Recovering an old iPhone passcode can be tricky, as Apple’s iOS operating system is designed to protect user privacy by making passcodes difficult to retrieve. However, there are a few potential methods that may work to help you see an old or forgotten iPhone passcode.
Check Keychain Access on a Synced Mac
If you synced your iPhone to a Mac using iCloud or iTunes, the passcode may be stored in the Mac’s Keychain Access app. Here’s how to check:
- Open the Keychain Access app on your synced Mac.
- Click on ‘Passwords’ in the Category column on the left.
- Check if an entry for your iPhone is listed. The password shown should be your old iPhone passcode.
This method relies on having previously synced your iPhone with the Mac and having Keychain Access enabled to store passwords. If you can’t find the passcode in Keychain Access, you’ll need to try something else.
Use Passcode Recovery Software
There are some third-party iOS passcode recovery software tools that may be able to retrieve your old iPhone passcode. Examples include:
- iMyFone LockWiper
- Tenorshare 4uKey
- FonePaw iOS Unlocker
These tools work by exploiting vulnerabilities in the iOS backup files stored on your computer when you sync your iPhone. They can scan the backup for passcode hints and in some cases determine the actual passcode. However, success is not guaranteed and depends on having a viable backup that the software can access.
Use Find My iPhone
If you have Find My iPhone enabled on your Apple ID, you may be able to recover your forgotten iPhone passcode using these steps:
- On another device, log into iCloud.com and access Find My iPhone.
- Select your locked iPhone from the list of devices.
- Tap “Erase iPhone” to completely reset it to factory settings. This will remove the passcode.
- You can then set up the iPhone from scratch with a new passcode.
The downside to this method is it will erase all data on your iPhone. However, if you have an iCloud backup, you may be able to restore most of your data after resetting the device. Just make sure Find My iPhone is turned on for this to work.
Take it to an Apple Store
As a last resort, you can take your iPhone to an Apple retail store to see if they can recover or reset your passcode. Bring proof of purchase or your Apple ID used on the device. Apple support may be able to help bypass the passcode so you can get back into your iPhone.
However, Apple will not be able to simply tell you what your old passcode was. At best, they can remove it from the device by restoring iPhone firmware. You’ll still end up having to set a new passcode on your iPhone after this process.
Prevent Future Passcode Lockouts
To avoid being locked out by a forgotten passcode again in the future, here are some tips:
- Always have a written copy of your iPhone passcode stored somewhere safe.
- Avoid using very complex numeric passcodes that are hard to remember.
- Enable Touch ID or Face ID so you don’t have to enter your passcode as often.
- Make sure you have a current iCloud backup that can restore your data if needed.
- Turn on Find My iPhone as a passcode reset option.
- Use iCloud Keychain to store passwords you’ll need to re-enter after resetting your device.
Third Party Apps That Can Recover Old Passcodes
Here are some of the best third party applications that can help recover an old or forgotten iPhone passcode:
Tenorshare 4uKey
Tenorshare 4uKey is a popular iOS password unlocker software. It can bypass iPhone screen locks including 6-digit passcode, Face ID, pattern lock, etc. Main features:
- Recovers forgotten passcode within minutes without data loss.
- Supports all iPhone/iPad models and iOS versions up to latest iOS 15.
- Easy to use with step-by-step guide for beginners.
- Provides multiple iOS system password recovery solutions.
iMyFone LockWiper
iMyFone LockWiper can bypass iPhone passcode and screen locks through by extracting data from iTunes or iCloud backups. Key features include:
- Removes 4-digit, 6-digit, custom numeric and alphanumeric passcodes.
- Compatible with iOS devices running iOS 15.2 or earlier.
- No data loss risk as it uses encrypted iTunes backups for passcode recovery.
- Additional features like unlocking disabled/frozen device, fixing recovery mode loop.
FonePaw iOS Unlocker
FonePaw iOS Unlocker is designed to unlock forgotten screen passcode for iPhone/iPad. It works by extracting passcode hints from synced iTunes backup data. Notable features:
- Cracks 4-digit, 6-digit, custom alpha-numeric passcodes.
- No data erasure required during passcode removal.
- Supports all iOS devices running up to latest iOS 15.
- 100% clean software with no malware or virus risks.
These are reliable third party tools that may be able to recover an old or forgotten iPhone passcode for you when other options fail. However, success depends on specific conditions that can vary on a case by case basis.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a limited number of options to retrieve a lost or forgotten iPhone passcode. The most reliable methods are using Keychain Access on a previously synced Mac, passcode recovery software tools, or taking your device into an Apple Store. Avoid very complex passcodes, always keep a secure written copy of your code, and enable backups to prevent future lockouts.
While difficult, it is possible in some cases to find an old iPhone passcode without fully resetting your device. Understanding the options available can help you avoid a lengthy or costly passcode recovery experience. With some effort and luck, you may be able to get back into your locked down iPhone and regain access to your important data.
Just remember – Apple designs iOS and iPhone hardware to make passcode recovery very challenging. There are no guaranteed methods to simply reveal an old passcode after the fact. But the options discussed here just might help if you find yourself locked out of your iPhone asking “what was my old passcode?”