How to fix frozen iPad after iPadOS 26 update during Apple Pay setup?

My mother’s iPad is effectively stuck after updating to iOS 26. It is entirely responsive until the option to “set up Apple Pay” appears during the new update set-up. Because it freezes at this point, I can’t do anything. I’m able to sign into the wifi prior to this however. Even when I do attempt to set up Apple Pay for her, it gets stuck on the screen which says:

”Complete additional steps in wallet. Once you’ve finished setting up your new iPad, go to wallet to complete additional steps that some card issuers require to prevent fraud”

I’ve tried to factory reset it via my computer, however it says it’s not connected to Find My and thus I’m able to factory reset it, despite being connected and displaying on her iPhone — I assume it’s due to the newly installed iOS update. Moreover, I’ve tried to reset it via “find my

How do I resolve this? This is a brand new A16 iPad, and I’ve already repeatedly tried to do a hard reboot of the device. It’s unfair that a simple iOS update on a newly purchased device can prevent it from being used.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iPad frozen after update.