat baffled by your description. Please clarify...
If you don't see the restore screen, perhaps you see the multilingual "hello" screen that is atypical of setting-up a device from new? This screen is also seen subsequent to some system software updates - such as updating from iOS/iPadOS 26 to 27. Where applicable, simply progressing through the "hello" and following introductory screens is benign - and will lead you to an updated (but not reset) device.
If something else, more information (and preferably some images) would be helpful.
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Sep 22, 2026 10:46 AM in response to LotusPilot
Thank you for the response, but you assume incorrectly.
The iPad and an iPhone 4s are requiring setup, not restore, even though they were both setup years ago and were being used perfectly fine 15 minutes before it started to require setup. Im a bit baffled.
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Sep 30, 2026 8:07 AM in response to LotusPilot
Sorry. I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful for the offered help.
I don’t have those devices with me, at the moment, but they are both showing the multilingual hello page and I can’t seem to get past it.
The frustrating part of all this is that they were both working fine, literally 10 minutes, earlier.
Thank you,
Rockranch
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256360835