You’ve probably forgotten your iPhone password before. You cannot access any of your photos, contacts, or social media accounts if you lock the screen.
Perhaps you have recently reset your passcode but don’t remember what it was. Perhaps you’ve not used your phone in a while and forgot your passcode.
No matter what the issue, Apple will help you reset your iPhone’s (or iPad) password. You should have backed up your device last time, as you may lose some of the most recent data.
How to reset your iPhone passcode
You will first need to choose a method to reset your device completely before you can reset your passcode. If you forgot your passcode, it is usually necessary to choose a method to reset your iPhone. Backup comment: If you have not backed up before, your data will not be saved.
Before proceeding, ensure that you have the Apple password associated to your Apple ID. Your phone will be reset immediately after you do this. To bypass Apple’s Activation Lock, you will need to enter the Apple ID password and go through the setup process.
Step 1: Recovery Mode
You will first need to set your device into Recovery Mode. This will require a button combination to allow your phone and computer to communicate. The exact button combination depends on the make and model of your phone. Scroll down to find specific instructions for your device.
iPhone 8 and Newer
There are now a few steps you can take to reset an iPhone that doesn’t have a “home” button. Your computer will be used in the same way as older models. After connecting, follow the steps below to reset your iPhone.
- Don’t plug your phone in to your computer yet. Press the side button for power down. Turn it off by moving the slider along the top of your screen.
- While plugging the computer into your computer, press the up volume and then the down volume. Don’t hold the buttons together. Instead, feather them in order.
You will see the screenshot below if you did it correctly.
iPhone 7
You can reset your passcode on an iPhone 7 model. However, it’s a slightly different combination of buttons.
- While plugging the phone in, press the volume down button. Continue holding down the button until you see the recovery screen.
iPhone 6S and Older
You can reset your passcode on an older iPhone model. However, this button combination is slightly different.
- Turn off your iPhone, plug it in to your computer and hold down the home button until you see the recovery mode screen.
Step 2: Recovery Mode
You can only restore your device if you have never synced with iTunes, or set up Find My iPhone to iCloud. Recovery mode will wipe your device and your passcode so you can set a new one.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer first. Next, open iTunes. Once your device is connected to your computer, force it restart by pressing the volume up, volume down and wake/sleep buttons.
- The next screen will offer you the option to Restore, or Update. Choose Restore. The software will be downloaded to your iPhone.
- After the download process is completed, you can setup and use your device.
Alternate Method: Use iTunes to reset your passcode
You can wipe your device and the passcode from iTunes if you have previously synced it with iTunes. Follow these steps:
- You will need to connect your device to the computer that you are synchronizing with. Next, open iTunes. If you get asked for a passcode you can try another computer with which you have synced. You can also try recovery mode if this fails.
- Wait for iTunes to sync and create a backup. After the backup and sync are complete, click Restore iPhone or relevant device.
- Select your device in iTunes. Select the most recent backup according to size and date
- You’ll see the Setup screen when you restore your iOS device. Tap here to restore from iTunes backup
Alternative Method: Remote Factory Reset Using iCloud
Remote resets can be done even if you don’t have the phone with you. You can also use this method if your phone is not accessible. This method won’t work if you don’t have 2FA setup and cannot receive the code to your number on file or any other apple device.
- Log in to iCloud, and click “Find my Phone.”
- To reset the device, click on it.
- Click on ‘Erase iPhone.
It will erase all settings and content as long as there is an internet connection. Sign in to Apple ID, then restart the phone. You have two options: restore it from iCloud, or create a new device.
Set Your iPhone Passcode First or Once You Know Your Passcode
You will be asked to create a passcode when you set up your iPhone. You can skip this step or change your mind later. These are the steps to follow.
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down until Touch ID is found and Passcode is displayed.
- Choose Change Passcode or Turn Code On. You will need to create a new passcode while the latter will require that you enter your current passcode before you can change to a different one.
Simple. You can forget your passcode until you have to reset the device. In that case, refer to the sections below.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers many of your most frequently asked questions.
What causes an iPhone to unlock its passcode?
Sometimes, you may receive a prompt to enter a passcode. What causes an iPhone to ask for a passcode lock? Few behaviors can disable your Face ID and fingerprint unlock. These are the ones you should be aware of:
You can restart your iPhone or power cycle it.
Your iPhone is not unlocked within 48 hours.
– Your passcode has not been used for 6.5 days and your biometric unlock has not been used for 4 hours.
– Face ID or the Fingerprint scanner has been tried five times, but it still didn’t unlock your device.
– The Medical ID or Emergency SOS functions are activated.
Apple will reset your Passcode?
They can help you if your device is locked out. Apple will guide you through the steps to reset your device, regardless of whether you don’t have the Apple ID or the device is disabled.
For assistance with a computer, if you don’t own one and you have a need for it, you can visit an Apple store near you. Your cell phone carrier may not have this option so be prepared for a long drive if you don’t find an Apple Store nearby.
If you do not have your Apple ID password or the 2FA, contact Apple support. This information can take several business days. You may need to show the card Apple has on file and provide proof of purchase (sorry Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace won’t help).
I was sold an iPhone that is still locked by someone. What should I do?
If you are considering buying an Apple device directly from someone, make sure to do the transaction at your carrier’s shop. This extra step will ensure that the device is activated without security problems.
You can exchange a device you have purchased from a third-party retailer if it hasn’t been used. It’s much easier to obtain a new device than you think.
It is up to the individual who purchased the device to unlock it. Apple will not reset your original Apple ID or help you to get the passcode.
It is very frustrating! It is so frustrating!
Apple is synonymous with security and privacy. The iPhone is a sought-after item by criminals, thieves, as well as scammers. Assuming that you have all your information up to date on your iPhone (email, contacts, backups, etc. You won’t have to reset your phone if you follow these steps.
Even if your iPhone needs to be replaced, it will likely cost less and be less hassle than dealing with compromised bank account, Apple ID, exposed photos, or personal data.
I can unlock my smartphone, but I forgot my screen-time passcode. What should I do?
With iOS 14, users now have an easy way to change their screen-time passcode. You will only need to make sure your iPhone is running iOS 14, and then navigate to Settings to access the Screen Time option. You can also access the Forgot Screen Time Passcode?’ option from here.
Enter the Apple credentials that were used to create your passcode, and then enter a new one. You’re done!
Wrapping up
Are there any tricks, tips, or questions about how to reset the passcode on an Apple device. Leave a comment below with your thoughts!
