Imagine grabbing your iPhone on a fine morning to check important messages only to discover that your device doesn’t accept the passcode you enter. The screen locks you out and panic sets in! What to do when you forgot iPhone passcode?
Well, regaining access to your iPhone is easier than you think. With the right solutions and tips, your iPhone will be good to go without losing any data. Let’s see how to eliminate the ‘iPhone is disabled’ or ‘Security Lockout’ warning. Also, the guide walks you through all the preventive measures so you don’t encounter the same situation. Let’s get started.
How to Unlock or Change iPhone Passcode?
Your iPhone stores it all – from important work messages and emails to cherished memories. For the sake of security, iPhones are designed to erase all the data in case of ‘forgot iPhone passcode’. However, you can’t risk that. Then, what are the ways through which you can reset an iPhone without losing your precious data?
Let’s figure out some proven options to get back into your iPhone.
1. Try Your iPhone Passcode Again
If it was just the first attempt where your iPhone told you that the passcode was wrong then calm down. Perhaps, you changed the passcode a few days ago and you typed the old one out of a hurry.
So, take your time and try to recall your iPhone’s password. On the other hand, you might have inputted the passcode incorrectly. Hence, type in your passcode carefully and make sure that you press each digit with precision. Often, iPhone users suffer from a stubborn lockout because of a lapse in memory or a typo.
2. Use Biometric Authentication Methods
Have you set up Face ID or Touch ID on your iPhone? Then, you might be on the safe side for unlocking the device. If you own an iPhone with the Face ID feature then simply look at your device. Soon, your iPhone will scan your face. If your face matches the saved data then you will regain access.
On the other hand, you can take advantage of Tuch ID if it’s an older model. Just gently press the finger that you have saved previously against the Home button. If the fingerprint matches the stored data then your device will unlock even though you forgot iPhone passcode.
3. Unlock iPhone Without Resetting
iOS 17 brought a new feature named ‘Passcode Reset’ to unlock a device and you won’t need to reset an iPhone. Also, your iPhone data remains safe. However, the only catch is that you have to enter the old passcode and you should have changed the password within the last 72 hours.
If you are OK with those conditions and your iPhone runs on iOS 17 or later, then here’s what you can follow:
- Locate the ‘Forgot Passcode?’ option on the screen that says ‘iPhone Unavailable’.
- Then, tap on Enter Previous Passcode.
- Now, input your old passcode.
- After that, your device will show some prompts on the screen that you need to follow to change iPhone passcode.
- So, set a new password and your phone won’t require a reset or restore.
4. Utilise Erase iPhone
This particular method is risky as it removes all data from your iPhone and makes it a brand-new device erasing each and every customisation you applied. On the other hand, it’s not mandatory to connect to your computer while regaining access to your device.
If you have backed up your iPhone data to somewhere secure, you can try this solution. However, your iPhone should be running on iOS 15.2 or higher and you must have turned on Find My. After entering 7 or more failed passcode attempts, your iPhone will display the ‘Erase iPhone’ option at the bottom-right corner of the Security Lockout or ‘iPhone is Uavaialble’ screen.
If all the above-mentioned terms apply to you then check out how you can unlock your iPhone with the help of Erase iPhone.
- Ensure that your iOS device seamlessly connects to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.
- After that, tap on the Erase iPhone option and confirm your selection by tapping the same option once more.
- Next, provide the Apple ID password so you can log out of the respective Apple ID.
- Tap the Erase iPhone option to delete all content and settings from your device permanently.
Now, your iPhone is ready to set up from scratch. Note that iPhone Repair Dubai experts recommend this procedure only if you have a backup of your device. Otherwise, you can proceed with other secure options.
5. Use iCloud to Unlock Your iPhone
Can’t see the Erase iPhone option on your iPhone? Chances are that your iPhone runs on iOS 15.1 or a previous build. Then, iCloud is the best bet you have to reset an iPhone. Let’s check out how to deal with such a situation when you forgot iPhone passcode.
- On your computer, navigate to iCloud.com/find.
- Next, log into the iCloud account.
- From the top of the window, click on All Devices.
- Then, choose the iPhone you want to regain access to.
- Afterwards, click on the Erase iPhone button.
- Here, you have to provide your Apple ID password to deactivate Find My.
- Click on Next and abide by the on-screen instructions to erase your iPhone.
- Once the reset procedure is complete, you are ready to set up your device.
While working on this method, ensure that your iPhone connects to a reliable network. Also, turn the Find My option on at the beginning. Instead of using a computer, you can use the Find My app on another iPhone or iPad to erase all content and settings from the affected device.
6. Unlock Your iPhone with iTunes or Finder
Forgot iPhone passcode and still can’t access the device? Then, you can opt for unlocking your iPhone using Finder or iTunes. Well, you can use iTunes if your computer runs on Windows or macOS Mojave or earlier.
On the other hand, you can rely on Finder if you use macS Catalina or later. Also, you need to put your iOS rig to Recovery Mode so your computer can detect the locked-out device and reset an iPhone.
Here’s what it takes to unlock your device when the iPhone is disabled.
- Start by connecting your iPhone to your Mac or Windows PC.
- Next, activate Recovery Mode on your iPhone depending on the build or model. For example:
- If it’s an iPhone 8 or later, then press and swiftly release the Volume Up button. Repeat the same for the Volume Down button. After that, press and hold the Side button until you notice the screen of Recovery Mode.
- For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, you need to long-press the Side and Volume Down buttons simultaneously. Don’t release them until you see the recovery mode screen.
- In case you have an iPhone 6s or a previous model, press and hold the Side and Home buttons. Soon, the Recovery Mode screen will appear.
- Once your iPhone enters the Recovery Mode, the device will instruct you to plug it into the computer.
- After that, open iTunes or Finder depending on your computer OS.
- Now, your computer will instruct you on how you can regain access to your iPhone. Follow them step-by-step until the restoration procedure is complete.
Finally, you can set up your reset iPhone.
Take Note
Whether you reset an iPhone through Erase iPhone, iCloud account, or iTunes, it will cause data loss. Hence, it’s crucial to back up your data, no matter what the scenario is. Forgot iPhone passcode or any other emergency – accidents happen and you have to be ready to tackle challenges with finesse.
So, back your iPhone whenever possible. Otherwise, you might lose your photos, messages, contacts, and other important documents. Plus, you might need to redownload your preferred Apple services after setting up the device after restoration.
To be on the safe side, iPhone Repair Dubai professionals recommend backing up your iOS devices. And, you will have a backup ready after every recovery.
How to Prevent Your iPhone from Facing a Lockout Again
Phew! It was quite a hustle to reset an iPhone after it showed ‘iPhone is disabled’. Hopefully, you are back on your iPhone access. Additionally, it’s time to ensure that you don’t have to ride the same roller coaster after an accident.
That’s why we have brought some handy tips to prevent ‘Forgot iPhone passcode’ instances. Here’s what you can follow:
Use Biometric Authentication
Every iPhone supports biometric authentication like Face ID or Touch ID. So, set them up to make accessing your device simpler.
Write Your Passcode
To make sure you don’t forget the passcode next time, write it down in a secure place. Or else, use a password manager for safekeeping purposes.
Enable Find My
As you already noticed, Find My makes it easier to erase your iPhone data and access its control. So, consider turning on and setting up Find My iPhone on your iOS device to prevent future lockouts or terrible consequences.
Regularly Back Up Your iPhone
It’s more convenient if you back up your iPhone data to your iCloud account. Keeping your iPhone backed up always will save you from facing severe data loss.
Contact for Iphone Repair Dubai
No wonder, forgetting your iPhone passcode can be annoying. However, with the right steps and tools, you can reset an iPhone. Also, you can use a trusted third-party app to break the loop of the ‘iPhone is disabled’ error. If you find it difficult to unlock your iOS device, contact iPhone Repair Dubai pros and witness the magic!