Quick Answer
If you’ve forgotten or lost one of your iPhone passcodes, there are a few options for recovering it:
- Try guessing or remembering the passcode if you have some idea of what it might be
- Use iPhone passcode recovery software like iMyFone LockWiper to bypass the passcode
- Take the iPhone to an Apple Store and provide proof of ownership to have the passcode reset
- Erase the iPhone entirely to remove the passcode, though you’ll lose all data
Forgotten Passcode Options
If you’ve forgotten one of your iPhone passcodes, don’t panic. Here are some of your options for recovering the lost passcode:
Try to Remember or Guess the Passcode
If you vaguely remember setting the passcode, try wracking your brain to remember it. Passcodes we create ourselves often use patterns or significant numbers, so think hard about what you may have used.
If you have no idea what the passcode is, start guessing combinations of 4-6 numbers that have meaning for you. Try birthdays, anniversaries, addresses or other numeric patterns that you commonly use.
With the right combination of effort and luck, you may be able to correctly guess your forgotten iPhone passcode. Just be aware that iOS imposes escalating time delays after each few wrong attempts, up to an hour lockout.
Use iPhone Passcode Unlock Software
One of the most effective ways to recover a lost or forgotten iPhone passcode is to use a dedicated passcode unlock tool like iMyFone LockWiper.
This software can bypass iPhone passcodes in minutes while preserving all data on the device. It works by exploiting system-level vulnerabilities to bypass the passcode and get you back into your iPhone.
Just connect the locked iPhone to a computer, download the software, and let it work to bypass the passcode. This method doesn’t require restoring or erasing the iPhone.
However, specialized software like this isn’t free. Expect to pay $20-40 for a high-quality passcode removal tool that can reliably get you back into a locked iPhone.
Take it to an Apple Store
For those uncomfortable using third-party software tools, another option is to take the locked iPhone to an Apple store.
An Apple technician can reset or remove the passcode if you’re the verified owner. You’ll need to provide a proof of purchase and likely photo ID that matches the customer information on file.
This official route may take some time and require making a Genius Bar appointment. And depending on store policy, you may need to erase the iPhone entirely to remove a forgotten passcode this way.
Erase the iPhone
If you’re totally stumped on the passcode with no memory of what it might be, the nuclear option is to erase the iPhone entirely.
This will factory reset the device and remove any passcode, allowing you to set up the iPhone like new.
However, erasing will also delete all apps, data, settings and content stored on the device. So if recovering that information is important, consider passcode unlocking software first.
To erase, connect the locked iPhone to iTunes on a computer. A popup will appear providing the option to Restore or Update. Select Restore and confirm again on the next popup. The device will be wiped clean.
This is an irreversible option, so only use it if you have no other way to recover or bypass the lost passcode and the data on the device is not important.
Preventing Lost Passcodes
Once you get back into your iPhone, take steps to prevent lost passcodes in the future:
Use a Passcode Manager
Relying solely on memory is unsafe for important passcodes. Use a dedicated password manager app like 1Password or LastPass to generate and store secure passwords.
These tools can autofill passcodes so you never have to manually type them. The manager apps also have password recovery options to retrieve lost passwords securely.
Write Down Passcodes
Physically writing down passcodes may seem old-fashioned, but it remains one of the simplest ways to record them for reference later. Just be sure to keep the written records secured in a safe location.
Enable Touch/Face ID
Using biometric authentication like Touch ID or Face ID reduces the need to enter passcodes frequently. Set this up if your iPhone supports it, but still have a backup passcode configured.
Use an Easier Passcode
Long randomized passcodes are most secure, but very difficult to remember. Consider using an easier passcode like your birthday or a 4-digit PIN to make recall easier if needed.
Set Up Apple ID Passcode Recovery
In your Apple ID account settings, ensure a trusted phone number is configured for authentication and passcode reset purposes. This provides password recovery through Apple if you ever get truly locked out.
Understanding iPhone Passcodes
iPhone passcodes help secure your personal information, but can also lock you out if forgotten. Here’s some background on how they work:
Two Types of Passcodes
There are two primary passcodes associated with your iPhone:
- Screen lock passcode – The 4-6 digit code used to unlock your iPhone when it wakes up or powers on. This is the most common passcode you’ll use.
- Apple ID passcode – A longer, more complex password tied specifically to your Apple account. This secures access to iCloud, Find My, media purchases, app downloads and more through Apple’s services.
Both passcodes are important, but the screen lock passcode enables physical access to your iPhone device.
Forgotten Screen Passcode Consequences
If you forget your iPhone’s screen lock passcode, the device will be completely inaccessible. You’ll be locked out until:
- You remember or guess the passcode correctly
- You erase and reset the device completely
- You use a passcode unlock tool to bypass the lock screen
Without one of those resolutions, an iPhone with a forgotten passcode is essentially a useless brick.
Passcode Attempt Limits
To prevent brute force guessing, iOS imposes escalating time delays after a few wrong passcode attempts:
- 5 failed attempts – 1 minute lockout
- 10 failed attempts – 5 minute lockout
- 15 failed attempts – 15 minute lockout
- 20 failed attempts – 1 hour lockout
These attempt limits make randomly guessing a forgotten passcode difficult, as you’ll be locked out for increasing durations.
Encryption Ties Passcode to Device Access
Modern iPhones use encryption tied to the screen lock passcode. Without that specific passcode, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible.
This means recovery tools can’t easily extract your data – they must unlock the phone directly to restore access. Erasing the device works because it resets the encryption entirely.
So your passcode is very much integral to accessing your iPhone. Remember it, keep backups and avoid losing it.
Conclusions
Forgotten iPhone passcodes can be headache-inducing but recoverable through various methods:
- Try to remember or guess the passcode
- Use a dedicated unlock software tool
- Get help from Apple support to reset it
- Erase the device entirely to remove the passcode
Setting up password managers, Touch/Face ID, Apple ID recovery options, and easy-to-recall codes can all help avoid passcode predicaments. But if you do find yourself locked out, the solutions above provide ways to get you back into your iPhone.
With some effort, a bit of luck, or the right software tools, you can recover access to your iPhone even with a forgotten passcode. Just don’t wait too long before taking action, or your data could remain cryptically locked away forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out my iPhone passcode if I forgot it completely?
If you’ve completely forgotten your iPhone’s passcode, the best options are using passcode unlocking software, taking it to Apple for a reset, or erasing the device entirely. Trying random passcode combinations could also work if you get lucky.
What happens if I erase my iPhone to remove the passcode?
Erasing your iPhone will factory reset it and remove any screen lock passcode, but will also permanently delete all of your data, settings and apps on the device. Only erase as a last resort if the data is not needed.
Can Apple help me if I forgot my iPhone passcode?
Apple can reset or remove a forgotten iPhone passcode at an Apple Store if you can verify ownership with proof of purchase and photo ID matching the customer information on file. This maintains your data but takes time and may not always be possible.
What should I do if my kid forgot their iPhone passcode?
For a child’s iPhone, your options are the same – guessing the passcode, using unlock software, taking it to Apple or erasing the device. Passcode management and recovery is difficult for kids. Consider using parental controls to change or reset their passcode remotely next time.
If I forgot my iPhone passcode, can Siri help me bypass it?
No, Siri cannot bypass or remove a forgotten iPhone passcode. Siri is disabled on locked screens. Your options are to recall the passcode, use a removal tool, erase the device or get help from Apple support.
Key Takeaways
- Forgotten iPhone passcodes can be recovered by guessing, using software tools, getting Apple’s help or erasing the device.
- Passcode unlocking software provides the best method to regain access without data loss.
- Erasing the iPhone removes the passcode but also permanently deletes all contents.
- Apple can assist with resetting forgotten passcodes with proof of ownership.
- Using a password manager and Touch/Face ID helps avoid passcode predicaments.
