If you have forgotten the PIN code for your iPhone, there are a few different options you can try to unlock it again. The easiest way is to simply enter your Apple ID and password when prompted after incorrectly entering the PIN code several times. However, if you don’t remember your Apple ID password either, you will need to take additional steps to regain access to your device.
Attempt to Enter PIN Multiple Times
When you enter the wrong PIN code on an iPhone, you will be given 5 attempts before the device locks for 1 minute. After each subsequent failed attempt, the lockout time increases by 5 minutes up to a maximum of 1 hour. After 6 failed attempts, you will encounter a message saying that your device is disabled and to try again in 1 minute. At this point, you can tap the ‘Forgot Passcode?’ link at the bottom of the screen and be prompted to enter your Apple ID and password instead.
If you successfully enter your Apple ID and password, your device will unlock and you can reset your PIN code in the Settings. However, if you do not remember your Apple ID password either, you will need to take additional steps.
Reset iPhone Using iTunes or Finder
If you do not remember your PIN code and Apple ID password, you can connect your iPhone to a computer and reset it using iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac). Here are the steps:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using the USB cable that came with your device.
- Open iTunes on a Windows PC or Finder on a Mac.
- Select your iPhone from the sidebar in iTunes or Finder.
- Click on the Summary or General tab for your device.
- Click the ‘Restore iPhone’ button to reset your device to factory settings. This will erase all data on your iPhone.
- Set up your iPhone as new after the reset completes. You can then create a new PIN and Apple ID password.
Resetting your iPhone using iTunes or Finder will remove all of your data, settings, apps, and media from the device. Make sure to back up anything important before proceeding with a reset.
Erase iPhone Using Find My iPhone
If you have the Find My iPhone feature enabled in iCloud, you can remotely erase your device to bypass the forgotten PIN code. Here are the steps:
- On another device, open a web browser and go to icloud.com.
- Log in using your Apple ID and password.
- Click on Find iPhone.
- Select your locked device from the list.
- Click on Erase iPhone at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
After the remote erase process completes, your iPhone will reset to factory settings so you can set up the device again. This method requires your Apple ID password but does not need access to a computer.
Unlock with iTunes Backup
If you have an iTunes or iCloud backup available for your locked iPhone, you may be able to use that to bypass the forgotten PIN code. Here are the steps:
- Perform a factory reset on your iPhone using iTunes or Find My iPhone as explained above.
- Set up your iPhone as a new device initially.
- Once setup is complete, connect to a WiFi network.
- On your computer, open iTunes and login with the Apple ID associated with the backup.
- Select your iPhone in iTunes.
- Under Summary, click Restore Backup and select your desired backup.
- Allow the backup process to fully complete. Your device data, settings and apps will be restored.
With this method, you can access your iPhone again as long as you have a backup available that was created before you forgot the PIN code. Your device data will be restored from the backup.
Use Screen Time Passcode
If you enabled Screen Time parental controls on your iPhone, you may have an additional Screen Time passcode set. If you forgot your normal device PIN but remember your Screen Time passcode, you can use this to regain access.
- After 6 failed PIN attempts, tap Forgot Passcode?
- Enter your Screen Time passcode when prompted.
- You can then reset and change your forgotten PIN code.
This method will work as long as Screen Time is enabled and you remember the associated parental control passcode.
Take Device to Apple Store
As a last resort, you can take your disabled iPhone to an Apple Store for assistance. Bring a proof of purchase for the device and a government issued photo ID.
The Apple Store can run diagnostics tests and potentially restore your device for you. However, this process may still result in data loss from your iPhone. Certain diagnostic tools have advanced capabilities not available to normal users that may allow Apple support staff to regain access without fully resetting the device. But there is no guarantee.
Before letting the Apple Store reset your device, make sure to exhaust all other options. And ensure you have a current backup available if possible.
Third Party Unlocking Services
There are also companies that offer specialized iPhone unlocking and recovery services for a fee. Typically such services can access or reset an iPhone without needing the user’s Apple ID and password or losing the data on the device.
The reliability of these types of services varies greatly. Make sure to do thorough research before allowing a third party access to reset your iPhone. Reputable companies will be able to provide vetted references and testimonials from previous clients.
Forgotten PIN Code Prevention Tips
While the above methods can help you recover access to your iPhone if you forget your PIN code, avoiding that situation in the first place is ideal. Here are some tips to prevent forgetting your device passcode:
- Use a PIN code you can easily remember, like a birthday or anniversary date. Avoid random numbers that are harder to recall.
- Write down your PIN code somewhere safe in case you need to reference it later, like a password manager or locked safe.
- Set up Touch ID or Face ID so you don’t need to enter your passcode as frequently.
- Enable Find My iPhone and regularly backup your device.
- Consider using a password manager app to generate and store secure, random PIN codes.
- Enable Screen Time parental controls with a separate passcode you can recall if needed.
- If you change your PIN code, update any written references and redo backups in case access is needed.
Conclusion
Forgetting your iPhone’s PIN code can be inconvenient and frustrating. However, in most cases you can regain access to your device without losing any data. Try entering your Apple ID and password, resetting with iTunes or Find My iPhone, or using an existing backup. And enable services like Find My iPhone and Screen Time to provide recovery options.
With proper precautions like setting an easy to remember PIN, backing up regularly, and enabling secondary passcodes, you can avoid getting locked out of your iPhone even if you do forget the PIN. But if you exhaust all self-service options, taking your device to an Apple Store or authorized third party can provide additional support to get you back up and running.