If you’ve forgotten the passcode for your iPhone, you have a few different options to try to regain access. The passcode is designed to protect your data and prevent unauthorized access, so Apple doesn’t make it easy to bypass. But in some cases you may be able to reset the passcode if you can provide proof of ownership.
Try Passcode Recovery
The first step is to try passcode recovery. If you’ve set up Find My iPhone and iCloud on your device, you may be able to use these services to reset your passcode online. Go to the iCloud website and select the Find iPhone option. You’ll be prompted to enter your Apple ID and password. If you’re signed in, you’ll see all your registered devices. Select your locked iPhone, then click Erase iPhone at the bottom of the screen. This will erase all content and settings from your iPhone and allow you to create a new passcode.
Use iPhone Unlock Software
If you don’t have Find My iPhone enabled, your next option is to use a third-party iPhone unlocking software or service. Companies like Wondershare and Tenorshare offer iPhone unlocker tools that can reset your passcode for a fee. This works by removing the user lockout and letting you create a new passcode to access your iPhone. However, it will not recover or decrypt your encrypted data.
Put the iPhone in Recovery Mode
You may also be able to reset your passcode by putting the iPhone into recovery mode. Here’s how:
For iPhone 8 or earlier:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
For iPhone X or later:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
This will put the iPhone into recovery mode rather than rebooting. Then you can connect to iTunes and restore your device to factory settings. This will remove your passcode but also erase all of your data.
Use an Unlock Chip/Dongle
Some third-party companies sell iPhone unlock chips or dongles that can remove the passcode from your device. This involves opening up the iPhone casing and connecting the chip to read and restore firmware. This method carries a certain amount of risk because you have to disassemble the iPhone yourself and any errors could permanently damage your device. Only attempt this if you are technically skilled.
Take it to Apple
As a last resort, you can take the iPhone to an Apple store or authorized service provider. They have special tools that can put the iPhone into recovery mode and restore it to default factory settings. This will get rid of your passcode but also erase all data on your device. Make sure to erase and disable the iPhone using Find My iPhone before taking it in – the store will refuse to service it otherwise.
Prevent this Issue in the Future
Once you regain access to your iPhone, make sure to take steps to avoid passcode lockout going forward:
- Set up Find My iPhone and iCloud syncing.
- Create an encrypted backup in iTunes.
- Write down your passcode somewhere safe in case you forget it again.
- Set up Touch ID or Face ID if your iPhone supports it.
- Make sure your Apple ID account recovery options are up to date.
Enabling Find My iPhone is the most crucial step, as this gives you the best self-service passcode recovery option. Avoid very complex or long passcodes that are easy to forget.
Protect Your Data
If you do manage to regain access by resetting your passcode, keep in mind that this makes your data vulnerable until you change the code. Enable Find My iPhone or wipe the device using recovery mode to protect your information before getting it unlocked by a third-party. Avoid using the same passcode again and make sure it meets complexity requirements.
Conclusion
Forgotten passcodes are inconvenient but recoverable in most cases. First try Find My iPhone passcode recovery. Third-party unlock software or iPhone unlock chips work for some but carry risks. Recovery mode should only be used as a last resort due to data erasure. Setting up iCloud and Find My iPhone ahead of time provides the most convenient passcode recovery option. Handle unlocking carefully and reset your passcode promptly for the best security.
| Method | Preserves Data? | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Find My iPhone iCloud | Yes | Need iCloud setup |
| 3rd Party Unlock Software | No | Costly, Some Privacy Risk |
| Recovery Mode | No | Erases All Data |
| Unlock Chip/Dongle | Yes | Technical Skill Needed |
| Apple Store | No | Erases All Data |
Related Questions
How do I find my iPhone passcode?
If you’ve forgotten your exact iPhone passcode, there is unfortunately no way to recover or view it. Apple does not store or have access to your passcode hash. You will need to reset your passcode using the recovery options outlined above.
What happens if I enter the wrong iPhone passcode too many times?
If you enter an incorrect passcode 6 times, the iPhone will disable touch input for 25 seconds. After a few more failed attempts, it will disable for an hour or longer. If you keep entering the wrong passcode, eventually the iPhone data will be erased after 10 attempts.
Can Apple unlock my iPhone without the passcode?
Apple and authorized service providers can put an iPhone into recovery mode to erase and unlock it. However, this process will wipe all data from the iPhone and does not bypass the passcode itself. They do not have any secret methods or backdoors to obtain your passcode or access private data.
I forgot my iPhone passcode – how can I recover photos?
If you have an encrypted iTunes backup for your iPhone, you may be able to use data recovery software to extract photos from the backup after resetting your passcode. Otherwise, there is no way to get the photos without knowing your passcode if you don’t have a backup.
Can someone else unlock my iPhone if they know my Apple ID?
No, the Apple ID alone is not enough – they would also need access to your trusted device linked to that Apple ID to approve the unlock. Apple requires confirmation from one of your other registered devices before allowing a passcode reset.
