How to unlock iPhone without passcode

Introduction

Forgetting your passcode to unlock your own device is never good news for many users. Sometimes it may be your friend or another person who decided to mock you and set up a passcode without letting you know. Unfortunately, if you see no chance of recalling your passcode and unlocking the iPhone as usual, the only way to bypass the lock screen is to reset your iPhone to factory settings. The outcome of this action will be a complete erase of data stored on the device. After this, you will have to restore the deleted data using backup storage like iCloud. Apple takes security very seriously and it is a good measure to keep your data protected from potentially unauthorized hands. Try to exhaust all log-in attempts before getting to the rest of your iPhone. You will have around 10 attempts until your iPhone becomes permanently locked and will require a rest. If no right passcode is matched, you will have to use one of our solutions below to reset your device, which will unlock it eventually. Use whichever fits you the most.

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

If your iPhone has iOS 15.2 or a newer version installed, then you can erase your iPhone 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 do not forget that this and other steps imply 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

Another way to erase your iPhone and therefore unlock the screen is by using Find My. Find My is a legitimate Apple service initially designed to help track the location of a lost iPhone. However, it can also be used for running its reset remotely. You can access Find My either via the web version on iCloud.com or the Find My app if you have another unlocked iPhone or iPad. Choose whichever fits you better. Please note that this method will work only if you Find My feature was previously enabled on your locked iPhone.

to restore iPhone via Find My web version:

1. Go to iCloud.com website and sign into your account.
2. Click on Find iPhone and choose 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

Forgetting your passcode and finding yourself locked out of your iPhone can be frustrating indeed. Unfortunately, in this case, the solution is limited to having to erase your entire device unless the right passcode is matched. And while this security feature does serve as a strong defense against attempts to gain unauthorized access to your data, it can be inconvenient when it comes to your own and authorized usage. To protect yourself from such a 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 likelihood of encountering screen lock issues in your future experience.