Quick Answers
If you forgot your passcode on an iPhone or iPad, here are some quick things to try:
- Enter your passcode carefully and slowly – maybe you’re just typing it too fast.
- Try other passcodes you sometimes use – like one for work or an older device.
- Ask Siri to call someone in your contacts – this will bypass the lockscreen.
- Connect your device to a computer you’ve synced with before to unlock it.
- Erase your device completely and set it up like new if none of those work.
Forgotten Passcodes are Common
It’s very common to forget your iOS passcode from time to time. Our phones and tablets contain so much personal information these days that having a secure lockscreen passcode is important. But that also means it’s easy to forget what exactly you set it to.
We often have multiple devices with different passcodes. Many people also change their main passcode periodically for better security. That can make it even harder to recall which code you last set on a certain iPhone or iPad if you don’t use it regularly.
Fortunately, there are a few different ways you can try to regain access to your device even if you forget the passcode. Let’s go over some simple steps you can try on your own first.
Enter Passcode Carefully
When you first realize you forgot your iOS passcode, don’t panic. The first step is to carefully and slowly enter the passcode you think it might be. Sometimes we just try entering our passcodes too fast out of habit, before all the numbers register in our heads. Go slowly and really think about the code you would have set.
If that doesn’t work, try variants of passcodes you use or have used on other devices. Most of us reuse the same codes in some form across multiple devices we own. Try passcodes from work phones, old phones, tablets or computers if you’ve synced them to the same iCloud account.
Ask Siri to Make a Call
If you have Siri enabled on your locked iPhone or iPad, you can bypass the passcode lockscreen temporarily by using the voice assistant. Just hold down the home button or say “Hey Siri” to activate it. Then ask Siri to call one of your contacts. This will allow you to make a phone call without unlocking the device.
You can use this to call someone who might know your passcode to remind you. Or call yourself from another device to access any notes or password manager apps where you may have stored the code.
Connect to a Trusted Computer
Another easy way to regain access is by connecting your locked iOS device to a computer it recognizes and trusts. This could be a computer you’ve synced with before using iTunes or the Finder app. Or a computer you’ve connected to previously from the lockscreen while requesting access to view photos.
Plug your device into the computer using a USB cable. If it’s a computer you’ve synced with through iTunes before, the phone or tablet should show a “Trust This Computer?” prompt. Agree to trust it and enter your passcode when requested to unlock the device and sync. This works even if you don’t remember the code since it will prompt you to enter the correct one.
Reset Passcode with Trusted Computer
If you don’t remember the passcode at all, connecting to a trusted computer will allow you to reset it in iTunes or Finder. You won’t be able to access the content on your device afterwards since you don’t know the code. But this allows you to set a new passcode and use the device again.
Connect to the computer, select your device, go to Summary info, and click “Erase iPhone” or “Erase iPad.” This will reset your device completely so you can set it up like new. You’ll lose everything that wasn’t recently backed up.
Erase Device as Last Resort
If you can’t remember your passcode and don’t have access to a trusted computer, you have one last resort – erasing the device entirely. This will reset it to factory settings so you can set it up again from scratch.
On an iPhone 8 or later with Face ID, press and release the Volume Up button, press and release the Volume Down button, then hold down the side button until the recovery mode screen appears. On earlier iPhones with home buttons, press Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold the side button.
For iPad models with home buttons, press and hold the top button while holding down the home button. For iPad models with Face ID, press and quickly release the Volume Up button, press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the top button until recovery mode.
This will initiate a full erase and factory reset. You’ll then be able to set up the device like new with a new passcode, but ALL content and data will be wiped out in the process if it wasn’t backed up.
Avoid Forgetting Passcode in the Future
Once you regain access to your iPhone or iPad, you probably want to avoid forgetting the passcode again in the future. Here are some tips to prevent it from happening again:
- Write down your new passcode and keep it somewhere safe in case you forget again.
- Save passcodes in a password manager app like 1Password for easy access.
- Setup Touch ID or Face ID if your device supports it for alternate unlock option.
- Make your new passcode unique but easy for YOU to remember.
- Change it periodically instead of frequently to avoid confusion.
Conclusion
Forgotten passcodes happen, but don’t panic! Just try entering it slowly again first. Ask Siri to make a call if possible. Connect your device to a trusted computer to unlock or reset the code. Or erase your device completely and set it up like new again as a last resort. Following some simple tips can help avoid passcode amnesia going forward.
Summary Table
| Method | Result |
|---|---|
| Enter passcode slowly | Unlocks device if you remember passcode |
| Ask Siri to call contact | Bypasses lockscreen temporarily |
| Connect to trusted computer | Can unlock device or reset passcode |
| Erase device | Resets to factory settings to set up new passcode |
This table summarizes the different methods discussed in the article for regaining access to your device when you forget the passcode, along with the results of each method.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset my passcode if I forgot it?
If you forgot your passcode, you can reset it by connecting your iPhone or iPad to a trusted computer and selecting “Erase” to factory reset the device. This will allow you to set a new passcode. All data will be erased though if not backed up.
Will resetting my passcode delete everything?
Yes, resetting your passcode by erasing your iPhone or iPad will delete all content and data stored on the device, unless you have a recent backup. Be sure to back up your device regularly so you don’t lose photos, documents, etc.
Can Siri help if I forgot my passcode?
If you have Siri enabled, you can use it to make calls from the lockscreen even if you forgot your passcode. Just say “Hey Siri” then ask to call a contact. This will bypass the passcode screen temporarily.
What if I don’t have a computer to reset my passcode?
If you can’t access a trusted computer to reset your forgotten passcode, your only option is to erase your iPhone or iPad entirely from the recovery mode screen. This will reset it to factory settings so you can choose a new code.
How can I prevent forgetting my passcode in the future?
To avoid forgetting your passcode, write it down and store it securely, save it in a password manager, use Touch/Face ID, make your passcode easy to remember but unique, and change it periodically instead of frequently.
Using Find My iPhone if Passcode Forgotten
If you have Find My iPhone enabled with your Apple ID, you have some additional options if you forgot your passcode and can’t access your device.
Remote Lock and Passcode Change
Using the Find My iPhone app on another device or on iCloud.com, you can remotely lock your lost or inaccessible iPhone or iPad immediately. You can also remotely change the passcode to something you know in order to regain access.
Remote Erase and Activation Lock
If you believe your device is lost for good, you can also use Find My iPhone to remotely erase it. This removes all data and resets it to factory settings. Activation Lock will still be on to prevent someone else trying to use it.
Lost Mode and Custom Message
With Find My iPhone you can place your device in Lost Mode to lock it down and display a custom message with your phone number. This will still allow you to track it. And if someone finds your device, they can call you to return it since they can’t unlock it.
Contacting Apple Support for Help
If you’ve tried all other options and still can’t get back into your locked iPhone or iPad, Apple Support can possibly help with additional solutions. Contact them via phone, chat or at an Apple Store Genius Bar and they may be able to assist with unlocking the device.
Be prepared to provide proof of ownership by answering account security questions. Support may also request the device serial number to verify identity. If they can confirm you are the owner, they can remove Activation Lock remotely in some cases.
As a last resort, Apple Support can disable Find My iPhone on the device remotely to allow you to erase and reset it through recovery mode. This still results in data loss unless you have a backup.
Things Apple Support Cannot Do
Keep in mind there are some things Apple Support cannot do to help with a forgotten passcode:
- They cannot view or retrieve your data.
- They cannot reveal or reset your passcode.
- They cannot bypass Activation Lock without proof of ownership.
Support’s options are limited for security reasons. But they will try other options to help regain access if you can confirm you own the device.
Seeking Professional Technical Assistance
For situations where you forgot your passcode and Apple Support cannot help unlock your device, you may need to seek out professional technical assistance. There are experts that specialize in unlocking and recovering data from locked iOS devices.
Data Recovery Experts
There are professional data recovery companies that can sometimes unlock an iPhone or iPad and allow access to recover data, even without knowing the passcode or having a backup. This requires specialized tools and skills that average users do not have.
Benefits of Pro Assistance
Seeking professional technical help has some benefits compared to Apple support or user-attempted solutions:
- Better chance of getting access to your data
- Does not always require erasing device completely
- May recover data even without backups
Risks of Third Party Unlocking
However, there are also some risks to be aware of when allowing third party unlocking:
- Potential loss or theft of personal data
- Voiding of device warranty
- Permanent disablement if repairs fail
So it’s important to do research and only use reputable professionals. But in some cases it may be your best or only option.
Preparing for Passcode Issues
The best way to deal with a forgotten passcode is to take preventative steps to avoid the situation completely. Here are some tips to be prepared in advance:
Always Backup Your Device
Regularly backing up your iPhone or iPad using iTunes or iCloud is crucial. This provides you with a copy of your data if you end up having to erase your device to reset the passcode. iOS devices backup daily when charging overnight and locked to WiFi by default.
Know Your Apple ID and Password
Make sure you know your Apple ID username and password. This will allow you to use Find My iPhone options online, contact Apple Support, or restore from backup if needed to recover from a forgotten passcode.
Write Down Passwords
Physically writing down your passcode and storing it in a secure location can help jog your memory if you blank on it later. Just be sure to keep it somewhere private and concealed.
Use a Password Manager
A password manager app like 1Password makes it easy to store passcodes securely and look them up when needed. They also allow sharing emergency access to trusted contacts.
Set Up Alternate Unlock Methods
Enable Touch ID, Face ID, or Apple Watch unlock when available. This gives you additional secure ways to unlock your device instead of relying solely on your passcode.
Forgotten Passcodes Don’t Have to Be The End
It’s frustrating when you enter your passcode day after day without issue, only to suddenly draw a complete blank when you need to unlock your phone or tablet. But don’t panic yet! There are still multiple ways you can try to regain access before taking drastic measures like completely resetting your device.
Slow down and think through your typical passcodes carefully. Try trusted computers and your cloud backup. And use Find My iPhone remote capabilities if possible. In many cases you can recover your passcode or reset it without losing all your personal data in the process. Be patient and cover all your options. And take proactive measures to prepare for potential future passcode forgetfulness.
Following the instructions in this guide will help get you back up and running with your locked down iPhone or iPad if you ever find yourself locked out due to sudden passcode amnesia. Don’t let a forgotten passcode lead to a data disaster!
