How to Get Into a Locked iPhone: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

If you forgot your iPhone passcode, the only way to unlock it without a computer is by erasing your device using Apple’s official "Forgot Passcode" method. This requires internet access and Find My iPhone to be enabled, and it will delete all your data. Here’s how to get into a locked iPhone:

  1. Enter wrong passcodes until you see "iPhone Unavailable."
  2. Tap "Forgot Passcode?" → "Erase iPhone."
  3. Enter your Apple ID password.
  4. Wait for the erase to complete, then set up your iPhone.

(Note: All methods erase your data. Backups are essential!)

What Happens When You’re Locked Out?

Your iPhone protects your data by locking you out after too many wrong passcode attempts. You’ll see messages like:

  • "iPhone Unavailable"
  • "Security Lockout"
  • "Try Again Later"

All solutions require erasing your iPhone. There’s no way to bypass the passcode without deleting your photos, apps, and messages.

How to Get Into a Locked iPhone Without a Computer (Official Method)

Requirements:

  • Find My iPhone enabled
  • Internet (Wi-Fi or cellular)
  • Your Apple ID password

Step-by-Step:

  1. Trigger the "Forgot Passcode" option:
    Keep entering wrong passcodes until your screen says "iPhone Unavailable" (usually 5–10 tries).

  2. Tap "Forgot Passcode?":
    A menu will appear. Select "Erase iPhone."

  3. Enter your Apple ID password:
    This confirms you own the device.

  4. Confirm the erase:
    Tap "Erase iPhone" again. Your device will restart and show the Apple logo with a progress bar.

  5. Set up your iPhone:
    After 5–10 minutes, you’ll see the "Hello" screen. Set it up as new or restore from a backup.

Important: If you changed your passcode in the last 72 hours, you might see an option to enter your old passcode instead of erasing.

What If "Forgot Passcode?" Doesn’t Show Up?

This means:

  • Find My iPhone is off, or
  • No internet connection.

You’ll need a computer and one of these methods:

Method 1: iTunes/Finder (Free, Official)

Works on Windows/macOS.

  1. Enter Recovery Mode:

    • iPhone 8 & later: Press Volume Up → Volume Down → Hold Side button until recovery screen appears.
    • iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Side buttons.
    • iPhone 6s & earlier: Hold Home + Side buttons.
      (Need help? See our guide on force restarting any iPhone.)

  2. Connect to Computer:
    Open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac).

  3. Restore Your iPhone:
    When iTunes/Finder detects your device, click "Restore" → "Restore and Update."

  4. Set up your iPhone:
    After erasing, sign in with your Apple ID.

Recovery Mode Steps Summary
1. Enter Recovery Mode Use button combo for your iPhone model
2. Connect to Computer Use USB cable
3. Click "Restore" In iTunes/Finder
4. Set Up iPhone Restore from backup or set up as new

Method 2: Third-Party Tools (Paid, Last Resort)

Examples: Tenorshare 4uKey, AnyUnlock.
Use these only if iTunes fails. Steps:

  1. Download the tool on a computer.
  2. Connect your iPhone via USB.
  3. Follow prompts to download firmware and erase the passcode.
  4. Set up your iPhone.

Warning: These tools cost money and still erase your data. Apple’s free methods are safer!

After Unlocking: Setting Up Your iPhone

Since your iPhone is now erased, you have two options:

  1. Set Up as New iPhone:
    Start fresh with no data.
  2. Restore from Backup:
    • iCloud Backup: Sign in during setup → "Restore from iCloud Backup."
    • Computer Backup: Connect to iTunes/Finder → "Restore Backup."

Tip: Always back up your iPhone! Use iCloud (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup) or a computer.

How to Avoid Getting Locked Out Again

  1. Use Face ID/Touch ID:
    Unlock with your face or fingerprint instead of typing a passcode.
  2. Pick a Memorable Passcode:
    Avoid random numbers. Use a date or pattern you won’t forget.
  3. Keep Find My iPhone ON:
    This lets you erase your iPhone remotely if needed. (How to turn it on/off)
  4. Back Up Regularly:
    Use iCloud or your computer weekly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Q: Will unlocking my iPhone delete all my photos and apps? A: Yes, all methods erase everything on your iPhone. Whether you use Apple's "Forgot Passcode" method, iTunes/Finder, or a third-party tool, your iPhone will be completely wiped clean. This is why having a recent backup is so important.

2. Q: Why don't I see the "Forgot Passcode?" button? A: You need two things: Find My iPhone turned on before you got locked out, and an internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data). If either one is missing, the "Forgot Passcode?" option won't appear. You'll need to use a computer with iTunes/Finder instead.

3. Q: What if I forgot my Apple ID password too? A: You must reset your Apple ID password first. Go to appleid.apple.com on a computer or another device to reset it. You cannot unlock or use your iPhone after erasing it without your Apple ID password to reactivate the device.

4. Q: Can I get my stuff back after unlocking? A: Only if you backed up BEFORE getting locked out. After unlocking and erasing your iPhone, you set it up as new or choose to "Restore from iCloud Backup" or "Restore from Computer Backup" during setup. If you didn't back up, your photos, messages, and apps are gone forever. Learn how to back up: The Ultimate iPhone User Guide.

5. Q: Is there ANY way to unlock it without the passcode AND without erasing data? A: No. Apple's security is designed to protect your information. If you forget your passcode, erasing the iPhone is the only way to regain access. Any method claiming to unlock it without erasing data is unreliable or a scam.

Conclusion: Getting Back In Means Starting Over

Forgetting your iPhone passcode is frustrating, but it's not the end of the world. The key takeaway is this: If you want to unlock your iPhone, you must erase it completely. There is no secret trick to bypass this.

  • No computer? Use Apple's "Forgot Passcode?" method if Find My iPhone is on and you have internet.
  • Have a computer? Use iTunes or Finder (free and official) to restore your iPhone in Recovery Mode.
  • Stuck? Paid third-party tools are a last resort if iTunes fails, but they also erase everything.

Protect yourself for next time:

  1. Turn on Find My iPhone: It's essential for the no-computer method. (How to turn on/off Find My iPhone).
  2. Use Face ID or Touch ID: Let your face or fingerprint unlock your phone most of the time.
  3. Choose a passcode you'll remember: Avoid random numbers.
  4. BACK UP REGULARLY! This is the most important step. Use iCloud (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup) or back up to your computer. Without a backup, erasing your phone means losing everything permanently.

Getting locked out is a hassle, but knowing the correct steps (and always backing up!) makes it manageable. For more tips on keeping your iPhone secure and running smoothly, check out our Ultimate iPhone User Guide.