Having a passcode on your iPhone is important for protecting your personal data and privacy. However, entering the wrong passcode too many times can trigger your iPhone to reset back to factory settings, which means losing all your data and settings. So how many wrong attempts can you make before your iPhone resets? Here’s a look at what happens when you enter the wrong iPhone passcode too many times.
What happens after 10 failed passcode attempts?
If you enter the wrong iPhone passcode 10 times in a row, your iPhone will disable access for 1 minute. This is a security measure to prevent someone from rapidly guessing your passcode. After this 1-minute disable period, you can try entering your passcode again.
Results after 10 failed passcode attempts
- iPhone disables access for 1 minute
- Prevents rapidly guessing passcode
- After 1 minute, can try passcode again
What happens after 11-14 failed passcode attempts?
If you incorrectly enter your iPhone passcode 11 times, the disable period increases to 5 minutes. After 12 wrong attempts, the disable time increases to 15 minutes. For 13 failed attempts, the disable period goes up to 1 hour. Finally, after 14 incorrect passcode entries, your iPhone will disable access for 4 hours.
Results after 11-14 failed passcode attempts
- 11 attempts – 5 min disable
- 12 attempts – 15 min disable
- 13 attempts – 1 hour disable
- 14 attempts – 4 hours disable
What happens after 15 failed passcode attempts?
If you enter the wrong passcode 15 times in a row, your iPhone will reset back to factory settings. This will erase all of your personal data, settings, apps, and files from your device. An Apple logo with a progress bar will display during the reset process. Once completed, you’ll be required to set up and activate your iPhone like new again.
Results after 15 failed passcode attempts
- iPhone resets to factory settings
- All personal data, apps, and settings are erased
- Apple logo displays during reset process
- Must set up iPhone again after reset
What data is lost during an iPhone reset?
When your iPhone resets after too many failed passcode attempts, all of your personal data and customizations will be erased from the device. Here is an overview of what you’ll lose when this happens:
| Data Lost | Details |
|---|---|
| Contacts | Names, phone numbers, email addresses, etc. |
| Call history | Missed, received, dialed calls |
| Text messages | Conversations, SMS/MMS messages |
| Photos | Camera photos, videos, screenshots |
| Music | Downloaded and synced songs, playlists |
| Settings | Configured preferences and options |
| Email accounts | Settings, messages for accounts |
| Health data | Activity, sleep, nutrition info |
| App data | Locally stored app data, sign-in details |
Some data stored in iCloud like your iCloud Photo Library may be preserved after a reset. However, anything only locally stored on your iPhone will be erased.
Can you recover data after an iPhone reset?
Unfortunately, there is no way to recover data that was lost during an iPhone reset after too many failed passcode attempts. Since the reset erases all content and settings, that personal data is permanently deleted from your device.
However, if you previously backed up your iPhone to iCloud or iTunes, you may be able to restore some data from your last backup after the reset. iCloud can restore data like contacts, calendars, photos, and more. iTunes backups can help restore even more data like messages, app data, and settings.
Options for recovering data
- No direct recovery after reset
- Can restore some data from iCloud backup
- More data restorable from iTunes backup
- Backup regularly to protect data!
Does resetting delete everything on iPhone?
The iPhone reset after too many failed passcode attempts will delete all your personal content and settings. However, some preloaded apps and operating system files will still remain on your iPhone after the reset.
Here are some of the items that are not deleted during the reset process:
- Operating system (iOS)
- Preinstalled Apple apps like Phone, Safari, Mail, etc.
- Built-in legal notices, terms, and disclaimers
And here are the types of data that will be deleted from your iPhone during the reset:
- Downloaded and third-party apps
- Music, photos, videos
- Contacts, call history
- Messages, emails
- Settings and preferences
- Activity and health data
So in summary, the iPhone reset erases all of your personal content and settings. But it does not delete the core iOS operating system or built-in Apple apps and features.
Should you reset your iPhone before selling it?
Before selling or giving away your iPhone to someone else, it’s highly recommended to reset your device back to factory default settings. This will wipe your iPhone of all personal data, accounts, and settings.
Resetting your iPhone before selling it is important for a few reasons:
- Erases sensitive personal data like contacts, messages, photos
- Removes accounts and logins from device
- Clears saved WiFi networks, passwords, and access
- Lets new owner start fresh with device
Factory resetting your iPhone before selling also removes activation locks associated with your Apple ID. This allows the new owner to activate and use the device normally.
Steps to reset an iPhone before selling
- Backup iPhone data first
- Go to Settings > General > Reset
- Tap “Erase All Content and Settings”
- Enter passcode and confirm reset
- Wait for reset to complete
- Remove SIM card from iPhone
- Device is ready for new owner
Does factory reset remove sim lock?
Performing a factory reset on your iPhone will not remove a carrier SIM lock. A SIM lock prevents an iPhone from being used on cellular networks other than the original carrier. It is applied by carriers to lock devices to their network.
Even after erasing an iPhone and resetting it to default settings, the SIM lock will remain in place. The only way to remove a carrier SIM lock is to request an unlock directly from your carrier.
Apple provides a few options for officially unlocking an iPhone from a carrier:
- Request carrier to unlock device
- Use official carrier unlock service
- Pay carrier to finish device contract
Some third-party services also claim they can unlock iPhones, but this violates carrier terms and conditions in many cases.
SIM unlock status after factory reset
- SIM lock remains on iPhone
- Must contact carrier for unlock
- Reset does not affect SIM lock
Can you bypass iPhone passcode without reset?
If you forget your iPhone passcode, there are a few methods to regain access without fully resetting your device:
- Recovery Key – Use recovery key if you enabled this feature
- Trusted computer – Unlock with trusted computer you’ve synced with
- Apple Support – Apple can unlock device without deleting data
However, these options only work if you’ve prepared them ahead of time and under certain conditions. Otherwise, a full factory reset is required after 15 failed passcode attempts.
When a passcode bypass is not possible
- No recovery key was saved
- iPhone not synced to trusted computer
- Device has not synced with iTunes
- Apple cannot assist in some cases
Should you disable iPhone passcode?
It is not recommended to disable your iPhone passcode, except in very specific cases. Your passcode is the best way to protect sensitive data on your iPhone from unauthorized access.
Problems with disabling your passcode include:
- Allows anyone access if phone is lost or stolen
- No protection of sensitive apps like banking and email
- Voids warranty terms in some cases
- Increased risk of malware if device unlocked
A better approach is to set a strong alphanumeric passcode of 6 digits or longer. Avoid weak passcodes like 1111 or 1234. You can also use Touch ID or Face ID if available on your iPhone model.
When to temporarily disable iPhone passcode
- Repairing device and need frequent access
- Very young child needs emergency access
- Passcode causes accessibility problems
Conclusion
Entering an incorrect iPhone passcode 15 times will trigger a full device reset, resulting in data loss. While you can recover some data from a backup, it’s best to avoid this situation. Set a strong passcode and use Touch ID/Face ID when available. Only disable your passcode when absolutely needed for repairs or emergencies. With proper precautions, you can avoid device resets and keep your iPhone secure.
