Forgotten Passcode Options
If you have forgotten your iPhone passcode, there are a few options for recovering access to your device:
Enter Passcode Incorrectly 10 Times
One option is to intentionally enter the wrong passcode 10 times in a row. After 10 failed attempts, your iPhone will be disabled and require connecting to iTunes or iCloud to restore it. This will erase all data on your iPhone and allow you to set a new passcode.
The downside to this method is it will erase your entire iPhone, so you’ll lose any data, photos, apps etc that weren’t previously backed up. Make sure anything important is backed up to iCloud or iTunes before attempting this method.
Use Find My iPhone
If you have Find My iPhone enabled in your iCloud settings, you may be able to regain access to your locked iPhone without erasing it. You can use Find My iPhone on another device or via iCloud.com to remotely erase your iPhone.
After remotely erasing, your iPhone will still require your Apple ID and password during setup. This will allow you to set a new passcode without losing your data.
The catch is you need to already have Find My iPhone setup on the lost device for this method to work. If you didn’t setup Find My iPhone beforehand, you won’t be able to use it to recover a forgotten passcode.
Take it to Apple Store
The only way to regain access to your iPhone without erasing data is to take it to an Apple store with proof of purchase. Apple store employees have the tools to bypass or reset your passcode while maintaining your data.
This is really the best option if you need to recover a forgotten passcode without data loss. The only requirement is being able to physically go to an Apple store and show you own the device.
Preparing for Passcode Recovery
Before attempting to recover your forgotten iPhone passcode, there are a few things you should do to prepare:
Backup Your Data
As mentioned above, some passcode recovery methods will erase your iPhone data entirely. To avoid permanent data loss, make sure you have a current backup. You can backup your iPhone to iCloud or to your computer using iTunes.
If you aren’t sure if you have a backup, or how recent it is, connect your iPhone to iTunes on your computer and do a manual backup. This will make sure you have the most up-to-date backup before attempting passcode recovery.
Disable Find My iPhone
If you plan on erasing your iPhone from the lock screen, you need to disable Find My iPhone first. Otherwise, you will be required to enter your Apple ID later during setup which defeats the purpose of data erasure to reset your passcode.
You can turn off Find My iPhone by removing your device from your iCloud account at iCloud.com. Just keep in mind this prevents you from using Find My iPhone to recover your passcode in the future.
Have Proof of Purchase Ready
If you intend to visit an Apple store for passcode resetting assistance, make sure you have your proof of purchase ready. This is usually a receipt showing you bought the iPhone, but can also be a gift receipt or even the credit card statement showing the purchase.
Apple needs proof you own the iPhone before they can bypass the passcode and allow you to reset it.
Resetting Your Passcode by Erasing iPhone
If you have no other choice, you can reset your forgotten iPhone passcode by erasing the device entirely. Here is the step-by-step process:
Connect iPhone to iTunes
Connect your locked iPhone to a computer with the latest version of iTunes installed. If you have service, it will say “iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode.”
If you don’t get this message, force restart your iPhone by pressing and releasing the Volume Up button first, then Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
Once your iPhone restarts, connect it to iTunes again. It should now detect your iPhone in recovery mode and prompt you to restore.
Restore iPhone in iTunes
In the iTunes summary page for your iPhone, click Restore. This will completely erase and restore your iPhone to factory settings.
iTunes will download the latest iOS software version and install it on your iPhone. This process can take up to an hour in some cases, so be patient.
Setup as New iPhone
Once the restore is complete, you will be walked through setting up your iPhone again. Follow the prompts to set up your device as a new iPhone.
You can skip entering your Apple ID during setup. On the passcode prompt, enter a new 6-digit passcode you will remember.
Restore from Backup
After you have your new passcode setup, you can restore your data and apps from either iCloud or iTunes.
To restore from iCloud, tap Restore from iCloud Backup in the setup assistant. Sign into your iCloud account and choose the desired backup. Apps and data will be downloaded to your device.
To restore from iTunes, connect your iPhone and select the backup file in iTunes. Click Restore Backup to transfer apps, data, and settings back to your device.
Resetting Passcode Using Find My iPhone
If you have Find My iPhone enabled, you may be able to remotely erase your lost iPhone and set a new passcode:
Login to iCloud.com
On a web browser, visit iCloud.com and login with your Apple ID that is connected to the lost iPhone. Use a trusted device or computer.
Click Find My iPhone
In iCloud, click the Find My iPhone icon. This will show a map with any Apple devices registered to your account.
Select Your iPhone
Click on your locked iPhone from the map view. A menu of options will appear on the right side.
Erase iPhone
In the options menu, click Erase iPhone. This will remotely wipe your device entirely, allowing you to reset the passcode.
Note that Find My iPhone must be enabled on the lost device for this to work. If Find My iPhone is disabled, remote erase will fail.
Follow Reset Steps
Once successfully erased, your iPhone will be deactivated and require resetting up. Follow the same steps above for setting up as new and restoring from backup.
The benefit of this method is maintaining your data versus completely erasing if forced to restore through iTunes.
Resetting Passcode at Apple Store
Finally, the most reliable option that maintains your data is to have the passcode reset at an Apple store:
Make Genius Bar Appointment
Contact your local Apple store and schedule a Genius Bar appointment. Let them know you need assistance with a forgotten iPhone passcode.
You may be able to walk-in, but scheduling ahead ensures they can assist you and have the necessary tools ready.
Bring Proof of Ownership
Make sure to bring your purchase receipt, or any documentation that proves you own the iPhone. This is required for Apple to verify you are the owner.
Apple Removes Passcode
During your appointment, the Apple Genius will connect your iPhone to their tools and remove the unknown passcode for you. This maintains all your data.
Create New Passcode
Once unlocked, you will be prompted to create a new 6-digit iPhone passcode right on the spot. Make sure you choose something you can remember going forward.
This will regain access to your iPhone without having to reinstall apps or restore data from backup.
Avoiding Forgotten Passcodes
Being locked out of your iPhone due to a forgotten passcode can be immensely frustrating. Avoid finding yourself in this situation by following a few simple precautions:
Use a Passcode Hint
When you first set up your passcode, create a ‘passcode hint’ by typing a reminder. This displays if you enter an incorrect passcode.
Examples include “My daughter’s birthday” or “Street I grew up on.” This helps jog your memory if you start to forget your code.
Write It Down
Physically writing down your passcode somewhere can help you recall it later, just be sure to keep it somewhere very safe and secure. Never store your passcode digitally on your iPhone.
Somewhere discreet like inside your wallet or locked safe are ideal places to store a written passcode.
Use a Password Manager
Tools like 1Password can generate and store long, randomized passcodes that you won’t have to actually remember. Just don’t forget the master password for your manager!
This is the most secure option since your iPhone has a long, unique passcode that only you can access through your password manager app.
Set Reminders to Change It
If you tend to frequently forget passwords, set reminders to periodically change your iPhone passcode every 30, 60, or 90 days. Frequent changes force you to continuously remember your new code.
Just be careful not to change it too often, or you’ll find yourself in a cycle of forgetting and having to recover your passcode.
Store in Your Apple ID
You can configure your Apple ID to remember certain device passcodes under the ‘Devices’ section at appleid.apple.com. This provides a digital record if your memory fails.
However, anyone with access to your Apple ID could retrieve the passcode, so it’s less secure than other options.
Conclusion
Forgotten iPhone passcodes can happen to anyone. Whether you intentionally reset your iPhone through erasure, remote wipe with Find My iPhone, or have it reset at an Apple store, getting back into your device is possible. Just make sure your data is backed up beforehand.
Going forward, precautions like a passcode hint, password manager, or writing it down can help avoid finding yourself locked out. But if it happens again, you have several reliable options to get back into your iPhone and reset the passcode. Just stay calm, get to a computer, and take the appropriate steps based on your situation.