Recovering a forgotten iPhone password can be frustrating, but it is possible with a few different methods. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the steps to reset your iPhone password using iCloud, iTunes, recovery mode, or the forgot password feature.
Quick Summary of Methods to Recover iPhone Password
Here is a quick overview of the main methods to recover your iPhone password if you have forgotten it:
- Use iCloud – If you have iCloud Backup enabled, you can erase your iPhone and restore from a recent backup to reset the password. This method requires your iCloud email/password.
- Use iTunes – Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes installed. iTunes can reset the password if you enter the correct Apple ID and password.
- Recovery Mode – A last resort option, recovery mode will perform a factory reset and clear the password. All data will be erased.
- Forgot Password – Use Apple’s forgot password feature to reset your Apple ID password if needed to access iCloud or iTunes.
Method 1: Reset iPhone Password with iCloud
If you have iCloud Backup enabled, the easiest way to reset your forgotten iPhone password is using iCloud. This method will erase your iPhone data and restore it from the latest iCloud backup, resetting the password in the process. Here are the steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on your Apple ID banner at the top of the screen.
- Tap iCloud.
- Tap Manage Storage > Backups.
- Check that a recent backup of your iPhone exists. The date and time will be shown.
- If a recent backup exists, go back to the Settings menu and tap General > Reset.
- Tap “Erase All Content and Settings” – this will erase your iPhone and reset it back to factory settings.
- Once the erase is complete, set up your iPhone again. When asked, choose to restore from an iCloud Backup.
- Enter your iCloud email address and password to restore from iCloud. This will reset your password.
The key requirements for this iCloud method are:
- You must have an existing iCloud backup of your iPhone that contains the data you want to restore.
- You must know your iCloud email and password. If you’ve forgotten, use Apple’s forgot password feature.
- Erasing the iPhone will delete any unsaved data since your last backup.
Method 2: Use iTunes to Reset iPhone Password
If you don’t use iCloud Backup, connecting your iPhone to iTunes on a computer is another way to reset your forgotten password. Here is the process:
- Install the latest version of iTunes on your Mac or Windows PC.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using the USB cable.
- Open iTunes. Your iPhone should appear in the menu on the top left.
- In iTunes, click your iPhone, then click Summary.
- Under Manually Backup and Restore, check Encrypt local backup. Enter a password if prompted.
- Click Back Up Now to create an encrypted backup of your iPhone.
- Once the backup is complete, click Restore iPhone.
- iTunes will erase your iPhone data and settings, then restore from the backup.
- Follow the setup prompts to create a new password when restoring is complete.
The requirements for the iTunes method:
- You need access to a computer with the latest version of iTunes installed.
- You must know your Apple ID email and password to reset the password.
- Any iPhone data since your last backup will be erased.
Method 3: Reset iPhone Password Using Recovery Mode
Recovery mode is an emergency backup option for resetting your iPhone password if you can’t use iCloud or iTunes. Here are the steps:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using the USB cable.
- Open iTunes on your computer if it doesn’t open automatically.
- Force restart your iPhone: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, quickly press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- In iTunes, you will get a prompt that your iPhone is in Recovery Mode and needs to be restored.
- Click Restore and iTunes will download software and erase your iPhone, returning it to factory settings.
- Once the restore is complete, set up your iPhone again. You can create a new password during setup.
The drawbacks of the recovery mode method:
- All data, settings, and apps will be erased. Your iPhone is completely reset.
- You will not be able to restore any backups.
Method 4: Reset Forgotten Apple ID Password
If you’ve forgotten your Apple ID password needed for iCloud or iTunes, you can reset it using Apple’s forgot password process:
- Go to https://iforgot.apple.com/ on any device.
- Enter your Apple ID email address.
- Click Continue and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.
- Once your Apple ID password has been reset, you can use it for iCloud or iTunes to reset your iPhone password.
Resetting your Apple ID password requires access to the trusted phone number or trusted device associated with your account. Review Apple’s support documents if you do not have access to a trusted number or device.
Frequently Asked Questions About Resetting iPhone Password
Below are answers to some common questions related to resetting a forgotten iPhone password using the methods discussed above.
How do I reset my iPhone password without a computer?
The easiest way to reset your iPhone password without a computer is using iCloud. As long as you have an existing iCloud backup, you can erase your iPhone and restore the backup to reset your password. This does not require a computer.
Can I reset my iPhone password without losing data?
It is not possible to reset your iPhone password without losing at least some data. Using the iCloud or iTunes backup methods will restore your data after resetting the password, but any unsaved data since the last backup will be erased.
What if I don’t have a recent iCloud backup?
If you don’t have a recent iCloud backup to restore from, use the iTunes method to create an encrypted backup before resetting your password. This will allow you to restore your data after the reset.
How can I tell if I have an encrypted iTunes backup?
To check if you have an encrypted iTunes backup of your iPhone that can be used to reset your password:
- Open iTunes and connect your iPhone.
- Click your iPhone icon, then click Summary.
- Look under Latest Backup to see if “Encrypted” is shown.
What if I never made an iTunes backup?
If you never made an iTunes backup, your only option to reset your iPhone password is to use recovery mode. This will erase all your data and settings. You will have to set up your iPhone from scratch.
If I erase my iPhone, will it deactivate my cellular plan?
No, erasing your iPhone using the iCloud or iTunes restore methods will not deactivate or affect your cellular plan. Your carrier service will continue to work after resetting your password and restoring your data.
Can I take my iPhone to the Apple Store to reset the password?
Yes, you can take your iPhone to an Apple Store and have an Apple Genius reset your forgotten password. They can help troubleshoot and utilize on-site tools if you cannot reset it yourself using the methods described.
What if my iPhone is locked and I can’t access settings?
If your iPhone is locked with a passcode that you’ve forgotten, you will need to connect it to iTunes on a computer and use recovery mode to reset the iPhone. This will bypass the passcode lock screen and allow you to reset the password.
Conclusion
Resetting a forgotten iPhone password is possible if you have an iCloud or iTunes backup containing your data. Recovery mode can also reset the password but will erase all iPhone data. After resetting your password, you can restore from a recent iCloud or iTunes backup to get your iPhone working again with your data intact. Make sure to remember your new password and consider using a password manager app for added security.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| iCloud Reset | – Resets password and restores data from iCloud backup – No computer required |
– Need recent iCloud backup – Will erase unsaved data |
| iTunes Reset | – Can create backup before resetting – Restores data after reset |
– Need computer with iTunes – Will erase unsaved data |
| Recovery Mode | – Guaranteed to reset password | – Erases all data and settings |
