If you have forgotten the passcode on your iPhone 6, don’t worry – there are a few different options for resetting it and gaining access to your device again. Resetting your passcode can be done without data loss, but may require connecting your iPhone to a computer and using iTunes. Here is an overview of the different methods you can use to reset your forgotten iPhone 6 passcode.
Reset Passcode with iTunes
One way to reset your forgotten iPhone passcode is by connecting the device to a computer with iTunes and using iTunes to restore the device. Here are the steps to reset your passcode using iTunes:
- Connect your iPhone 6 to your computer using the USB cable that came with the device.
- Open iTunes on your computer. iTunes should detect your connected iPhone 6.
- On your iPhone screen, tap “Trust” to give your computer access to the device if prompted.
- In iTunes, select your iPhone by clicking on the phone icon in the top left corner.
- In the Summary section, click “Restore iPhone.” This will wipe your device and restore it to factory settings, removing your passcode.
- A message will appear warning you that restoring will erase the contents on your iPhone – click “Restore” to confirm.
- iTunes will download the latest iOS software and restore it to your iPhone, resetting it to factory settings. This removes your passcode.
- Once the restore is complete, you can set up and use your iPhone as new, and create a new passcode.
The benefit of using the iTunes restore method is that it doesn’t require iCloud or an Apple ID, and lets you reset the passcode without data loss. The downside is that you do need a computer with iTunes.
Reset Passcode Using iCloud
If you have iCloud backups enabled, you can use iCloud to reset your iPhone 6 passcode remotely, without a computer. Here’s how:
- On another device, like another iPhone or a computer, visit iCloud.com and log in with your Apple ID.
- Select “Find iPhone” from the menu.
- A list of devices connected to your iCloud account will appear – select your iPhone 6.
- Tap on “Erase iPhone” at the bottom of the screen.
- Confirm that you want to erase the device – this will reset it to factory settings and remove your passcode.
- Once erased via iCloud, your iPhone 6 will reboot and you’ll be prompted to set up the device as new, creating a new passcode.
The advantage here is that you can reset your passcode remotely without a computer. The downside is it will erase all of the data on your iPhone. This may be fine if you have backups through iCloud that can restore your data.
Reset Passcode at Apple Store
As another option, you can take your iPhone 6 to an Apple Store and have an Apple Genius reset your passcode for you. Here’s the process:
- Make an appointment at your local Apple Store’s Genius Bar.
- Bring your iPhone 6 to the Apple Store for your appointment.
- Explain to the Apple Genius that you’ve forgotten your passcode and need it reset.
- They will likely need to verify that you are the owner of the device by asking for proof of purchase or having you enter your Apple ID.
- Once verified, they can use their internal tools and procedures to remove the passcode from your iPhone 6.
- This process may or may not erase your data, depending on their specific process.
- Once complete, you’ll be able to set a new passcode on your iPhone 6.
Resetting your passcode via the Apple Store requires you to visit an Apple retail location and work with a Genius, but ensures the process is done properly. There may be a fee involved as well.
Reset Passcode via Recovery Mode
You can also reset an iPhone 6 passcode by putting the device into Recovery Mode and restoring it with iTunes. Here are the steps:
- Connect your iPhone 6 to your computer via a USB cable.
- Open iTunes on your computer if it doesn’t open automatically.
- With your iPhone connected, hold down the Power button and Home button on the iPhone simultaneously.
- Keep holding both buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen on your iPhone, showing a connector cable.
- In iTunes on your computer, you will get a prompt that says there’s a problem with your iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored.
- Click the “Restore” button to wipe your device and install the latest iOS, removing your passcode.
- Once it reboots, you can set up your iPhone as new and create a new passcode.
Like the iTunes restore method, this resets your passcode by wiping your device. The advantage is being able to force your iPhone into Recovery Mode even if the screen is damaged or unresponsive.
Reset Passcode via DFU Mode
DFU (Device Firmware Upgrade) Mode is another special restore mode you can use to reset your iPhone 6 passcode. Here are the steps for DFU Mode passcode reset:
- Connect your iPhone 6 to your computer while powered off.
- Hold down the Power button for 3 seconds.
- Keep holding the Power button and now hold the Home button as well for 10 seconds.
- Release the Power button while still holding the Home button.
- Keep holding the Home button until your iPhone enters DFU mode and connects to iTunes.
- In iTunes, click “Restore” to download and install the latest iOS firmware.
- Once the restore completes, your passcode will be removed.
DFU Mode is great for troubleshooting and restoring unresponsive iPhones. Like Recovery Mode, it lets you wipe your device and remove the passcode.
Reset Passcode Using Passcode Reset Software
Third-party iOS passcode reset software tools claim they can remove or reset the passcode on an iPhone without fully erasing the device. Here’s an overview of how they work:
- You download and install the passcode reset software to your Windows or Mac computer.
- Connect your iPhone 6 to your computer via USB.
- Run the passcode reset tool and follow the on-screen instructions.
- The software will attempt to remove the passcode from your iPhone without deleting your data.
- Once complete, you should be able to access your iPhone without entering the passcode.
In theory, these tools provide a way to reset your passcode without wiping your device. However, they don’t always work and could potentially access or damage your data. Most tech experts advise avoiding these tools if possible.
Contact Previous Owner
If you obtained your used iPhone 6 from someone else, you can try contacting the previous owner and asking them to remove the device from their Apple account. Here’s how this works:
- Locate the previous owner’s contact information if available.
- Contact them and explain you are now in possession of their old iPhone 6.
- Ask them nicely to use the Find My iPhone app to remove the device from their account.
- If removed from their account, your iPhone 6 will allow you to reset the passcode and activate the device.
- You can then set up the iPhone with your own Apple ID.
This isn’t possible in all cases, but can allow you to keep all data on the device while resetting the passcode, if the previous owner helps you out.
Take iPhone 6 to Carrier Store
For some carriers such as AT&T and Verizon, you may be able to take your iPhone 6 to an official carrier store and have them reset your passcode. Here’s what to expect:
- Make an appointment at your closest carrier store’s support desk or Genius Bar.
- Bring your iPhone 6 and a government-issued ID to verify ownership.
- Explain to the support staff that you need your passcode reset.
- They will likely need to verify your account details and ownership before proceeding.
- Once verified, the tech support team has internal tools to reset your passcode.
- This will likely delete all data from your iPhone in the process.
- With the passcode removed, you can set up and use your iPhone 6 normally.
Going to an official carrier store provides access to internal reset tools and dedicated tech support agents. However, data loss is very likely using this method.
Contact Apple Support
Finally, you can contact Apple Support directly about resetting your iPhone 6 passcode. Here are some of the options:
- Call Apple Support – You can call 1-800-MY-APPLE and explain you forgot your passcode. They can walk you through options like the iTunes restore process.
- Apple Support Chat – Start a live chat at getsupport.apple.com and ask the Apple advisor for help resetting your passcode.
- Bring to Apple Store – As mentioned previously, making a Genius Bar appointment is another way to get help directly from Apple with a forgotten passcode.
- Apple Device Enrollment Program – Part of Apple’s enterprise program for businesses can remotely reset passcodes. Requires your company to be enrolled.
Getting passcode help directly from Apple Support ensures you’re getting reliable assistance. But some options may involve fees, data loss, or Apple ID verification requirements.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a variety of options for resetting a forgotten passcode on an iPhone 6, with tradeoffs for convenience, data loss, and cost. Going through Apple directly via iTunes, iCloud, or the Apple Store provides reliable results. Third-party software claims reset ability but could be risky. And contacting the previous owner or carrier store provides more personalized help. Evaluating the pros and cons of each approach can help you pick the best solution to reset your iPhone 6 passcode.