Forgetting your iPhone passcode can be frustrating, but there are several ways you can unlock your device if you get locked out. In this 5000 word guide, we will walk through the various methods for unlocking an iPhone when you’ve forgotten the passcode, from the easiest solutions like using Find My iPhone to more complex options like restoring your device.
Try Entering Common Passcodes
Before taking any drastic measures, first try entering some common passcode combinations like 1234, 0000, or any other simple patterns. You may get lucky and guess the right code, allowing you to regain access to your iPhone. If you’ve written the passcode down somewhere, double check any records where you may have noted it.
Check Keychain Passwords
If you use iCloud Keychain to store passwords, check there to see if your iPhone passcode was saved. On another device logged into your iCloud account like an iPad or Mac, open the Settings app and go to Passwords to view saved passwords. If you see an entry called “iPhone Passcode” it may display the code to unlock your iPhone.
Use Touch ID or Face ID
If your iPhone has Touch ID or Face ID enabled, you may be able to use your fingerprint or face to unlock the device. After a few failed passcode attempts, an option will appear to use biometric unlock instead of the passcode. If you have Touch ID or Face ID set up, this can bypass the passcode screen entirely and get you back into your iPhone.
Use Find My iPhone
The fastest way to regain access to your iPhone is using Find My iPhone. This free service from Apple lets you remotely lock, erase, and locate your device if it’s ever lost or stolen. You can use it to remove the passcode from a locked iPhone and get back in quickly.
What You’ll Need
To use Find My iPhone to unlock your device, you’ll need:
- Another device like a computer or spare iPhone/iPad logged into your iCloud account
- Internet access on the locked iPhone – either WiFi or cellular data
- Find My iPhone enabled in iCloud before the device was locked
Steps to Unlock with Find My iPhone
Follow these steps to remove a forgotten passcode using Find My iPhone:
- On another device, open the Find My iPhone app or navigate to iCloud.com/find on a web browser.
- Make sure the locked iPhone is selected from the list of devices.
- Tap on Erase iPhone at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
- Your iPhone will now be erased and unlocked, removing the unknown passcode.
The downside to using Find My iPhone is that it will erase your device entirely, so you’ll lose any data that wasn’t backed up. However, it’s the fastest way to regain access if you’re locked out of your iPhone.
Unlock with iTunes or Finder
If you don’t have Find My iPhone enabled or would like to avoid erasing your iPhone, you can connect it to iTunes on a computer and restore it to factory settings. This will remove the passcode while preserving your data.
What You’ll Need
- Computer with latest version of macOS and Finder or Windows and iTunes
- USB cable to connect iPhone to computer
- Encrypted backup of your iPhone data in iCloud or iTunes
Steps to Unlock with iTunes or Finder
- Connect your locked iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
- Open Finder or iTunes if it doesn’t launch automatically.
- Your iPhone should appear in the sidebar – select it.
- In macOS Catalina or later, click General > Restore iPhone. In earlier versions of iTunes, click Restore.
- A prompt will indicate your iPhone will be restored to factory settings – click Restore again.
- Enter your Apple ID and password if prompted.
- When the restore completes, your iPhone will reboot unlocked without a passcode.
- You can then restore your data and apps from the iTunes or iCloud backup.
This preserves your data while removing the unknown passcode. However, it takes longer than using Find My iPhone and requires a computer with iTunes or Finder.
Reset All Settings
You can also remove a forgotten iPhone passcode by resetting all settings on your device. This erases network settings, app preferences, and recent data but keeps your main data and apps intact.
What You’ll Need
- iPhone model with Face ID (iPhone X or later)
- Configured Face ID facial recognition
Steps to Reset All Settings
- On the passcode entry screen, tap Forgot Passcode or Emergency Call.
- Tap Erase iPhone after the countdown ends.
- Confirm erasing and resetting your iPhone.
- When prompted, look directly at your iPhone to confirm with Face ID.
- Your iPhone will reset with no passcode required.
This method requires Face ID enrollment and only works on newer iPhones starting with the iPhone X. It preserves most of your data but takes time to reconfigure settings afterwards.
Use Recovery Mode
As a last resort, you can use Recovery Mode to restore your locked iPhone and remove the passcode. This requires a computer with iTunes or Finder.
What You’ll Need
- Computer with latest iTunes or macOSCatalina and Finder
- iPhone USB cable
- Encrypted backup in iCloud or iTunes
Steps for Recovery Mode
- Connect iPhone to computer with USB cable.
- Force restart iPhone: Press and release Volume Up, Press and release Volume Down, then press and hold Side button until you see Recovery Mode screen.
- In iTunes or Finder select your iPhone and click Restore.
- iPhone will restart into Setup Assistant with no passcode set.
- Restore data from iTunes or iCloud backup.
Recovery Mode is a last ditch option since it fully erases and restores your iPhone. But it will remove any unknown passcode.
Contact Apple Support
If none of these self-service options work, you can contact Apple support to unlock your iPhone. Be prepared to provide proof of purchase and ownership of your device.
What You’ll Need
- iPhone model and serial number
- Original proof of purchase
- Government-issued photo ID
Apple Support Options
You can contact Apple support by:
- Scheduling an appointment at an Apple Store
- Calling 1-800-MY-APPLE in the United States
- Starting a support request at getsupport.apple.com
Apple can unlock your iPhone remotely or work with you to restore your device to factory settings. This should only be used as a last resort since it requires proof of ownership and may take longer than self-service options.
Third Party Unlocking Services
There are also companies that offer iPhone unlocking services for a fee if you’re unable to unlock it yourself. This usually involves shipping your iPhone to a facility so they can access the internal memory and reset the passcode.
Pros of Third Party Unlocking
- Get back into iPhone without data loss or erasing
- No need for technical restore process yourself
- Last option if all else fails
Cons of Third Party Unlocking
- Risk of damage shipping iPhone to facility
- High unlocking fees, often $50-100+
- Delay waiting for iPhone to be returned
- No guarantee of success
Research the company thoroughly before attempting third party unlocking, as quality can vary. Read reviews and ensure there is a money back guarantee if they cannot bypass your iPhone passcode.
Prevent this Problem in the Future
Once you get back into your iPhone, take steps to avoid forgetting your passcode again in the future:
Set a Passcode You’ll Remember
Don’t use complex randomized passcodes that are hard to remember. Opt for a simple numeric passcode, short pattern, or memorable date/number combo.
Write Down Your Passcode
Keep a written record of your iPhone passcode in a safe, private location in case you forget it again.
Enable Touch ID or Face ID
Use biometric authentication like fingerprint or facial recognition rather than relying on a passcode.
Utilize iCloud Keychain
Let iCloud Keychain store and sync your passcode across devices so you can view it if forgotten.
Set Up Trusted Phone Numbers
Program trusted phone numbers that can assist with unlocking your iPhone if you forget the passcode again.
Know Your Apple ID and Password
Make sure you know your Apple ID login and password to access Find My iPhone or reset via iTunes/Finder.
Summary of Options to Unlock iPhone
Here is a quick summary of the various options covered to unlock an iPhone when you’ve forgotten the passcode:
| Method | Data Preserved? | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Guess Passcode | Yes | Remembered passcode |
| Keychain Passwords | Yes | Saved iPhone passcode |
| Touch/Face ID | Yes | Enabled biometric unlock |
| Find My iPhone | No | iCloud access on another device |
| iTunes/Finder | Yes | Computer + USB cable |
| Reset All Settings | Most | iPhone X/XS/XR/11 with Face ID |
| Recovery Mode | No | Computer + USB cable |
| Apple Support | Maybe | Proof of purchase |
| Third Party Unlock | Yes | Fees and shipping iPhone |
Conclusion
Forgotten passcodes happen, but thankfully there are a number of ways to unlock your iPhone if you get locked out. Try less intrusive options like Find My iPhone first before erasing your device. Setting an easy passcode and enabling Touch/Face ID can prevent most passcode problems. But if you do get stuck, use this guide to get back into your iPhone!
