Discovering a forgotten iPhone passcode can be a frustrating experience. With sensitive personal and financial information potentially stored on your device, gaining access is crucial. While there are a few options to recover your passcode, success is not guaranteed. Understanding the risks and limitations is important when evaluating your choices. With some clever troubleshooting, you may be able to get back into your iPhone without totally wiping it clean.
Trying Common Passcodes
If you’ve only had your iPhone for a short while, there’s a chance you may have used an easy to remember passcode like ‘1234’ or ‘1111’. It never hurts to manually try entering in some common code options before attempting anything more complex. This can save you time and frustration if you happen to recall your code was something straightforward.
Be aware that manually guessing codes will trigger increasing wait times between attempts as a security measure. After several wrong entries your iPhone will lock for 1 minute before you can try again. This duration will continue to extend after each failed attempt up to an hour long wait after the 10th incorrect passcode. While inconvenient, this system is designed to prevent brute force cracking of your code.
Using Touch ID or Face ID
If you had Touch ID or Face ID enabled on your iPhone, you may be able to use your fingerprint or face to unlock the device. This would grant you access without needing the numeric code. Touch ID uses your fingerprint while Face ID relies on facial recognition technology.
In order for this method to work, you cannot have restarted your iPhone recently. After a restart these biometric unlocking capabilities will be disabled until the correct passcode is entered one time. If you have not rebooted your iPhone since forgetting your code, give Touch ID or Face ID a try. It may just get you into your device without hassle.
Using Find My iPhone
Apple’s Find My iPhone service is useful for locating lost devices, but it also offers a passcode recovery option in some cases. Using another internet connected Apple product like an iPad or Mac computer you can try to gain access remotely.
Launch the Find My iPhone app or log into iCloud.com/find and select your locked device. If you enabled Find My iPhone on that device, you will see a Passcode screen with the option to enter a new code. If successful, your old forgotten passcode will be overridden and replaced with this new one.
However, there are limitations to this method. If you previously enabled USB Restricted Mode on your iPhone it must have an internet connection for this to work. A device in airplane mode or powered off will still be unreachable through Find My iPhone.
Using iTunes or Finder to Restore
If you synced your iPhone with iTunes on a computer before, connecting the device while locked can offer additional options. On Windows PC open iTunes while on Mac use the Finder app. With your iPhone connected you should be presented with a prompt to enter your passcode followed by other choices if the attempts fail.
One of these options will be to Restore which will completely wipe your iPhone and reinstall the latest operating system. While this results in losing all your data and settings, it will allow you to reuse the iPhone with a new passcode once the restore process completes.
Just like the Find My iPhone method, if USB Restricted Mode is enabled then your locked iPhone must have an active internet connection for this option to appear. Without it only a manual passcode entry prompt will be shown repeatedly.
Using Apple Support to Unlock
If you are still unable to gain access to your locked iPhone, Apple does offer additional support options to possibly remove the unknown passcode. You will need to schedule an appointment at an Apple Store and provide documentation that you own the iPhone.
Exactly what constitutes proof of ownership will vary, but a printed copy of an invoice, your ID, or the security questions associated with your Apple ID may be sufficient. Apple can then work with you to unlock the iPhone so you can set a new passcode.
However, policies restrict this service to iPhones still activated under the Apple ID of the account holder presenting the device. iPhones erased or sold to another owner typically cannot be unlocked at the Genius Bar without further verification.
Using a Passcode Cracking Tool
Third party iPhone passcode removal software and tools exist that claim the ability to hack or bypass a forgotten code. Examples include extraction tools used by forensics experts to pull data from locked devices.
The credibility and legality of these types of tools is questionable at best. Accessing the personal data on a locked iPhone without consent is typically unlawful. Additionally, Apple’s security protections make cracking their encryption nearly impossible for both amateurs and professionals.
Unless you happen to work in law enforcement with a valid warrant, passcode removal software should be avoided. Seeking other options to regain access to your iPhone is the recommended approach.
Enabling USB Restricted Mode
If you do regain entry to your iPhone, take steps to avoid another lockout. Go to Settings > Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode and enable USB Accessories. This is called USB Restricted Mode and prevents access to data on a locked iPhone until the correct passcode unlocks it.
With this protection enabled, even connecting to a computer will not allow backup files or cracking tools to bypass a forgotten code. For increased security, enable USB Restricted Mode on any iPhone you own.
Consider an Easier Passcode
Another way to avoid forgotten passcode issues is to use a simpler code that is easy to recall. Though less secure, a short all numeric code can be convenient. Just be sure to still avoid obvious choices like birthdays that could be easily guessed.
You can also opt to use a 6 digit numeric code instead of 4 digits for increased combinations. Or try an alphanumeric code using both numbers and letters if you want something more secure but still memorable.
Write It Down as a Reminder
Physically writing down your iPhone passcode and keeping it in a safe, secure location can save you the hassle of forgetting it. Just be sure to store the written copy somewhere discreet that only you have access to. Never include identifying details like “iPhone Passcode” that reveal what it unlocks.
Having an analog backup of your digital passcode gives you a way to rediscover it if your memory lapses. Just be cautious of where you keep the written copy to prevent compromise of its security.
Conclusion
Getting back into a locked iPhone with a forgotten passcode can be challenging but is possible in some cases. Trying Touch ID or Face ID, using Find My iPhone, restoring through iTunes, and contacting Apple Support are all options. Legitimate passcode cracking software is risky at best and typically illegal.
Enabling security measures like USB Restricted Mode and using simpler memorable codes can help avoid the issue altogether. With the right approach and some persistence, you can find a way to recover and reset your lost iPhone passcode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Apple tell me my iPhone passcode?
No, Apple cannot reveal your set iPhone passcode back to you. Due to encryption and security reasons, the full passcode is not stored or known by Apple. However, they can help remove or reset your passcode under certain conditions at an Apple Store.
Can Siri tell me my forgotten iPhone passcode?
Unfortunately no, Siri does not have access to your set iPhone passcode and cannot reveal or reset it. Because passcodes remain fully encrypted and secure, Siri cannot bypass this protection.
Can I reset my iPhone passcode without a computer?
Yes, through Find My iPhone you can reset your forgotten iPhone passcode without a computer. As long as Find My iPhone was enabled and the device has an internet connection, you can use a trusted device to reset the passcode remotely.
Can Apple employees hack into iPhones?
No, Apple employees cannot simply hack into or unlock an iPhone for you. They must follow proper legal procedures and verify proof of ownership before assisting with passcode removal or resets. This process is designed to prevent unauthorized access.
Can I use Siri to get past a forgotten iPhone passcode?
No, Siri cannot unlock an iPhone or allow access past the set passcode. However, Siri may be used to place calls or send messages to notify someone you are locked out of your iPhone and need help recovering access.
What happens if I enter the wrong iPhone passcode 10 times?
After 10 incorrect passcode entry attempts, your iPhone will become disabled and locked for 1 hour before you can try again. This duration will continue to increase exponentially with subsequent failed tries up to 1 hour.
| Incorrect Attempts | Lockout Duration |
|---|---|
| 5 | 1 minute |
| 6 | 5 minutes |
| 7 | 15 minutes |
| 8 | 1 hour |
| 9 | 1 hour |
| 10 | 1 hour |
Can I erase my iPhone without the passcode?
Yes, through iTunes or the Finder app on Mac you can erase an iPhone with a forgotten passcode. This will reset the device to factory settings so you can set up a new passcode, but results in data loss.
What happens if I forgot my iPhone unlock PIN?
If you forgot your iPhone unlock PIN, the steps to recover access are the same as a forgotten passcode. Attempt common PINs, use Touch/Face ID, try Find My iPhone, restore in iTunes, contact Apple Support, or use an Apple Store for assistance.
Can someone hack into my lost iPhone?
It is very difficult for someone to hack into your iPhone if they do not know your passcode. However, if Find My iPhone was not enabled or USB Restricted Mode disabled, additional vulnerabilities may exist. Using strong passcodes and enabling security features can help prevent unauthorized access.
What happens if I forgot my iPhone password and Apple ID?
If you forgot both your device passcode and Apple ID password, you will need to schedule an appointment at an Apple Store. Bring proof of purchase and ID to verify ownership. Apple can then remove the passcode and help you recover access to your Apple account.
Can the police unlock iPhones?
Law enforcement agencies do have access to specialized tools that may be able to unlock an iPhone given a valid legal warrant. However, Apple iPhones have robust encryption that can make accessing data difficult even for police forensics teams in many cases.
Summary of Key Points
- Try entering common simple passcodes like “1234” in case that jogs your memory
- Use Touch ID, Face ID, or Find My iPhone to reset your forgotten passcode
- Restore through iTunes or the Finder app to remove the passcode but wipe the iPhone
- Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for assistance with proof of ownership
- Avoid third party passcode cracking software or tools which can be illegal
- Enable security features like USB Restricted Mode for greater protection
- Use memorable passcodes and write them down in a safe location