Having a disabled iPhone can be incredibly frustrating. Whether it’s been disabled due to too many failed passcode attempts or if the activation lock is on, not being able to access your device leaves you unable to use many of the iPhone’s features.
Fortunately, there are a few different methods you can try to get your disabled iPhone unlocked so you can use it again.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about unlocking a disabled iPhone:
Why is my iPhone disabled?
The most common reasons an iPhone becomes disabled are:
- Too many failed passcode attempts – After 6 failed attempts, the iPhone disables itself
- Activation lock is on – This is triggered if you try to erase or restore a locked iPhone
- iOS software issue – A bug or glitch causes the iPhone to disable
How can I unlock my disabled iPhone without a computer?
Unfortunately there is no way to unlock a disabled iPhone without connecting to a computer. You will need to use iTunes or Finder to restore the device.
Will resetting network settings unlock my iPhone?
No, resetting network settings will not unlock a disabled iPhone. You need to connect to a computer and restore the device.
Can Apple unlock my disabled iPhone?
Apple can unlock an iPhone disabled by too many failed passcode attempts. For activation locked devices, you need to prove ownership to Apple.
What Causes an iPhone to Become Disabled?
There are a few different things that can cause an iPhone to become disabled:
Too Many Failed Passcode Attempts
The most common reason an iPhone is disabled is because the wrong passcode has been entered too many times. After 6 failed passcode attempts, the iPhone will become disabled as a security measure. This prevents unauthorized users from simply guessing different passcode combinations.
When the iPhone is disabled for this reason, you’ll see a message on the lock screen that says “iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes.” This is Apple’s way of forcing you to restore the device through a computer before it can be used again.
Activation Lock
Activation Lock is triggered when you try to erase or restore an iPhone that has Find My iPhone enabled without properly turning off Find My iPhone first. Activation Lock prevents anyone else from being able to use or reset your iPhone if it is ever lost or stolen.
When Activation Lock is on, you’ll see a message saying “iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes” and you will need to enter your Apple ID credentials to get back into the device.
iOS Software Issue
In some rare cases, a bug or glitch in the iOS software may cause the iPhone to unexpectedly become disabled. For example, some users found their iPhones were disabled after updating to iOS 11. Turning the device off and back on again did not resolve the issue.
With iOS related disabling, you may or may not see an error message. The device will simply get stuck at the Apple logo screen when rebooting or become unresponsive.
Hardware Problem
Very rarely, a hardware problem like an issue with the logic board can cause the iPhone to become disabled. There is typically no error message with hardware related disabling. The device will either get stuck on the Apple logo indefinitely or fail to power on at all.
How to Unlock a Disabled iPhone Without a Computer
Unfortunately, there is no way to unlock a disabled iPhone without connecting the device to a computer. This security measure is in place to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your data.
You will need to connect your disabled iPhone to either iTunes on a Mac or PC or to Finder on a Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later. Once connected, you can restore the iPhone to factory settings to regain functionality.
However, be aware that restoring your iPhone will erase all of its data and settings. Make sure anything important on your phone has been backed up first. We’ll go into more detail on how the restore process works a bit later.
Some users think they can bypass the need for a computer by resetting the iPhone’s network settings or erasing the device directly on the iPhone. However, since a disabled iPhone prevents any functions from being used, options like Erase All Content and Settings are unusable.
The only way to regain functionality is to connect to iTunes or Finder and perform a full system restore.
How to Unlock a Disabled iPhone With iTunes or Finder
Unlocking a disabled iPhone using iTunes or Finder essentially involves erasing your device and restoring it to factory default settings. Again, this will delete all of the data and settings on your iPhone, so make sure anything important has been backed up first.
Here are the steps to unlock a disabled iPhone using iTunes or Finder:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using the Lightning cable that came with your device.
- Open iTunes on a Windows PC or Mac. If you’re on macOS Catalina or later, open Finder instead.
- Select your iPhone from the sidebar in iTunes or the Finder window.
- Click Restore iPhone. This will erase your iPhone and install the latest iOS software.
- The restore process will take several minutes as firmware gets loaded back onto your device. Don’t unplug the iPhone during this time.
- Once the restore is complete, your iPhone will reboot itself. You’ll then be able to set it up like new or restore a backup during setup.
- As long as you backup your data beforehand, you can easily transfer your apps, data, and settings back onto your iPhone from either iCloud or iTunes.
And that’s it! By restoring your iPhone using iTunes or Finder, you can get a disabled device working again. Just make sure you have a recent backup available to restore from afterward.
What to Do If You Forgot Your Passcode
If your iPhone is disabled because you forgot your passcode, the unlocking process is largely the same. You’ll need to connect to iTunes or Finder and restore the device.
However, if you’d like to recover your data, you have a couple options:
- Enter your passcode correctly after the restore – If you just temporarily forgot your passcode, you may be able to remember it once your iPhone has been reset.
- Use your Apple ID account to reset your passcode – After restoring your iPhone, you can enter your Apple ID and password during setup to reset your passcode to something new.
The key thing here is that you’ll need access to your Apple account by knowing the password. If not, you won’t be able to recover your data after erasing the device.
Bypassing Activation Lock
If your iPhone is disabled due to Activation Lock being enabled, the unlocking process requires a few additional steps compared to a standard passcode lockout.
Here’s how Activation Lock works – Find My iPhone links your iPhone to your Apple ID account. Activation Lock gets triggered when you try to erase the device without turning off Find My iPhone first. It prevents anyone else from using or restoring your iPhone without your Apple ID credentials.
So to bypass Activation Lock, you will need to prove you are the owner of the iPhone by providing the associated Apple ID and password. Here are the steps:
- Restore your iPhone with iTunes or Finder to erase the device and try to begin the setup process.
- When prompted, enter your Apple ID and password that was originally linked to the iPhone.
- If the credentials match, Activation Lock will be removed allowing you to complete the setup process.
- You can now set a new passcode and use your iPhone as normal.
If you no longer have access to the Apple ID, you will need to contact Apple Support to provide proof of ownership. Apple may ask for the original purchase receipt or want you to answer account security questions. If ownership can be verified, Apple can remotely remove Activation Lock so you can use the iPhone again.
What to Do If You Can’t Unlock Your iPhone
In some cases, you may run into a situation where you cannot unlock your disabled iPhone no matter what you try. For example:
- You forgot your Apple ID password and cannot reset it
- You don’t have the original proof of purchase or cannot answer security questions
- You inherited or purchased a used iPhone that is activation locked
If you’ve exhausted all options and still can’t get back into a disabled iPhone, here are a few things you can try:
Contact Apple Support
Explain your situation to Apple Support and see if they can offer any way to verify ownership of the iPhone. You may at least be able to get the activation lock removed so it can be erased and resold.
Take it to an Apple Store
Physically taking the iPhone to an Apple Store provides proof of possession. Employees may be able to research the device details and help get it unlocked.
Use Unlocking Services
There are companies that offer specialized iPhone unlocking/bypassing services for a fee. They have proprietary methods that can removal activation lock. This should only be done as a last resort since it is technically circumventing Apple’s security protections.
Sell It for Parts/Salvage
If all else fails and the iPhone remains disabled, selling it on sites like eBay for parts or salvage can help recoup some of its value. Be fully transparent that it’s still activation locked.
While an unusable iPhone that can’t be unlocked certainly presents a challenge, just know there are always a few options. Thinking outside the box can sometimes lead to a solution.
How to Avoid iPhone Disabling in the Future
Having an iPhone disabled, even temporarily, can be incredibly inconvenient. Here are some tips to avoid your iPhone getting disabled in the future:
Use a Strong Passcode
Always set a strong alphanumeric passcode on your iPhone. Avoid repeating or sequential numbers that are easier to guess. Enable Touch ID or Face ID if your iPhone supports biometric authentication. This provides an additional layer of security.
Avoid Entering Wrong Passcodes
Carefully double check your passcode anytime you enter it to ensure accuracy. Entering just a few wrong passcodes can lead to a device lockout. Avoid typing passwords when distracted.
Write Down/Save Your Passcode
Memorizing a complex passcode can be difficult. Write your iPhone passcode down somewhere safe or use a password manager app to store it. This makes it easy to reference if you ever forget your passcode.
Turn Off Activation Lock Before Resetting
Always make sure Find My iPhone is turned off before resetting your device. Then turn it back on once your iPhone has been erased to re-enable Activation Lock.
Keep Software Updated
Install iOS updates as soon as they become available to get bug fixes. Outdated software is more prone to glitches that can sometimes disable an iPhone.
Back Up Frequently
Regularly back up your iPhone data either to iCloud or iTunes. That way you can easily restore your device if ever needed without worrying about data loss.
Avoid Jailbreaking
Jailbroken iPhones are much more likely to experience technical issues leading to disabling. Only jailbreak if absolutely necessary and with caution.
Conclusion
Having your iPhone become disabled can certainly be scary at first. But in most cases, you can get it unlocked and working again fairly quickly. Just be sure to:
- Connect to iTunes or Finder to erase and restore your device
- Have your Apple ID password ready if prompted
- Contact Apple for additional assistance if needed
Setting a strong passcode, avoiding repeated failed attempts, and backing up often can help prevent your iPhone from becoming disabled. But should it happen, take the proper steps to get it unlocked so you can use your iPhone again.
