If you have forgotten the passcode for your iPhone and want to regain access to the device, taking it to an Apple store to be unlocked is one option. Apple offers a few different services that can help bypass a forgotten iPhone passcode, with varying costs and requirements depending on the model.
Overview of Apple’s Passcode Unlocking Options
Here is an overview of the options Apple provides for unlocking an iPhone with a forgotten passcode:
- Reset iPhone without passcode using Find My iPhone – If you have Find My iPhone enabled in your iCloud account settings, you can erase and reset your passcode remotely. This removes all data but allows you to use the iPhone again.
- Remove iPhone Activation Lock – If your device has Activation Lock enabled, you will need to provide proof of purchase to remove it before resetting the device. This also erases all data.
- Remove iPhone passcode at Apple Store – Genius Bar technicians can reset an iPhone passcode for you at the Apple store. This maintains your data but incurs a fee.
Using Find My iPhone to Reset Passcode Remotely
If you have Find My iPhone enabled in your iCloud account settings, you can use it to remotely erase your iPhone, which resets the passcode. Here is how:
- On any web browser, go to www.icloud.com and login to your iCloud account.
- Click Find My iPhone.
- Select your locked iPhone from the list of devices.
- Choose Erase iPhone from the menu.
- Confirm that you want to erase the device – this will reset it to factory settings and remove the unknown passcode.
The main drawback with this method is it will erase all of your iPhone data in the process. But it allows you to regain access and start using the iPhone again with a new passcode.
Removing iPhone Activation Lock
If your iPhone has Activation Lock enabled, you will need to remove this before you can reset your passcode and use the device again.
Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature that links your iPhone to your Apple ID. Even if you erase the device, it requires your Apple ID password to deactivate it.
To remove Activation Lock, you will need to provide proof of purchase to Apple Support to confirm you are the rightful owner. This can include:
- The original receipt for purchasing the iPhone
- The original box with serial numbers
- Other forms of order confirmation like email receipt
Contact Apple Support online or at an Apple Store to inquire about removing Activation Lock. Provide your device details like serial number. In some cases you may be asked to provide a valid government ID as well.
Once Activation Lock is removed, you can proceed to erase and reset your iPhone to remove the unknown passcode.
Resetting Passcode at the Apple Store
You can also take your iPhone with forgotten passcode to an Apple retail store for assistance. Technicians at the Genius Bar can remove and reset the passcode for you.
The exact process may vary, but in general they will connect the iPhone to a computer and use Apple’s device management tools to reset security settings and clear the passcode. This will allow you to set a new one.
The main benefit with this method is it preserves all of your iPhone data. Resetting through Find My iPhone or Activation Lock erases everything on the device. Having the passcode reset at the store lets you maintain all your settings, photos, apps and other information.
There is a fee involved for this service though – Apple charges between $25-$40 USD depending on where you are located. This provides some extra assurance that your data will remain intact.
What You’ll Need to Reset iPhone Passcode at Apple Store
Here are some key things to have ready if you plan to bring your locked iPhone into an Apple store for passcode removal:
- Photo ID – You will need to verify your identity as the iPhone owner with a valid government-issued photo ID
- Proof of ownership – Receipt or paperwork showing you purchased the iPhone if possible
- Apple ID password – Know your account password in case they need to sign in to unlock
- Payment – Be ready to pay the $25-$40 unlocking fee with credit/debit card
- Backup – Fully back up your iPhone data first if desired, as there is still some risk of data loss
As long as you come prepared with ID, proof of purchase, your Apple ID details and payment, the Genius Bar should be able to swiftly reset your iPhone passcode so you recover access.
What Happens When Passcode is Reset at Apple Store?
Here is an overview of the process that typically takes place when you have your iPhone passcode removed at an Apple store:
- Check in at Genius Bar and explain forgotten passcode situation.
- Provide technician with your device details, Apple ID, photo ID and payment.
- Technician will connect iPhone to computer and initiate passcode reset.
- iPhone is restored to factory settings, which removes passcode.
- Your data remains intact as passcode is cleared.
- You can set a new passcode and re-enable Touch ID/Face ID.
The key point is that an Apple Store can maintain your existing iPhone data while still removing the unknown passcode. This gives you the best outcome getting back into your device.
Maintenance of Personal Data
Since the Genius Bar uses Apple’s own tools to reset your iPhone security, they have the capability to preserve your information stored on the device. This includes:
- Photos, videos and camera roll contents
- Contacts list and phone app data
- Text messages
- Music, podcasts and audio content
- Notes, calendar events and Reminders
- Home screen layout and app organization
- Health and activity data
- Keychain passwords and website logins
While most of your personal content and customized settings should remain, some data loss is still possible. So you may want to do an iPhone backup first just in case.
Resetting Touch ID and Face ID
Your Touch ID and Face ID capabilities will be disabled when your passcode is removed at the Apple store. This is because they rely on data intrinsically linked to your passcode for security.
The Genius Bar technician will walk you through setting up Touch ID or Face ID again once your passcode is reset. You will need to re-enroll your fingerprints or facial map to re-enable these features.
Other Options for Unlocking Forgotten iPhone Passcode
While using Find My iPhone or taking your device to the Apple store are the recommended methods, there are a few other options that may work to reset your passcode:
Third-Party Unlocking Services
Some third-party stores and kiosks offer iPhone passcode removal services. However, their capabilities are more limited compared to Apple. They generally use brute force to try all possible passcode combinations, which takes much longer and risks permanently disabling your iPhone if too many failed attempts occur.
Jailbreaking iPhone
Jailbreaking removes software restrictions on iOS devices, which can allow resetting the passcode. However, jailbreaking also comes with security risks and voids your Apple warranty. Most current iOS versions also cannot be jailbroken.
Recovery Mode
You may be able to perform a recovery mode reset on some older iPhone models – this erases all content and settings but maintains theiOS firmware. However, recovery mode is not designed to bypass a forgotten passcode.
In general, third parties, jailbreaking and recovery mode are less reliable options with greater data loss risk compared to Apple’s own passcode services.
Can I Take My iPhone to Apple Store for Anything Else?
Beyond resetting forgotten passcodes, the Apple Store and Genius Bar can assist with many other services related to your iPhone.
Troubleshooting Performance Issues
If your iPhone is running slowly, crashing, draining battery quickly or having other technical issues, the Genius Bar can help troubleshoot. They have advanced diagnostic tools and procedures that can identify and resolve many common iPhone problems.
Repairing Physical Damage
The Apple Store provides repair services for iPhones with cracked screens, damaged charge ports, faulty buttons and other physical defects. As an authorized service provider, they have genuine Apple parts for fixing issues.
Replacing Lost Accessories
You can also purchase replacement accessories for your iPhone at Apple stores, such as new EarPods, charging cables and wall adapters. Get new cases, screen protectors and other add-ons while you are there.
Purchasing New iPhones
Apple stores have the full, latest lineup of new iPhones available for purchase. You can buy carrier-unlocked models directly from them rather than going through a wireless provider. Trade in old devices to get a discount.
Tech Support for iPhone Issues
The Genius Bar provides free tech support consultation for any issues or questions you have about iPhone hardware, software or services. Make an appointment for one-on-one troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Getting your iPhone unlocked at an Apple store is generally quick and convenient. By having the original passcode removed by an authorized Genius Bar technician, you can regain access while keeping all of your device’s contents intact.
Just be sure to come prepared with your Apple ID, proof of purchase, ID and payment method. Call ahead or book an appointment if needed. Unlocking your iPhone maintains your data and lets you finally use your device once again.