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iPhone 18 Pro Max iCloud data not syncing, asks for old iPad password.

I owned ipad Mini 2 in the past which i sold off in August 2023. I do have its model number & serial number. Now I purchased new iPhone 18 Promax in October 2026. Now my 'iCloud data' in my new 'iPhone 18 Promax' is not syncing. iCloud on my new iPhone 18 Promax is asking me to enter my old iPad Password which I have already sold and do not have access to. My new iPhone 18 Promax gives error message, "If you cant remember iPad passcode that unlocks 'iPad', you wont be able to access your iCloud data". Refer error screenshot below. Please note that my old iPad does not appear listed on icloud.com/find so not able to erase it. Please help in resolving this issue ?

2 replies

When restoring a new iPhone from a backup, the device may ask for the old passcode of your previous device an iPad or Mac to ensure the security and integrity of the backup data. This is part of Apple's security measures to protect your personal information and prevent unauthorized access to your iCloud backup.

Here's why this happens:


  1. Encryption and Security: iPhone/iPad backups created using iCloud are encrypted to safeguard your data. The encryption is tied to the passcode of the device that was used to create the backup. When restoring a new iPhone/iPad from an iCloud backup, it needs to verify that you are the rightful owner of that backup. Asking for the old passcode helps confirm your identity and ensures that only authorized users can restore the backup.
  2. Two-Factor Authentication: If you have enabled two-factor authentication on your Apple ID (which is recommended for enhanced security), the passcode verification process adds an extra layer of authentication. By confirming your old device or Mac's passcode, you demonstrate that you are the account holder and have access to the trusted devices associated with your Apple ID.
  3. Preventing Unauthorized Access: Without this additional security step, it would be easier for someone else to restore your backup to their device if they somehow gained access to your iCloud account credentials. The passcode requirement helps prevent this scenario and ensures that your data remains private and secure.


When setting up your new iPhone and restoring from an iCloud backup, make sure to have the passcode of your old device or Mac handy. If you have forgotten the old passcode, you might encounter difficulties during the restoration process. In such cases, you may need to recover your Apple ID or use an iTunes backup that was created with a different password. It's always a good idea to keep your passcodes and Apple ID credentials in a safe place to avoid any potential issues during backups and device restores.



Thanks SravanKrA jee for your kind response. However how do I solve the problem at hand ? I have sold out my old iPad hence I do not know the device password. Need workaround to resolve the issue at hand.