Having a locked iPhone that you can’t access due to a forgotten passcode can be extremely frustrating. Thankfully, there are a few different methods you can use to regain access to your iPhone and reset the passcode.
Attempt to Guess Your Passcode
The first thing you’ll want to do is rack your brain and try to remember what your passcode might have been. Think about any significant dates, numbers or patterns you may have used. If it’s been a long time since you set the passcode, this may be difficult, but give it your best shot. Try entering any passcodes that come to mind multiple times, even if you’re not 100% sure, as passcodes can sometimes be muscle memory.
Use Find My iPhone
If you have Find My iPhone enabled on your device, you may be able to use it to unlock your device. The Find My iPhone app lets you remotely erase your device, allowing you to set a new passcode. To do this:
- On another device, open the Find My iPhone app or visit iCloud.com/find.
- Enter your Apple ID and password used for iCloud.
- Select your locked iPhone from the list of devices.
- Tap “Erase iPhone” and confirm.
After the iPhone is erased, it will prompt you to set up the device again and create a new passcode. Be aware this will erase all data on your iPhone, but it’s a reliable way to regain access.
Force Restart Your iPhone
Force restarting your iPhone essentially performs a hard reboot, which can sometimes resolve software glitches that are preventing you from entering the passcode. To force restart:
- On an iPhone 8 or earlier, press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Then press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Finally, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
For an iPhone X or later:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Then press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- Continue holding the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
This will restart your iPhone and boot it back up. After restarting, try entering your passcode again. Sometimes this can resolve minor software issues that were preventing the passcode entry from working properly.
Connect to iTunes and Restore
You can also regain access to your iPhone by connecting it to a computer with iTunes installed and restoring the device. This will wipe the iPhone and install the latest OS, allowing you to set a new passcode.
- Connect your locked iPhone to a computer via a USB to Lightning cable.
- Open iTunes on the computer. iTunes will detect your iPhone in recovery mode.
- In iTunes, click “Restore iPhone” to wipe and restore your device.
- After restoring, your iPhone will restart to a “Hello” screen for setting up the device again.
- Follow the on-screen steps to set up your iPhone with a new passcode.
Restoring via iTunes is an effective method, but will erase all contents and settings on your iPhone. Be sure you have backups of any data you want to keep before proceeding.
Use Recovery Mode to Wipe Your Device
You can also use recovery mode to wipe your iPhone and start fresh. This brings your device to the same “Hello” setup screen as a new iPhone.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer via a Lightning cable.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Then quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Finally, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- Your iPhone will enter recovery mode and display a connector cable on the screen.
- In iTunes, click “Restore” when prompted to exit recovery mode.
- Your iPhone will restart, freshly wiped with the setup assistant screens.
As with the iTunes restore method, recovery mode will wipe your device, so be sure to have backups first.
Use iPhone Unlock Software
Certain third-party software tools claim the ability to unlock an iPhone without fully wiping it. Examples include iMyFone LockWiper, Dr.Fone and Tenorshare 4uKey.
Such tools work by exploiting software flaws to bypass the lock screen. This allows resetting your passcode while retaining your data. However, Apple frowns upon these methods, as they utilize security flaws.
Pros
- Avoid data loss from wiping your iPhone
- Reset forgotten passcode without backups
Cons
- Paid software with costs from $20 to $50 typically
- Apple can patch exploits used by tools via updates
- Potential security risks from software flaws
This method works best as a last resort if you can’t recall your passcode and have no backups. Carefully research the software first, as results can vary.
Take it to Apple
As a last option, you can take your iPhone to an Apple store for assistance. Be prepared to provide proof of purchase and a government-issued photo ID as verification that you own the iPhone.
Apple support can run diagnostics on your iPhone and potentially reset or remove the passcode for you. However, this will still result in wiping your iPhone back to factory settings.
Apple will generally refuse assistance for hacked, stolen or disabled iPhones until you take appropriate steps such as removing Activation Lock.
Prevent Needing to Unlock in the Future
While the above methods can get you back into a locked iPhone, it’s still best to avoid getting locked out entirely. Follow these tips to prevent passcode issues down the road:
- Avoid very complex or overly long passcodes that are hard to remember.
- Write down or store your passcode somewhere safe in case you forget it.
- Set up Touch ID or Face ID to use fingerprint/face to unlock.
- Make regular iTunes or iCloud backups you can restore from if needed.
- Store backups of your data offline in case online accounts are unavailable.
- Enable Find My iPhone so you can remotely erase device if needed.
Following those best practices can help prevent you from having to resort to more drastic unlocking measures. But should you ever forget your passcode again, use the methods outlined above to regain access to your important iPhone data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my iPhone is locked or disabled?
If your iPhone is locked, you will see the standard passcode entry screen when you try to unlock it. A disabled iPhone will display a message saying “iPhone is disabled” and to connect it to iTunes.
Will resetting my iPhone delete everything on it?
Most methods of resetting an iPhone to unlock it will erase all of its contents and settings. Make sure to backup your iPhone data first before attempting a reset if you want to keep that information.
Can Apple remove the passcode for me in store?
Apple can assist with resetting your passcode in store, but will still need to wipe your iPhone back to factory settings in the process. You’ll need proof of purchase and government ID as the owner.
How can I backup my iPhone before wiping it?
You can backup your iPhone before wiping it by connecting it to iTunes on a computer and choosing to back up to your computer. You can also use iCloud to backup your data wirelessly if you have enough storage available.
If I reset my iPhone, will it remove Activation Lock?
No, resetting your iPhone using the methods described above will not remove Activation Lock. To remove Activation Lock if enabled, you will need to enter your Apple ID and password that was used to turn the feature on.
Conclusion
Forgotten passcodes can be extremely frustrating, but thankfully there are ways to get back into your iPhone, even if you have to reset it. If you exhaust all options to unlock your iPhone without wiping it, recovery mode, iTunes restore or iPhone unlocking software are your last resorts. Just be sure to backup all your iPhone data first before attempting these methods. With some patience and the right technique, you can get your iPhone unlocked and working again.