Quick answers to key questions
Yes, there are several ways to unlock an iPhone if you’ve forgotten the passcode, even without having to reset it completely. The main options are:
- Ask Siri to unlock the device if you have Touch ID or Face ID enabled
- Use screen time passcode if you have that set up
- Connect to iTunes and restore the device
- Use iCloud to erase and unlock the device remotely
- Take it to an Apple Store for help unlocking it
- Use a lockscreen bypass tool (requires computer skills)
- Do a full factory reset and wipe the device
The easiest options are trying Siri, screen time passcode, or taking it to Apple. More advanced options like lockscreen bypass tools carry risks and should be approached carefully. Ultimately a factory reset will guarantee access again, but results in data loss.
Forgotten Passcode Scenarios
There are a few common scenarios that can lead to being locked out of an iPhone due to a forgotten passcode:
- You set a longer or more complex numeric passcode and later forgot the code
- You have Touch ID or Face ID enabled, and forgot fallback passcode
- Someone else set a passcode on your iPhone as a prank or to block access
- A child set a passcode on your iPhone without you knowing
In any of these cases, the steps to regain access are essentially the same. The key is to first try any convenient unlock methods like Siri or screen time passcodes, before considering resets that will delete data.
Asking Siri to Unlock Your iPhone
If you have Touch ID or Face ID enabled on your iPhone, you can ask Siri to bypass the forgotten passcode and unlock the device.
Just say “Hey Siri”, and when she activates, say something like “Unlock my iPhone” or “Bypass passcode”. Siri will then use Touch ID or Face ID to verify your identity, and immediately unlock your iPhone, bypassing the forgotten numeric passcode.
This convenient method works on any iPhone with Touch ID starting with the iPhone 5S, or Face ID on the iPhone X and newer. However, there are some important caveats:
- Siri itself must be enabled in Settings for this to work.
- You need to be in a quiet environment so Siri can clearly hear your voice.
- Touch ID or Face ID also needs to be configured with your fingerprint or face data.
Overall though, if the conditions are met, using Siri is by far the simplest way to regain access to an iPhone with a forgotten passcode and no data loss!
When Siri Unlock Won’t Work
In some cases using Siri may not work to unlock a forgotten passcode:
- Siri is disabled in Settings, check under Siri & Search
- Touch ID or Face ID is not enabled on your device
- Touch ID or Face ID is not properly configured with fingerprint or face data
- Your iPhone is an older model without Touch ID or Face ID
If Siri unlock isn’t available, the next easiest method is to try entering your Screen Time passcode, if you have Screen Time enabled.
Using Screen Time Passcode
All iPhone models running iOS 12 or newer support Screen Time parental controls. If you happen to have Screen Time enabled with a custom passcode, you can use this to unlock your iPhone if you forget the normal passcode.
Here’s how to unlock with a Screen Time passcode:
- On the lock screen, tap the “Forgot Passcode?” link in the bottom left
- Then enter your Screen Time passcode when prompted
- This will immediately unlock the device without needing the forgotten passcode
The Screen Time passcode acts as a backup way to get into your iPhone. However, there are limitations:
- You must have Screen Time enabled in Settings
- You must have set a custom Screen Time passcode
- You must remember the Screen Time passcode
If you didn’t set a Screen Time passcode, or don’t remember it, this method won’t help unlock the iPhone passcode. But it’s still worth a try before you proceed to more advanced options.
Unlocking with iTunes
If you sync your iPhone with iTunes on a computer, you can also use iTunes to restore and unlock your iPhone when you’ve forgotten the passcode. Here’s how:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch iTunes
- Put your iPhone into recovery mode – hold Power + Home buttons until you see Connect to iTunes screen
- In iTunes, click Restore iPhone – this will wipe and restore your device
- After restore, you can set a new passcode to access your iPhone
The benefit of using iTunes to unlock iPhone is that it doesn’t require any special tools. As long as you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your PC or Mac, you can use it to reset a forgotten passcode.
However, restoring via iTunes has significant downsides:
- The iPhone will be wiped, causing data loss
- You must have the computer you sync with available
- The process is time-consuming
For many users, using iTunes should be a last resort option after trying Siri unlock and Screen Time passcode unsuccessfully. But in a pinch, it will work to get you back into a locked iPhone.
iCloud Erase and Unlock
Similar to using iTunes, you can also unlock a forgotten iPhone passcode by erasing the device with iCloud. The key steps are:
- On a computer, visit iCloud.com and login to your account
- Click Find My iPhone
- Select your locked device and pick Erase iPhone
- The iPhone will wipe and unlock, ready for you to set a new passcode
This effectively achieves the same result as using iTunes to erase and unlock the device. However, you don’t need physical access to the computer you sync with.
The main limitations with iCloud erase are:
- Your iPhone must be connected to the internet for it to work
- Like iTunes, the device will be wiped causing data loss
- It can take some time to complete the erase process
However, if you have iCloud access and don’t mind data loss, this method provides a simple way to remotely unlock a forgotten iPhone passcode in just a few clicks.
Getting Professional Help
Rather than risk losing data or trying to unlock an iPhone yourself, another option is to get hands-on help by taking the device to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.
The main ways an Apple Store can unlock a forgotten passcode are:
- Restore the device via iTunes, same as you could do at home
- Replace your device with a new or refurbished model, for a fee
- Help remove Activation Lock if you no longer have access to your Apple ID
Pros of getting in-person help include:
- Expert assistance restoring, replacing or removing Activation Lock
- Ability to maintain or backup some data before restore in store
- Same-day resolution in most cases
Cons are that you may need to book an appointment, pay fees for certain services, and visit the store which takes more time and effort. But for many, getting professional assistance is worthwhile to resolve a forgotten passcode promptly and with minimal data loss.
Choosing an Expert Unlock Service
In addition to Apple’s official stores and service providers, there are also independent mobile device repair shops that offer iPhone unlocking services. The advantage is convenience if you can’t easily visit an Apple Store. However, quality and methods vary significantly. Carefully research reviews, costs, guarantees, and techniques used before selecting an independent unlock service. Legitimate data recovery methods may allow unlocking without full erasure. But many cheaper services unfortunately rely on system resets and result in data destruction. Avoid any service that tampers with iOS system files as that leads to instability and security issues in the long run.
Lock Screen Bypass with Computer
More technical iPhone users may be able to use their Mac or PC to bypass a forgotten lock screen passcode. This involves putting the device into DFU or recovery mode, then loading specialized lock screen removal software to bypass the passcode and reset it. Examples include:
- Tenorshare 4uKey
- iMyFone LockWiper
- Dr. Fone Lock Screen Removal
The process varies by tool, but generally involves:
- Download bypass software to computer
- Connect iPhone and enter DFU or recovery mode
- Run tool and click to remove forgotten passcode
- iPhone will reboot with passcode reset, allowing new code
The main benefits of using a lock screen removal tool are:
- Often cheaper than data recovery services
- Avoid full restore and data wiping in some cases
- Much faster solution than Apple Store or other repairs
However, there are also risks:
- Many tools are unreliable and can cause iPhone errors
- Apple may detect unauthorized modifications and disable device
- Possibility of data loss if tool fails and forces restore
For advanced users comfortable tinkering with system files, reputable lock screen bypass tools provide an option to reset a forgotten passcode quickly while potentially maintaining data access. But great care must be taken to avoid potential damage or device disabling by Apple.
Bypassing Lock Screen with MDM Profile
Devices enrolled in mobile device management (MDM) systems for enterprise users can also leverage this to bypass a forgotten lock screen. Using an MDM profile allows remotely resetting the passcode without data loss or needing the unlock key.
However this requires your iPhone to already be enrolled in MDM through your company or organization. For personally-owned iPhones used at home, MDM profiles are not an option for a forgotten passcode.
Factory Reset iPhone Using Recovery Mode
As a last resort, you can always perform a factory reset to erase your iPhone entirely and remove any passcode. This will let you start fresh and set a new passcode, at the cost of all your data.
A full factory reset can be done by putting the device into recovery mode then restoring. For any iPhone model, the steps are:
- Turn off your iPhone
- Hold the Power and Volume Down buttons until Recovery Mode screen appears
- Connect iPhone to computer and click Restore in iTunes
- The device will reset to factory settings, ready for new passcode
This will completely erase and reset the device to default settings. When it’s done, you’ll be able to set up the iPhone like new with a fresh passcode.
The main downside obviously is complete data deletion. However, it provides a guaranteed way to get back into a locked iPhone. For many the nuclear option, but necessary if all else fails.
Using Reset Without Computer
Recent iPhone models also allow factory reset without a computer using onboard recovery options:
- iPhone XR, XS, XS Max – Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Power until Apple logo appears
- iPhone X – Volume Down then Volume Up, hold Power until Apple logo shows
- iPhone 8 or earlier – Requires connecting to iTunes on computer
So for newer devices, you can force a factory reset right from the phone without iTunes. However, data will still be erased. Only use this method as an absolute last resort if you have no other way to remove the forgotten passcode and get into your iPhone.
Conclusion
When you get locked out of your iPhone from a forgotten passcode, stay calm – there are always ways to regain access. Start with convenient options like Siri unlock, Screen Time passcode, or professional help from an Apple Store. More advanced users can try passcode bypass tools but approach carefully to avoid potential damage or data loss. And finally, a factory reset will always work as a last measure when needed. With so many options available, there’s no reason a forgotten passcode should be the end of the world for your iPhone and your data. The key is staying calm, thinking through the options, and using the right solution for your specific situation.