What should I do if I forget my iPhone passcode?

It can be frustrating if you have this issue because you're almost unable to use your device. Because of this, I want to tell you what happens when you forget your iPhone passcode and what you can do about it.

If you've forgotten your iPhone's passcode, here are several scenarios: 1. If you enter the wrong passcode repeatedly, your iPhone will temporarily lock and require you to wait a certain period (usually a few minutes) before attempting again. 2. After multiple failed attempts, you might see a message saying "iPhone is disabled." In this case, you'll need to wait a longer time (which could range from hours to days, depending on previous restrictions set) to unlock it. 3. If you've forgotten the passcode and can't unlock it by trying, you can use the "Find My iPhone" feature (assuming it was previously activated). Log in to your Apple ID on another device, select the lost iPhone, and choose "Erase iPhone." This will remove all data and the passcode, but remember that it will restore the device to its factory settings, requiring you to set up your iPhone anew. 4. Another option is to restore your device using iTunes or Finder (depending on your iOS version). This too will erase all data. 5. If none of these options apply or if "Find My iPhone" wasn't enabled, you might need to contact Apple Support for professional assistance. Remember, forgetting your passcode can lead to data loss, so it's crucial to back up your iPhone regularly.

If you forget your iPhone's passcode, you can't do anything with it except make emergency calls. It gets worse: if you enter the wrong passcode too many times, you'll see “iPhone is Disabled” on your screen. When your iPhone is disabled, you can only try entering the passcode again after a certain amount of time has passed. The more times you enter the wrong passcode, the longer you have to wait.

If you've forgotten your iPhone's passcode, you can try these methods: 1. Use iCloud to recover: If you previously enabled "Find My iPhone," you can erase your device by logging into icloud.com or using the "Find My" app on another device. This will remove all data and the passcode, allowing you to set it up again. 2. Restore via iTunes: Connect your iPhone to a computer, open iTunes (on macOS Catalina or later, use Finder). Once your iPhone is recognized, click on the device icon, then under the Backup options, select "Restore iPhone." This will reset the device and remove the passcode, but you'll lose all data unless you have a recent backup. 3. If the above options aren't feasible or if you didn't enable iCloud or iTunes backups, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They might suggest a hardware repair, as forgetting the passcode usually can't be resolved through software solutions. Keep in mind that repeatedly entering incorrect passcodes can lead to longer device lockouts or even permanent locking. Therefore, it's important to take appropriate action promptly.

If you can barely remember your iPhone passcode, your only option is to factory reset your locked iPhone. This will erase your iPhone and remove the passcode from the device. You can then set up your device again and use it.

What can you do when you forget your iPhone passcode?

Typically, you can reset your iPhone password in three ways when you forget it. However, before you proceed, you need to remember the Apple ID and password used on the locked iPhone. This is because resetting a locked iPhone removes the screen lock password but not the Apple ID and password. Hence, to continue using the iOS device, you should recall the Apple ID account on the device.

Keep in mind that all of these methods to reset a locked iPhone will erase all data and settings from the device. If you have a backup, you can restore your iPhone from that backup after the reset. If not, you will lose all data and settings on your iPhone permanently.

Here's how to unlock an iPhone when you forget the password:

Method 1: How to Unlock iPhone Without Password Using an iPhone Unlock Tool

Whether you have a 4-digit code, a 6-digit one, Touch ID, or Face ID, you can use the iPhone unlocker – MobiUnlock – to get past the iPhone lock without the password. With this tool, there's no need to manually enter recovery mode as you would with iTunes. Instead, just follow the on-screen instructions, and you can remove the iPhone passcode in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Launch the MobiUnlock tool > Connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to the computer > Click on “Start”.

Step 2: Choose the device model > Select the corresponding firmware > Click "Download Firmware". If you have already downloaded the firmware, select "Use downloaded firmware".

Step 3: Click "Verify firmware," and wait for the process to finish.

Step 4: Click on "Unlock" > Enter the required information in the new pop-up window > Click "Unlock" again to confirm your choice.

Step 5: Wait for some time, and then your “Forgot iPhone/iPad/iPod touch Password” issue will be resolved easily. After that, you can reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Method 2: Unlocking Your iPhone with iTunes

As mentioned, after several incorrect attempts, your iPhone will show “iPhone is disabled. Try again in XXX minutes.” However, if you enter the wrong passcode 10 times within an hour, the device screen will read “iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes.” This means that your iPhone is locked permanently, and your only option left is to reset your iPhone.

Using iTunes is the official method for unlocking an iPhone that's disabled. With iTunes, you can put your iPhone into Recovery Mode and restore it, which will erase your iPhone (including its passcode).

How to unlock an iPhone when you forget the passcode:

Step 1: Turn off your iPhone without connecting it to your computer.

Step 2: Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode: Connect your iPhone to your computer while holding down the Side button (on iPhone 8/8 Plus and later), the Volume Down button (on iPhone 7/7 Plus), or the Home button (on iPhone 6s and earlier). Keep holding the button until you see the Recovery Mode screen.

Step 3 On your computer, choose Restore from the iTunes window to download software for your iPhone. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove your iPhone's passcode.

Step 4: Set up your iPhone.

What should I do if I forget my iPhone passcode?

Method 3: How to Unlock a Disabled iPhone with iCloud

iCloud isn't always the answer. In order to reset a locked iPhone with iCloud, you need to have previously enabled "Find My iPhone" on the locked device. If you haven't, you won't be able to erase the iPhone and its passcode from icloud.com. However, if you have activated this option, using iCloud will likely be the easiest way to unlock your iPhone.

Erase your locked iPhone with iCloud:

1. Go to iCloud.com on your computer and log in with the Apple ID used to lock the phone.

Step 2: Select “Find My iPhone,” then click “All Devices” and “Erase iPhone.”

What to Do If You Forget Your iPhone Password

Bottom line

These are the most common ways to unlock an iPhone when you forget the passcode. These methods also work for unlocking an iPad or iPod touch without a passcode.

As you may have experienced, it can be frustrating to forget your iPhone passcode. What's worse, if you want to remove the forgotten passcode, you'll probably lose all the contents on your device. Therefore, it's recommended to write down your iPhone passcode somewhere safe and back up your iPhone regularly to avoid data loss.