Having an iPhone that is unavailable due to being locked or disabled can be very frustrating. Often, the instinct is to erase the iPhone completely and start over. However, this results in losing all data and settings on the device. Thankfully, there are ways to unlock an unavailable iPhone without having to erase it.
Why is My iPhone Unavailable or Disabled?
There are a few common reasons why an iPhone may become unavailable or disabled:
- Entering the wrong passcode too many times
- Allowing a child to play with the device unsupervised
- Forgetting the passcode
- iOS software bugs or crashes
- Hardware failure or damage
If you enter the wrong passcode too many times (usually 6-10 failed attempts), the iPhone will become disabled. This is an automatic security feature to prevent unauthorized access. However, it also prevents you, the rightful owner, from accessing the device.
Likewise, if you let a child play with your iPhone unsupervised, they may accidentally lock the device by entering the wrong passcode too many times. Or, you may simply forget your own passcode, especially if you have a longer, more complex numeric or alphanumeric code set.
Software bugs, crashes, and hardware damage can also lead to your iPhone becoming unresponsive and unavailable. For example, if the screen is cracked or damaged, it may not sense touch inputs correctly to enter your passcode. Or if the software crashes during an iOS update or while installing a new app, it could get stuck in a disabled state.
Avoid Erasing Your iPhone Data
When your iPhone is unavailable or disabled, it can be tempting to immediately erase it and start over. However, this should only be done as a last resort. Erasing your iPhone means you will lose all of your data, settings, apps, photos, messages, and other personal information. You will have to start from scratch by setting up the device again and restoring from a backup.
To avoid unnecessary data loss, you should first try other methods to unlock your iPhone without erasing. The key is entering recovery mode or DFU (device firmware update) mode to access your disabled iPhone without wiping the data. This will allow you to regain access and reset your passcode without disturbing your apps and settings.
Put Your iPhone Into Recovery Mode
The first step to unlocking your unavailable iPhone without erasing is to put it into recovery mode. Here is how to do so for various iPhone models:
For iPhone 8 or earlier:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer via a Lightning cable
- Open iTunes on your computer
- While connected, press and quickly release the Volume Up button
- Immediately press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen
- Your iPhone will display a Connect to iTunes screen
For iPhone X and later:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer
- Open iTunes on your computer
- Press and release the Volume Up button
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button
- Then, press and hold the Side button until recovery mode initiates
- You’ll see the Connect to iTunes screen
The key point is to press the Volume and Side buttons in quick succession. Timing it correctly puts the iPhone into recovery mode so you can access it through iTunes.
Using iTunes to Unlock Your iPhone
Once your iPhone is in recovery mode and shows Connect to iTunes on screen, you can use iTunes on your computer to unlock it without erasing.
Open iTunes on a computer your iPhone has previously synced to. iTunes will recognize your iPhone is in recovery mode and provide options to Restore or Update. Do NOT choose Restore, as this will erase your device.
Instead, click Update to perform a firmware update of iOS without disturbing your data and settings. This will allow you to regain access to your iPhone once the update completes.
If your iPhone is disabled by a forgotten passcode, the iOS update will allow you to reset the passcode. You’ll then be able to set a new passcode and use your iPhone normally again.
For other reasons like crash or hardware damage, the update may resolve any underlying software issues without erasing the iPhone. However, for physical damage you may need to take the device to an Apple store for further repairs.
Put iPhone Into DFU Mode
If recovery mode does not work, the next step is DFU (device firmware update) mode. DFU mode is deeper than recovery mode and allows iTunes to fully interact with your iPhone.
To put your iPhone into DFU mode:
- Connect iPhone to computer and open iTunes
- Press and hold Side and Volume Down buttons for 10 seconds
- Release Side button but keep holding Volume Down
- If successful, you’ll see the Connect to iTunes screen
At this point, you can click Update in iTunes to restore your device without erasing data. This should unlock most unavailable iPhones unless there is underlying hardware damage.
Reset iPhone using Finder or iTunes
For iOS 12.4 and later, you can also use Finder on a Mac or iTunes on Windows to reset and unlock your disabled iPhone.
With your iPhone connected, open Finder or iTunes. Under your iPhone’s icon or name, click Restore iPhone. This will prompt a reset without having to fully erase your device.
The reset will allow you to access your iPhone again and set a new passcode if you forgot your previous one. All of your data, apps, and settings will remain intact.
Unlock iPhone using iCloud
If you have iCloud enabled on your iPhone, you can use the Find My iPhone feature to remotely unlock your device without erasing.
On another device logged into your iCloud account, open the Find My iPhone app or visit iCloud.com/find. You’ll see your iPhone on the map.
Select your device and click Unlock [Device] at the bottom. Enter your iCloud password if prompted. This will unlock your iPhone without deleting any data.
The unlock may take some time to go into effect. Once it does, you’ll be able to access your iPhone normally again.
Restore from iTunes or iCloud Backup
As a last resort, if none of the previous methods work, you can erase your iPhone then immediately restore it from a backup. This will still allow you to recover your data without permanent loss.
To restore from iTunes, connect your iPhone and click Restore in iTunes. This will reset your device to factory settings.
Once the reset completes, click Restore Backup and select your desired backup file from the list. iTunes will reinstall iOS, apps, settings, and personal data from the backup.
You can also erase your iPhone and restore an iCloud backup wirelessly. Simply erase your device using Settings > General > Reset. Then setup your iPhone again, select Restore from iCloud Backup, and login to iCloud.
Use Professional Unlocking Services
For extreme cases where your iPhone is unavailable and completely unresponsive, you may need professional help to unlock it without full data loss.
Companies like iMyFone offer iOS unlocking services by directly accessing and modifying your iPhone’s software at a low level. This can reset your passcode and restore functionality without erasing data.
Professional services are not free but may be worthwhile if you have very sensitive data on your disabled iPhone that you cannot afford to lose. Be sure to research and vet any third party service thoroughly first.
Prevent Future iPhone Unavailability
Once you regain access to your iPhone, take steps to avoid this situation in the future:
- Set a strong but memorable passcode
- Enable Touch ID or Face ID
- Create an iCloud backup periodically
- Avoid letting children play with your iPhone unsupervised
- Install iOS updates promptly to fix bugs
- Use a protective case and screen protector
Ensuring proper use and care of your iPhone will minimize the chances of it becoming disabled or unavailable again.
Conclusion
Having an unavailable iPhone can be stressful, but don’t rush to erase it fully. Using recovery mode, DFU mode, Find My iPhone, iTunes/Finder restore, and iCloud backup will allow you to unlock your iPhone without data loss in most cases.
Only use professional unlocking services or full erase/restore as a last resort when all else fails. With some patience and the right approach, you can regain access to your iPhone while keeping your apps, data, and settings intact.