iTunes is a free application from Apple that lets you manage the content on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. It allows you to sync music, movies, TV shows, apps, books, and more between your computer and iOS device. iTunes can also be used to update your device’s software and back up your data.
One of the common functions of iTunes is the ability to unlock your iPhone if you forget your passcode. By connecting the locked iPhone to a computer with iTunes installed, you should theoretically be able to bypass the passcode and regain access to the device. However, this unlocking ability was removed years ago, which often catches people by surprise when the method no longer works.
Why Can’t I Unlock My iPhone with iTunes?
There are a couple key reasons why you can no longer unlock an iPhone using iTunes:
- Apple removed the unlocking feature in iTunes 12.7 in 2017. Any version of iTunes from that point onward no longer has the bypass unlock capability for iPhones and iPads.
- Unlocking with iTunes had security risks. By completely bypassing the passcode, it created a backdoor for unauthorized access to private data stored on the device.
- Newer versions of iOS are more secure overall. Trying to maintain an older iOS unlock workaround was counterproductive to improving security mechanisms in both the operating system and iTunes.
Essentially, Apple determined the ability to unlock iOS devices through iTunes was an outdated legacy feature that posed more of a security risk than a usability benefit. So they removed the capability starting with iTunes 12.7 and iOS 11 in September 2017.
What About Third Party Unlocking Tools?
With iTunes no longer offering iPhone unlocking capabilities, some users turn to third party software tools that claim to bypass the passcode. Examples include dr.fone and iMyFone LockWiper. However, Apple has gone to great lengths to patch vulnerabilities that allowed these tools to work.
In most cases, third party unlocking software will not work on modern iPhone models running the latest iOS versions. The tools rely on finding security flaws and exploits in order to bypass the passcode, but Apple fixes these weaknesses with every new iOS update. And iOS is designed to get more difficult to hack with each new release.
There are a couple important drawbacks to be aware of with third party unlocking tools:
- They only work on older iPhone models running outdated iOS versions that still have security flaws not yet patched by Apple.
- Using hacking tools risks compromising the security, stability, and privacy on your iPhone.
- Apple can remotely patch vulnerabilities to render the tools useless at any time.
- The tools may require disabling certain security features on your device, such as Find My iPhone.
The bottom line is most third party unlocking apps at best only work on older iOS versions. And those that claim to work on the latest iOS often fail to deliver on those claims. Apple has gotten extremely vigilant about patching any vulnerability that could lead to an unauthorized iOS unlock.
What Are My Options for Unlocking an iPhone?
Since iTunes and third party tools are no longer reliable ways to unlock an iPhone, what options do you have? Here are a few things to try:
Enter Passcode Correctly
Double check that you aren’t making a mistake entering the passcode. It’s easy to type the wrong passcode repeatedly until the iPhone locks you out, so go slowly and carefully to enter the correct code.
Use Screen Time Passcode
If you enabled Screen Time restrictions on the device, you may have a separate Screen Time passcode. Even if you don’t remember the main passcode, being able to enter the Screen Time code will get you access to limited functionality.
Reset Passcode at iforgot.apple.com
Apple provides an official password reset tool at iforgot.apple.com. You can reset your passcode here as long as you can still access your trusted phone number for two-factor authentication.
Erase iPhone and Recover from Backup
As a last resort, you may have to erase the iPhone entirely and then recover your data from an iTunes or iCloud backup. This will remove the unknown passcode but also wipe all content currently on the device.
Prevent Lockouts in the Future
To avoid getting locked out of your iPhone again in the future, here are some tips:
- Always keep your passcode written down or stored securely in a password manager
- Set up a backup screen time passcode in case you forget the main passcode
- Make sure you have a current iCloud and/or iTunes backup before updating iOS
- Enable Find My iPhone so you can remotely erase device if needed
- Update to latest iOS version to get the most secure passcode protection
Why Did Apple Remove iPhone Unlocking in iTunes?
Let’s explore a bit deeper why Apple removed the capability to unlock iPhones via iTunes in version 12.7 and later:
Greater Focus on Security
Overall, Apple has been working for years to improve iOS security against unauthorized access. The company cryptographically secures data at the hardware level and adds new protections with each iOS release. Having iTunes retain the backdoor unlock feature ran counter to their security initiative.
Compliance with Law Enforcement
Government agencies had long requested Apple to maintain a way to access encrypted devices. But Apple refused, stating the importance of user privacy and security. Removing iTunes iPhone unlock support helped demonstrate their commitment to keeping a user’s data secure.
Encourage Better User Habits
Allowing an easy iTunes password bypass discouraged users from remembering their passcodes. Without a safety net, people are more likely to memorize their codes and take iPhone security more seriously.
Increased Reliance on iCloud
With no more iTunes unlocking, users had greater incentive to enable Find My iPhone through iCloud. This improved Apple’s cloud service adoption while still offering a last resort erase and restore option.
Historical Sign of the Times
iTunes unlock support was a legacy feature from the early iPhone days. As both the mobile landscape and Apple’s priorities changed, that old way to bypass the passcode no longer made sense for modern iOS devices.
Steps to Unlock iPhone without iTunes
Since you can no longer use iTunes to unlock an iPhone, what should you do? Follow these steps to unlock your device:
1. Try Entering Passcode Correctly
Be sure you aren’t making a mistake inputting the passcode. Go slowly and double check each number.
2. Use Screen Time Passcode
If you set a Screen Time passcode, enter it to access some device functions.
3. Reset through iforgot.apple.com
You can reset your forgotten passcode online as long as you can confirm your trusted phone number.
4. Erase and Restore from Backup
Wiping your device through Find My iPhone and restoring from backup will remove the unknown passcode.
5. Take to Apple Store
An Apple Store employee can unlock the device if you can confirm ownership. But this will still erase all content currently on the device.
Common iTunes Syncing Errors and Fixes
Beyond unlocking issues, you may encounter other problems syncing your iPhone with iTunes. Here are some common sync errors and how to fix them:
iPhone Not Recognized in iTunes
If iTunes won’t recognize your connected iPhone, try these steps:
- Reboot computer and device
- Change USB ports and cables
- Update to latest version of iTunes
- Turn off VPN/firewall temporarily
- Reset iPhone network settings
iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode
If your iPhone enters recovery mode and won’t restore, these fixes may help:
- Hard reset by holding Home + Power
- Try a different Lightning cable
- Update computer USB drivers
- Disable antivirus temporarily
- Factory reset by erasing device
Error Code 4, 3194, 4013, etc
For specific error codes like 3194, 4013, 9006, or others, look up that particular code for troubleshooting tips. Steps may include:
- Allow software updates during restore
- Delete lockdown folder and reboot
- Disable firewall and VPN temporarily
- Check system date/time settings
Refer to Apple’s support site for details on resolving various iTunes and iOS update error codes.
Should I Still Use iTunes with My iPhone?
With its removal of syncing, backup, and unlocking capabilities, is iTunes still useful for iPhone owners? Here are some things to consider:
Limited Official Support
Apple no longer actively develops or updates iTunes for improved iOS support. Its main purpose now is managing media libraries on Mac/PC.
iCloud Replaces Sync and Backup
iCloud now provides over-the-air syncing and backup that iTunes previously offered via cable.
Alternative Music/Media Apps
For purchasing, playing, and managing music, apps like Apple Music have superseded iTunes media functions.
Important for Some Legacy Devices
You may still need iTunes for syncing very old iOS devices or managing media purchased through iTunes (movies, music, etc).
Best Practices Have Changed
Frequent syncs and backups via iTunes are no longer required for most iPhone users. iCloud handles these tasks automatically.
Conclusion
The ability to unlock iPhones through iTunes was removed several years ago as of iOS 12 and iTunes 12.7. Apple determined the feature posed security risks that outweighed any usability benefits. Third party unlock tools will also fail to bypass passcodes on modern iPhone models. The best options are trying your passcode correctly, using a Screen Time code, resetting through Find My iPhone, or bringing your device to Apple.
Although iTunes unlocking no longer works, you can still use iTunes for limited purposes like media library management and software updates. But most iPhone users are better off relying on iCloud syncing and backup. Be sure to memorize your passcode, set a Screen Time code, and keep a current iCloud backup to avoid getting locked out of your device again in the future.