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temuulen35
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Cannot access iCloud data; old iPad passcode required after factory reset

Title: Unable to access iCloud data – Old iPad passcode required after factory reset


Hi everyone,


I recently recovered my Apple Account and successfully signed in on my new iPhone.


However, whenever I try to access my iCloud data, Apple asks me to enter the passcode of my old iPad.


The problem is:



  • I no longer use that iPad.


  • I gave it to my brother after performing a factory reset.


  • I am entering the correct passcode that I used on that iPad, but it doesn’t work.


  • Advanced Data Protection is turned OFF.


  • I cannot find an option to verify through SMS.


  • I can access my Apple Account, but I cannot access certain iCloud data.

I honestly don’t need any of my old iCloud data anymore. I just want to remove the old encrypted data and start fresh with my current iPhone.


Is there any way to reset the encrypted iCloud data without the old iPad?


Can Apple Support help me resolve this without deleting my entire Apple Account?


Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Thank you!

Posted on Nov 7, 2026 11:25 PM

3 replies

Limnos
User level: Level 10 (462,771 points)

Nov 8, 2026 2:39 PM in response to temuulen35

https://support.apple.com/en-us/109016

Turn on iCloud Keychain on your Mac

If you choose to "Approve Later" when you sign in to your Apple Account, you need to approve with an old passcode or from another device when prompted. If you're unable to approve, reset your end-to-end encrypted data when prompted [ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102651 ].


Also see this post: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252229827


Limnos
User level: Level 10 (462,771 points)

Nov 8, 2026 8:10 AM in response to temuulen35

Remember that the people responding on the forums do not work for Apple. We are just regular Apple products users like yourself with no connection to Apple. If you want help from Apple support, this support page has information about contacting Apple support and service ➔ https://support.apple.com/106932 If live support options (chat and/or telephone) are available they will show near the bottom left.

- Telephone numbers may only work when calling from the same country.

- Chat options (telephone numbers appear as active links, not plain text) may depend upon cellular connectivity. If a number shows as an active link, click on it to see additional options.

- If chat is not available on the top level support page, try selecting your hardware and narrow down your issue to see if a support article offers a support link offering chat. For example, the contact support link on this page https://support.apple.com/119902#zerobalance offers a chat link about emptying account balance even on a computer where the top level page does not offer any chat.

With an iPhone, iPad, or Vision, you may be able to chat using the Apple Support App if it is available in your country —> https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


Mac Jim ID
User level: Level 10 (105,996 points)

Nov 8, 2026 8:18 AM in response to temuulen35

What I have seen work is to enter the Passcode, which is recognized as not being correct, up to 5 times. After a certain number of failed attempts, you should see a message asking you if you want to delete the encrypted iCloud Data. For me it appeared after 3 incorrect attempts, but I have seen some posts say they had to do it 5 times, so not positive if there is an actual number of failed attempts that trigger the option to delete.


I assume you are seeing the red exclamation point in Settings saying the some iCloud data cannot sync. After tapping that, there is the option to Resume Syncing, which brings up the prompt to enter the old Passcode for that encrypted data.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256390637