If you have an iPhone 7 that is disabled and displaying the “Connect to iTunes” screen, it means the device has been locked due to too many failed passcode attempts. Don’t worry, there are a few different methods you can try to unlock your iPhone 7.
Try Connecting to iTunes
The first thing to try is connecting your iPhone 7 to a computer with the latest version of iTunes installed. This will give you the option to restore your device, which will erase all contents but unlock it.
Here are the steps to restore your disabled iPhone 7 using iTunes:
- Download and install the latest version of iTunes on a Mac or Windows computer.
- Use a Lightning cable to connect your iPhone 7 to the computer.
- Open iTunes on the computer. If a message pops up asking for your device passcode or to Trust This Computer, click “Cancel”.
- In iTunes, you should see your iPhone 7 show up in the top left. Click on it.
- In the Summary section, click “Restore iPhone”. This will erase all contents and settings and install the latest iOS version.
- If asked, enter your Apple ID and password to download the iOS software. The restore process can take up to 10 minutes.
- Once done, you can set up your iPhone 7 as new or restore from a backup.
Restoring through iTunes will completely wipe your device, removing all data, settings, apps, photos, etc. So only use this method if you have a backup or don’t mind losing everything on your iPhone 7.
Force Restart Your iPhone
Before resorting to a full restore, try force restarting your iPhone 7 first. This can resolve many issues and may just get your phone unlocked.
To force restart an iPhone 7:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo appear.
This will abruptly power cycle your iPhone 7. After the Apple logo shows up, release the Side button. The phone should boot up normally, at which point you can try entering your passcode again.
If the “Connect to iTunes” screen still appears, move on to the next steps.
Enter Recovery Mode
Putting your iPhone 7 into Recovery Mode will also give you the option to restore in iTunes and unlock the device.
To enter Recovery Mode:
- Connect your iPhone 7 to a computer using a Lightning cable.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
This should trigger iTunes to detect your iPhone 7 in Recovery Mode. You can then restore via iTunes to unlock it.
Unlock with iCloud
If you have Find My iPhone enabled with your Apple ID, you may be able to use iCloud to unlock your disabled iPhone 7 remotely.
On a computer or another iOS device signed into your iCloud account, go to iCloud.com and login.
Go to Find My > All Devices and select your disabled iPhone 7. Click Erase iPhone at the bottom of the screen. This will remotely wipe your device and remove the passcode lock.
The iPhone 7 will still be activation locked though. To fully unlock it, you’ll need to enter your iCloud credentials on the activation screen after erasing the device.
Unlock with Find My Mobile
Similarly, you can use Samsung’s Find My Mobile service to unlock your disabled iPhone 7 if you have a Samsung account added to the device.
On a computer or another phone, go to findmymobile.samsung.com and login to your Samsung account.
Locate your iPhone 7 and select Unlock from the Actions menu. This will remotely reset your disabled iPhone and unlock it.
Use Screen Time Passcode
If you enabled Screen Time restrictions on your iPhone 7, you may be able to unlock it using your Screen Time passcode.
To do this, enter your Screen Time passcode instead of your regular device passcode at the “Connect to iTunes” screen. If entered correctly, your iPhone should unlock.
You can find your Screen Time passcode by signing into iCloud on another device and checking your account settings.
Unlock with iTunes Backup
If you have an encrypted iTunes backup of your disabled iPhone 7, you may be able to use that to unlock your device.
Restore your iPhone 7 through iTunes as normal, but when prompted to set up as new or restore from backup, choose to restore from the encrypted backup.
Enter the password for your backup when asked. This will unlock your iPhone 7 and restore all of its data and settings from the last backup.
Remove Activation Lock
If your iPhone 7 is not only disabled but also activation locked to your Apple ID, removing the activation lock can fully unlock it.
To remove activation lock, you’ll need to provide proof of purchase to Apple Support and have the original owner remove the device from their iCloud account.
Contact Apple Support with your iPhone’s IMEI/SN number and receipt. The original owner will need to sign into iCloud.com, go to Find iPhone, click their device, and Remove from Account.
Reset Using DFU Mode
DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is an ultimate last resort to force restore your iPhone 7 and unlock it.
To enter DFU mode on iPhone 7:
- Connect your iPhone 7 to a computer with a Lightning cable.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until your screen goes black.
- Keep holding the Side button while also pressing and holding the Volume Down button for 5 seconds.
- Release the Side button while still holding the Volume Down button for 10 more seconds.
Your iPhone 7 screen should stay black if it entered DFU mode successfully. iTunes will detect a device in recovery mode and let you restore. This will reset your iPhone 7 back to factory settings and unlock it.
Use Third-Party Unlocking Software
There are third-party software services that claim to be able to unlock a disabled iPhone 7 by bypassing the activation lock.
Some examples include iMyFone LockWiper, dr.fone – Screen Unlock, and Tenorshare 4uKey.
Using these on your own is risky, as they may involve exploiting software vulnerabilities and voiding your warranty. But some repair shops may have professional tools that can safely unlock activation locks.
Replace Logic Board
As a last resort, you can take your iPhone 7 to a repair shop to have the logic board replaced. This will allow you to then activate and set up your iPhone 7 as new.
Just know that replacing the logic board can be expensive, costing $150-$300 or more. And there is a small chance it does not work. So only attempt this if you are okay with losing the money if it fails.
Prevent Future Lockouts
Once you get your iPhone 7 unlocked, make sure you take precautions to avoid getting locked out again:
- Set a strong alphanumeric passcode with minimum 6 digits.
- Avoid typing wrong passcodes repeatedly.
- Set up Find My iPhone with your Apple ID.
- Create encrypted iTunes backups regularly.
- Write down and securely store your Screen Time passcode.
- Enable touch/face ID if your iPhone model supports it.
Conclusion
Having an iPhone 7 disabled due to too many failed passcode attempts can be stressful. But in many cases, you can successfully unlock it again using iTunes restore, iCloud, DFU mode, or third-party software.
To avoid getting locked out in the future, always set a strong passcode and have a backup screen lock method in place like Find My iPhone. Handle your device carefully to prevent excessive failed passcode entries. And frequently create encrypted iTunes backups to have a password reset option available if needed.
With some time and patience using the unlocking methods outlined above, you should be able to get your disabled iPhone 7 working again in no time.
