How to unlock from iPhone “Security Lockout” screen

Introduction

If you see the “iPhone Unavailable” or Security Lockout message on your iPhone after repeatedly entering the wrong passcode, then this guide is for you. We will show you a couple of methods that will help you bypass the locked screen and get back to using your iPhone. Unfortunately, the truth is that unlocking your iOS device without a passcode requires resetting it to factory settings, which will entail a full erase of data stored on your phone. Unless you have the right passcode to unlock your phone, resetting is the only way out of this situation. Apple takes security very seriously, which makes a lot of sense to keep your data protected from potentially unauthorized hands. If all the attempts have been exhausted and your iPhone is now permanently blocked, use one of the ways to erase it and restore the deleted data using one of the backup methods – via iCloud, for instance. Use whichever fits you the most.

2. Use the Erase iPhone option (iOS 15.2 or Later)

If your iPhone was operating on iOS 15.2 or a newer version before it got locked, then you can erase it without having to use any external tools. To make this feature work, you will have to make sure your device is connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network, and that you remember a password for logging into your Apple ID. Here are the steps to perform the erase using this method:

1. Continue entering the wrong password until the Erase iPhone option appears at the bottom right screen.
2. Tap Erase iPhone again and enter your Apple ID password.
3. Wait until the restoration process ends and your iPhone boots with the Hello screen.
4. While setting it up from scratch, you will be offered to Restore from iCloud Backup and other backup options.
5. If you choose to use iCloud Backup, log in with Apple ID on the next screen and select the backup that contains most of your data.
6. After that, wait until the recovery ends

3. Restore iPhone using iTunes

Similarly to the first method using 4uKey, you will need a Mac or Windows PC and a USB cable from your iPhone. Once again keep in mind that this and other methods entail resetting all settings, which will lead to your iPhone data becoming erased at the end.

1. Connect your iPhone to Mac or Windows PC. iTunes is already installed on Mac by default. If you are using Windows, make sure to install iTunes via Microsoft Store.
2. Then, you have to enter Recovery mode. To do so, you have to choose your device and perform the steps below.

iPhone 8 or later:

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button (which you use to unlock your screen) and continue holding until you see an icon asking to connect the cable to your computer.

iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch (7th generation):

1. Press and hold the Side (or Top) button and the Volume Down button together at the same time.
2. Likewise in the previous steps, continue holding until you see an icon asking to connect the cable to your computer.

iPad models with a Home button, iPhone 6s or earlier, and iPod touch (6th generation) or earlier:

1. Press and hold both the Side (or Top) button and the Home button until you see an icon asking to connect the cable to your computer.

iPad models without a Home button:

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Then press-hold the Power button until you see an icon asking to connect the cable to your computer.
3. After this, iTunes should automatically display a message offering to Update or Restore your device. Click on Restore. Then confirm by clicking Restore and Update.
4. iTunes will start the restoration process and download the newest iOS version for it.
5. Once done, your device will restart and show the Hello screen.
6. While setting it up from scratch, you will be offered to Restore from iCloud Backup and other backup options.
7. If you choose to use iCloud Backup, log in with Apple ID on the next screen and select the backup that contains most of your data.
8. After that, wait until the recovery ends

4. Restore iPhone using Find My

One more alternative to the above is to erase your iPhone and therefore unlock the screen using Find My. Find My is a legitimate Apple service initially designed to help detect the location of a lost iPhone. However, it can also be used for remotely performing its reset. You can access Find My either via the web version on iCloud.com or the Find My app if you have another working iPhone or iPad. Choose whichever fits you best. Please note that this method will work only if you Find My feature was previously turned on your locked iPhone.

to restore iPhone via Find My web version:

1. Go to iCloud.com website and sign in to your account.
2. Click on Find iPhone and select your iPhone on the map.
3. A pop-up window on the side should appear. Click Erase iPhone.
4. Click Erase to confirm and wait until the restoration ends.
5. Once finished, you will see the Hello screen on your iPhone. While setting up you can choose to Restore from iCloud Backup or other backup options.

to restore iPhone via Find My app:

1. Open the Find My app on another iOS device.
2. Then go to Devices at the bottom and swipe up to see the list of devices.
3. Choose your device, swipe up again, and tap Erase This Device.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and enter your Apple ID when prompted.
5. After that, the selected device will start restoration and boot up to the Hello screen. While setting up you can choose to Restore from iCloud Backup or other backup options.

Summary

It is never a pleasant thing to forget your password and find yourself locked out of it on a permanent basis. Unfortunately, as was reiterated many times above, the sole solution, in this case, is to erase your entire device unless the right passcode is matched. However, it is important to remember that this is an essential part of the security measures that Apple takes to make sure its users are protected against data abuse. To protect yourself from this kind of scenario in the future, it is crucial to remember your passcodes or consider using Face ID as an alternative. By doing so, you can decrease the chance of encountering screen lock issues in the future again.