Being locked out of your iPhone can be extremely frustrating. You rely on your iPhone for so much – communication, organization, entertainment, and more. Not being able to access any of that can quickly make you feel powerless. But don’t worry, there are solutions for regaining access to your iPhone even if you are locked out of the passcode.
Why am I locked out of my iPhone?
There are a few key reasons you may find yourself locked out of your iPhone passcode:
- You forgot your passcode – This is the most common reason. We all set passcodes to protect our data, but remembering a complex numeric code is difficult. It’s easy to forget your passcode, especially if you don’t access your phone regularly.
- You entered the wrong passcode too many times – iPhones are designed to protect against unauthorized access. If you enter an incorrect passcode 6-10 times in a row, your iPhone will lock itself and require you to connect to iTunes to restore.
- Your iPhone restarted – When an iPhone restarts, it requires you to re-enter your passcode. If you forgot your passcode, you’ll be locked out.
- A software bug or glitch – Occasionally system glitches can cause your passcode not to be recognized, temporarily locking you out.
No matter the reason, being locked out of your iPhone is stressful. Your personal information, data, and access are all blocked when you can’t get past the lock screen.
What are my options for unlocking my iPhone?
The good news is that you do have options for regaining access to your iPhone. Here are the main methods you can use:
- Keep trying passcodes – If you have a vague memory of your passcode, try entering different combinations. iPhones allow unlimited attempts.
- Use password manager – If you use a password manager like 1Password or LastPass, check there for a saved passcode.
- Erase iPhone – You can erase your iPhone data entirely and remove the passcode requirement. But you will lose your data.
- Force restart – Performing a force restart may resolve a software glitch that is preventing passcode recognition.
- Connect to iTunes – You can connect to iTunes on a computer and restore your iPhone to factory settings.
- Apple unlocking service – Apple provides an official unlocking method using Apple support or Apple stores. There is often a fee for this service.
- Third party unlocking service – Various third party companies offer iPhone unlocking services, usually involving software to bypass or brute force the passcode.
Below I’ll explore each of these unlock methods in greater detail, including pros and cons of each approach.
Keep trying passcode combinations
When you first realize you’re locked out of your iPhone, the instinct is to rack your brain and try remembering your passcode. Here are some tips for effectively trying different passcode combinations:
- Start with passcodes you commonly use for other accounts and devices. We tend to reuse the same codes.
- Try your most used number sequences like birthdays or anniversaries.
- If you vaguely remember your passcode pattern (e.g. started with a 5), try that pattern.
- There is no limit to number of attempts, so keep trying combinations.
- Try both number and letter combinations if your passcode contained both.
- Write down combinations as you try them to avoid repeating attempts.
The key is being methodical. Try every combination you can recall. With patience, you may be able to guess your forgotten passcode correctly.
Pros
- Lets you recover access without losing any data or resetting phone.
- Doesn’t require any outside help – you can do it yourself.
- No cost involved.
Cons
- Can be very time consuming trying different combinations.
- No guarantee you’ll recall the exact passcode.
- Too many failed attempts will disable iPhone requiring a restore.
Use a password manager
If you use a password manager app like 1Password, LastPass, or Keychain, check there to see if you have a record of your iPhone passcode.
Password managers provide secure storage for all your passcodes and passwords. Many people save their iPhone passcode in the password manager for easy access.
Go into your password manager app and search for an entry named “iPhone Passcode”, “iPhone PIN”, or something similar. If you saved it previously, you’ll be able to access your forgotten iPhone passcode.
Pros
- Instantly retrieves your forgotten passcode.
- Doesn’t require resetting your iPhone.
- Faster than trying multiple passcode combinations.
Cons
- Only works if you previously saved your iPhone passcode in the manager.
- Your password manager may also be inaccessible if you are locked out of other devices.
Erase iPhone data
All iPhone models allow you to erase your device and remove the existing passcode. By wiping your iPhone back to factory defaults, you can access it again without needing the previous passcode.
The downside is you will lose all of your data, accounts, apps, photos, and other personal information stored on your iPhone. It will be reset it to a blank state.
To erase your locked iPhone:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes.
- While your iPhone is connected, force restart it by pressing and holding the Volume Up and Side buttons until you see the recovery mode screen.
- In iTunes select your iPhone and go to Summary > Restore iPhone.
- The restore process will wipe your iPhone back to factory settings, removing the passcode requirement.
Once your iPhone restarts, it will be unlocked but also erased. You’ll need to re-setup the device from scratch.
Pros
- Guaranteed to unlock your iPhone by removing previous passcode.
- Process is free – just requires a computer with iTunes.
Cons
- Causes permanent data loss – all of your personal data will be wiped from iPhone.
- Time consuming having to fully re-setup iPhone and accounts.
- Doesn’t actually recover your forgotten passcode.
Force restart iPhone
Before pursuing more drastic measures, try force restarting your iPhone first. This serves as a “reset” that can solve many minor glitches.
Force restarting will not remove your passcode or erase data. It just reboots the device.
To force restart an iPhone 8 or earlier, press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons until you see the Apple logo.
For iPhone X and later models, press and release the Volume Up button, press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button.
Your iPhone will restart, which takes between 30-60 seconds. After it reboots, try entering your passcode again. The restart may have resolved any software bugs causing your passcode not to be recognized.
Pros
- Quick and easy process to force restart.
- Won’t delete any of your iPhone data.
- Could potentially resolve any software glitches.
Cons
- No guarantee force restart will unlock your iPhone.
- Have to wait through full reboot process.
- May need to re-enter recent app activity and settings after restart.
Connect to iTunes
Connecting your iPhone to iTunes on a computer gives you another option for unlocking your device without data loss. iTunes can remove the passcode requirement without fully resetting the iPhone.
Here’s how to unlock with iTunes:
- Install latest iTunes version on a Mac or Windows PC.
- Connect your locked iPhone to computer via USB.
- Open iTunes if it doesn’t automatically launch.
- Select your iPhone from the menu and go to Summary tab.
- Under Settings, check Reset Passcode to remove the existing passcode.
- You can then set a new passcode or disable the requirement.
Using iTunes is recommended over fully resetting your iPhone as it won’t wipe your data. But you need access to a computer running iTunes for it to work.
Pros
- Removes passcode without erasing personal data.
- Works reliably in most cases.
- Lets you easily set a new memorable passcode after removing old one.
Cons
- Requires a Mac or Windows PC with latest iTunes version.
- Resetting passcode via iTunes doesn’t recover old one.
- Apple could disable this method in future iOS versions.
Apple unlocking service
For iPhones still covered by AppleCare warranty, Apple provides an official unlocking service. You can make a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store or contact Apple Support to assist.
The Apple Store can work with you to remove the unknown passcode, reset your iPhone to factory settings, or replace your device entirely if needed.
If you don’t live near an Apple Store, you can call Apple Support or chat online to get your iPhone unlocked. Be ready to provide proof of purchase and AppleCare details.
Note that without AppleCare warranty, Apple’s customer service is limited. They may still help but typically charge a fee.
Pros
- Official solution straight from Apple.
- In-person help at Genius Bar convenient for some.
- Can fully replace iPhone if unable to unlock.
Cons
- Need to be covered by AppleCare warranty.
- Resetting iPhone erases all data.
- Not guaranteed to retrieve forgotten passcode.
Third party unlocking service
Various third party companies offer professional iPhone unlocking services for a fee. Examples include iUnlocker, UnlockBase, DoctorUnlock, and more.
They use proprietary software solutions to essentially “hack” into your iPhone and bypass or force reset the passcode. This gives you access without fully wiping data.
Pricing varies but expect to pay around $50-$100 or more. The iPhone is shipped to the company for 1-2 days then returned unlocked.
Make sure to use reputable unlocking companies with positive customer reviews and secure handling procedures.
Pros
- High success rate for unlocking all iPhone models.
- Retains your personal data after unlocking.
- More convenient than in-person Apple Store visit.
Cons
- Potential security and privacy risks from giving iPhone to third party.
- Hacking method could damage device if not done properly.
- Expensive fees often charged.
Preventing Future Lockouts
Once you regain access to your iPhone, take steps to avoid getting locked out again in future:
- Set a new passcode that you can easily remember.
- Write down passcode and store securely as a backup.
- Save passcode in a password manager app.
- Set up Apple ID and sign into iCloud to enable Find My iPhone recovery.
- Enable Touch ID or Face ID if your iPhone supports it.
- Use longer alphanumeric passcodes which are harder to crack.
Backing up your data regularly, knowing your Apple ID, and using biometrics like Touch ID also makes passcode lockouts less disruptive if they do happen.
Conclusion
Being locked out of your passcode-protected iPhone can be stressful but don’t panic. You have multiple options available for regaining access.
Try your most-used passcodes and combinations first. If still locked out, you can use iTunes to reset the passcode, erase the device completely, or contact Apple support for official help. Professional third party unlock services are also available.
To avoid lockout problems altogether, set a memorable passcode, write it down as a backup, and enable Touch ID or Face ID. With preparation, you can minimize both the likelihood and disruption of losing access to your iPhone.
