Resetting your iPhone passcode without a computer is possible, but can be tricky. There are a few different methods you can try to reset your passcode depending on your specific situation.
Forgotten Passcode
If you’ve simply forgotten your passcode, here are some steps you can take to reset it:
- Try entering your passcode incorrectly several times. After 6 failed attempts, you’ll get a message saying the iPhone is disabled and you need to connect to iTunes to reset it. Don’t worry – there are still ways to reset it without a computer.
- After the iPhone is disabled, connect it to a power source and wait 30 minutes. The iPhone will then allow you to enter your passcode again. Keep trying passcodes you think might be correct.
- If you have Find My iPhone enabled, you can use the Erase iPhone feature to erase your device and remove the passcode. Log into iCloud.com, click Find iPhone, select your device, click Erase iPhone, and click Erase. This will erase all content and settings, allowing you to set up the iPhone as new.
- As a last resort, you can completely restore the iPhone by putting it into recovery mode and updating the software. To enter recovery mode, press and hold the Home and Power buttons together until you see the recovery screen. Then connect to iTunes to complete the restore process.
Locked Out From Too Many Failed Attempts
If you’ve entered the passcode wrong too many times and gotten the message that your iPhone is disabled, here are some methods to reset it:
- Wait 30 minutes after getting the disabled message, while connected to power. After 30 minutes, the iPhone will let you try entering your passcode again.
- Use Find My iPhone to Erase your device remotely, removing the passcode.
- Connect the iPhone to iTunes on a computer and do a complete restore to factory settings.
- Take the iPhone to an Apple Store and have a Genius Bar technician reset the passcode for you.
Forgot Apple ID Password
If you forgot your Apple ID password, which you need to turn off Find My iPhone, here are some recovery options:
- Reset your Apple ID password at iforgot.apple.com. You will need access to the trusted phone number or email address associated with the Apple ID.
- Answer your Apple ID security questions correctly to reset your password.
- Generate an Apple ID verification code from iforgot.apple.com and have it emailed to your trusted email address to reset your password.
- Contact Apple support to verify your identity and reset your Apple ID password for you.
Software Issues
Sometimes system software bugs or crashes can cause your iPhone to get stuck at the passcode screen. Here are some troubleshooting steps if you think a software issue is preventing you from entering your passcode:
- Force restart your iPhone – press and hold both the Home button and Power button for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
- Connect the iPhone to iTunes and do a restore to factory settings.
- Delete any recently installed apps or software updates that could be causing a conflict.
- Update to the latest iOS software version through iTunes.
- Contact Apple support for further software troubleshooting.
Hardware Issues
Faulty hardware like a broken screen or button can also stop you from being able to enter your passcode. Here are some things to try for hardware issues:
- Use VoiceOver to call out the passcode keys and enter your passcode.
- Connect an external Bluetooth keyboard to your iPhone and enter your passcode that way.
- Take your iPhone to an Apple store or repair shop to get the faulty hardware fixed. This may allow you to enter the passcode again.
- As a last resort, do a full system restore through iTunes which will wipe the passcode, but also all data.
Conclusion
In summary, here are some of the best ways to reset your iPhone passcode without a computer:
- Wait 30 minutes after getting the “iPhone is disabled” message, while connected to power.
- Erase your iPhone remotely using Find My iPhone.
- Reset your Apple ID password at iforgot.apple.com if needed.
- Force restart your iPhone if you think it’s a software glitch.
- Get faulty hardware like the screen repaired so you can enter the passcode.
- As a last resort, put the iPhone in recovery mode and restore with iTunes.
The key is to always try other options before doing a full restore which will erase all your data. With some patience and the proper troubleshooting steps, you can generally reset your forgotten or disabled iPhone passcode without needing a computer.
We understand the frustration of forgetting your device passcode and getting locked out. The tips in this guide will help you get back into your iPhone quickly, without losing your data.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips when dealing with a forgotten iPhone passcode:
- Always make sure you have a written copy of your passcode stored somewhere safe.
- Set up an emergency contact with Apple support so they can help verify your identity if locked out.
- Enable USB restricted mode in your settings to prevent devices like computers from accessing iPhone data.
- If you restore your iPhone, immediately log into iCloud and Find My iPhone to lock and locate your device.
- Consider using longer 6-digit or custom alphanumeric passcodes which are harder to crack or guess.
- Write down your Apple ID username and password separately from your iPhone passcode.
Back Up Your Data
One way to avoid losing your valuable iPhone data if locked out is to regularly back up your device. Here are some backup options to consider:
- iCloud Backup – Enable iCloud Backup in your settings app and regularly back up over WiFi. iCloud stores your photos, messages, contacts and more.
- iTunes Backup – Manually back up your iPhone by connecting to a computer with iTunes and clicking Backup Now.
- External Hard Drive – Use iTunes to backup your iPhone to an external hard drive for more storage space.
- Mac Time Machine – Use Time Machine on a Mac to backup your synced iPhone data.
- Third Party Apps – Consider apps like iMazing which can provide additional backups of your iPhone data.
Avoid Restoring from Backup
If you restore your iPhone data from a backup, some of your data like messages may no longer be accessible due to encryption. Try to avoid restoring from backup when locked out. Instead use the iPhone normally after resetting the passcode without restoring from an old backup.
Preventing the Issue
Following some simple precautions can help prevent you from getting locked out of your iPhone due to a forgotten passcode:
- Always write down your iPhone passcode in a safe place or use a password manager.
- Set a shorter, numeric-only passcode which is easier to remember.
- Add an emergency contact on your iPhone lock screen.
- Enable USB restricted mode to block data access from computers.
- Set up Find My iPhone and iCloud backups.
- Use Touch ID or Face ID for quicker, more secure unlocking.
- Buy a case with a passcode card slot so you have the passcode with you.
Enabling stronger security like longer passcodes does make it more difficult if you forget your code. Balance security with convenience by taking the precautions above.
If All Else Fails
If you still cannot reset your passcode through any method, your last option is to completely reset the iPhone to factory settings with a restore through iTunes. This will erase all contents and data, but allow you to start fresh. Only use this method if you have exhausted all other options above, and have backups of your important data.
Summary
- Forgotten passcodes can be reset by waiting 30 minutes at the disabled screen, or using Find My iPhone.
- Passcodes can also be reset through full restores in iTunes.
- Hardware repairs may be needed if screen or button issues prevent passcode entry.
- Always know your Apple ID password in case you need to turn off Find My iPhone.
- Regularly backing up your data provides protection if you need to wipe your device.
- Using preventative measures can avoid passcode lockouts in the first place.
With the right information and troubleshooting techniques, you can get back into your locked iPhone without a computer in most cases. Just stay persistent and use the recommended methods above to regain access to your device and data.