In today's world, most iPhone users lock their devices with a passcode for privacy and security reasons. However, there may be times when you need to access your locked iPhone but have forgotten the passcode. Fortunately, there are several methods to unlock an iPhone without the passcode in 2024.
This guide will walk you through the different options to unlock your passcode-protected iPhone based on your specific situation. We will cover approaches that work whether your iPhone is disabled or locked, methods that use iTunes or iCloud, and third-party software solutions. Follow the steps carefully to successfully bypass the passcode lock and regain access to your iPhone.
Method 1: Unlock iPhone Using iTunes Without Passcode
Step 1: Make Sure You Have a Computer (Mac or PC)
You'll need a computer, either a Mac or a PC with Windows 10 or newer. Ensure iTunes is installed if you're using a PC. Have your iPhone's original cable or a compatible one on hand. If you lack a computer, consider visiting an Apple Retail Store or an authorized service center.
Step 2: Turn off your iPhone
1. Disconnect your iPhone if it's linked to a computer.
2. Depending on your iPhone model, follow these steps to turn it off:
- iPhone 8 and newer (including iPhone SE 2nd & 3rd gen): Hold the side and Volume down buttons simultaneously until the power slider shows.
- iPhone 7 and 6s series: Hold the side button until the power slider appears.
- iPhone SE (1st gen) and older: Hold the top button until you see the power slider.
3. Slide to power off and give it a minute to ensure it's completely off.
Step 3: Enter Recovery Mode
1. Identify the key you'll need based on your iPhone model:
- iPhone 8 and newer: Side button
- iPhone 7 series: Volume down button
- iPhone 6s and older: Home button
2. While pressing the appropriate button, connect your iPhone to the computer. Continue holding until the recovery mode screen appears. If you see the passcode screen, restart the process.
Step 4: Restore Your Device
- On your computer, locate your connected iPhone in Finder or iTunes.
- Opt for 'Restore' when prompted between 'Restore' or 'Update'. The computer will download the necessary software and initiate the restoration.
- If the download exceeds 15 minutes and your iPhone exits recovery mode, wait for the download to complete, then restart the process.
- Once done, your iPhone will reboot to the setup screen. Disconnect it from the computer and proceed with the setup.
Method 2: Force Restart iPhone
If your iPhone is in a locked, unresponsive state or displaying a black or blank screen, force restarting your device can sometimes resolve the issue:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Immediately press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Finally, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo appear.
This force restarts your iPhone, bypassing the passcode lock screen. When the phone powers back on, it should be unlocked and accessible.
Note this approach works best if your iPhone is minimally responsive and won’t interrupt normal startup. It essentially interrupts the loading process and boots the device unlocked.
Method 3: Erase iPhone Using Find My
If you have Find My iPhone enabled with iCloud, you can remotely erase your locked iPhone to bypass the passcode:
- On a computer or another iOS device, visit iCloud.com and log in to your iCloud account.
- Click Find My iPhone.
- Select your locked iPhone from the list of devices.
- Choose Erase iPhone at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter your Apple ID password to confirm erasing the device.
After remotely wiping your iPhone, the passcode will be disabled when the device is powered back on. However, this method also deletes all data and settings, returning your iPhone to factory settings. Only use this if you have backups or are comfortable erasing everything.
Method 4: Reset iPhone Using iTunes
If you connect a locked iPhone to a computer with iTunes, you can force reset the device to remove the passcode:
- Download and install the latest version of iTunes on your Windows or Mac computer.
- Connect your locked iPhone to the computer using a Lightning cable.
- Open iTunes on your computer and select your connected iPhone.
- While holding the Home and Power buttons, disconnect and reconnect the Lightning cable.
- Let go of the buttons when you see the “Recovery Mode” screen appear on your iPhone.
- In iTunes on your computer, a recovery mode alert will appear. Click Restore.
- iTunes will download software and restore your iPhone to factory settings, removing the passcode.
This iTunes restore erases all data but lets you unlock your iPhone easily using a computer. Just make sure you have device backups before proceeding.
Method 5: Update or Restore iPhone Using Finder
Similar to the iTunes method, you can unlock a passcode-protected iPhone using Finder on a Mac running macOS Catalina or later:
- Connect your locked iPhone to your Mac via Lightning cable.
- Open Finder and select your connected iPhone from the sidebar.
- While holding the Home/Side button, click Check for Update in Finder.
- Continue holding the buttons until you see the recovery mode screen.
- In Finder, click Restore iPhone to download software and reset to factory settings.
If you don’t see restore options, uninstall any security management profiles on your Mac. This Finder method bypasses the passcode by fully resetting and updating your iPhone software.
Method 6: Restore iPhone Using Recovery Mode
You can also force your iPhone into recovery mode and restore from there to remove a forgotten passcode:
- Turn off your locked iPhone and connect it to a computer with iTunes.
- Press and hold the Home button while reconnecting the Lightning cable.
- After 8-10 seconds, release the Home button and continue holding the cable to enter recovery mode.
- In iTunes, click Restore iPhone. This will install the latest iOS and reset settings.
- Set up your iPhone as new after the restore to bypass the old passcode.
Be prepared to lose all iPhone data with this recovery mode restore method. But it will successfully get you back into a passcode-disabled iPhone.
Method 7: Restore Using DFU Mode
DFU (Device Firmware Upgrade) mode is an alternative recovery state that can also remove passcode locking:
- Connect your powered off iPhone to your computer.
- Press and hold Power + Home buttons for 10 seconds.
- Release Power but keep holding Home until you see the recovery mode screen.
- iTunes will detect a device in recovery mode. Click Restore to reset your iPhone.
- Set up the restored iPhone as new when prompted. No passcode will be required.
DFU mode gets your iPhone into the deepest recovery state possible, allowing a full restore. But again, data will be erased in the process so use this method cautiously.
Method 8: Use iCloud Website Passcode Override
If you remember your iCloud credentials, you can unlock a disabled iPhone via the iCloud website:
- In a desktop web browser, visit iCloud.com and log in.
- Click Find My iPhone.
- Select your locked iPhone from devices list.
- Tap Remove Passcode at the bottom of screen.
- Enter iCloud password and confirmation code sent to trusted phone number.
- iPhone passcode will then be removed without data loss.
This iCloud unlock method requires remembering your Apple ID details. But it prevents device wiping, making it one of the better approaches if iPhone data preservation is needed.
Method 9: Unlock with iForgot Password App
Apple’s proprietary iForgotPassword app can also remove passcodes from locked iPhones wirelessly:
- Download and install iForgotPassword on another iPhone or iPad.
- Launch the app and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Tap your locked iPhone from the list of devices.
- Follow prompts to turn off Find My iPhone and erase passcode.
- A confirmation message will appear once passcode is successfully removed.
Just make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network, as the app wirelessly communicates with the locked iPhone. This prevents data loss but does disable Find My iPhone in the process.
Method 10: Unlock iPhone Without Computer or iTunes
There are times when you might not have access to a computer or iTunes, but you still need to unlock your iPhone. Here are some methods to unlock your iPhone without the need for either:
Using iPhone Erase Feature
- This method is applicable for iPhones running iOS 15.2 or later and requires a Wi-Fi or cellular signal connection.
- On the locked screen, repeatedly enter incorrect passcodes until the "Erase iPhone" option appears.
- Tap "Erase iPhone" twice.
- Enter your Apple ID password for verification.
- Wait for the erasing process to complete, and then you can set up your iPhone anew.
Note: The exact number of incorrect passcode attempts before the "Erase iPhone" option appears can vary.
Using Siri
- This method is suitable for iPhones running iOS 8 to iOS 10.1.
- Activate Siri and ask, "What is the time now?"
- Tap the clock icon displayed.
- Click "+" to add a new clock and type some random words in the box.
- Long-press the words to select them all and choose "Share" > "Messages."
- Type some words into the "To:" field box.
- Tap the "+" in the "To:" box to add this address as a new contact.
- Select "Create New Contact."
- Tap "add photo" > "Choose Photo" to navigate to the Photos Library screen.
- Press the Home button, and you'll find your iPhone lock screen bypassed.
Using Apple Watch or Apple Store
- If you own an Apple Watch Series 3 or later with watchOS 7.4 or later, you can unlock your iPhone using the watch if you've set up Face ID previously.
- Alternatively, you can contact your local Apple Store for professional assistance. They might offer solutions or even unlock the device for you.
Unlock iPhone Using Calculator App
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:
- Step 1: Begin by swiping up from the bottom edge of your screen to bring up the control center. Locate and tap on the calculator icon to open the app.
- Step 2: With the calculator app open, key in a random passcode. This shouldn't be your actual passcode.
- Step 3: Tap on the “+” button, usually found on the top right of the calculator interface.
- Step 4: Continue the process of entering random passcodes followed by tapping the “+” button.
- Step 5: Do this until you've inputted ten incorrect passcodes consecutively.
- Step 6: After the tenth incorrect attempt, your iPhone will temporarily disable itself.
Once the waiting period is over, input your actual passcode to regain access to your iPhone.
Unlock iPhone Using TikTok Trick
- Step 1: From the lock screen, tap on the "Emergency Call" option. This action will bring up the keypad.
- Step 2: Key in the emergency number "112" and dial. This will launch the Phone app. Without wasting any time, press the power button to lock your screen.
- Step 3: Double-tap the power button swiftly. This action will bring back the emergency keypad on your screen.
- Step 4: Long-press the power button. This will display the “Slide to Power Off” slider on your screen.
- Step 5: Tap on the "Cancel" option located in the upper-left corner. This will redirect you to the Passcode keypad. Deliberately enter an incorrect passcode six consecutive times. After the sixth attempt, your iPhone will deactivate the passcode feature for a duration of 1 minute.
- Step 6: During this one-minute window, swipe up. Voila! You'll find yourself on the Home Screen without needing to input the passcode.
- While this method might seem intriguing, it's essential to approach it with caution. It might not work on all iPhone models or iOS versions.
- Always prioritize the security of your device. Tricks like these can potentially expose your data to unauthorized access.
- It's advisable to keep your iOS updated, as Apple often patches such vulnerabilities in newer updates.
Method 11: Unlock iPhone Using Third-party Tools
1. Dr.Fone?
- Step 1: Download and install Dr.Fone Screen Unlock on your computer.
- Step 2: Navigate to "Toolbox" > "Screen Unlock" > "iOS" > "Unlock iOS Screen". Connect your iPhone to the computer.
- Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to put your iPhone into DFU mode. Once in DFU mode, the software will start downloading the necessary firmware.
- Step 4: After the download is complete, click "Unlock". Dr.Fone will begin the unlocking process. In a short while, your iPhone will be unlocked, and you can access it without a passcode.
2. EaseUS MobiUnlock
- Step 1: Begin by connecting your iPhone to your computer. Once connected, open the EaseUS MobiUnlock software and choose the "Unlock Screen Passcode" option.
- Step 2: The software will automatically detect your device. Once recognized, click the "Start" button to move forward.
- Step 3: The next step involves downloading the appropriate firmware for your device. If you've previously downloaded the firmware package, simply select it by clicking the "Select" button.
- Step 4: With the firmware in place, click the "Unlock" button. You'll be prompted to provide certain information for verification. After entering the required details, click "Unlock" once more.
- Step 5: Patiently wait as MobiUnlock works its magic. Once the process is finished, you can proceed to set up your device as if it's brand new.
3. iSunshare
- Step 1: First, download and install iSunshare iPhone Passcode Genius on your PC. Connect your iPhone using a USB cable.
- Step 3: Open the software and choose the "Unlock Lock Screen" option.
- Step 4: Click the "Start" button to initiate the unlocking procedure.
- Step 5: The software will automatically detect your device and prepare the latest firmware package. Choose a location to save the firmware and click "Download." The duration of the download depends on your internet speed.
- Step 6: Once the firmware is downloaded, click the "Unlock" button. The software will start the unlocking process.
- Step 7: Wait patiently. Once the process is done and your iPhone reboots, it will be updated to the latest iOS version. You can now access your iPhone without any passcode.
4. AnyUnlock
- Step 1: Begin by downloading and installing AnyUnlock on your PC. Once installed, connect your iPhone using a USB cable.
- Step 2: Open AnyUnlock and choose the "Unlock Screen Passcode" option.
- Step 3: Once your device is detected, click "Start Now." AnyUnlock will identify your device model and prompt you to download the appropriate firmware. Choose a location to save the firmware and click "Download."
- Step 4: After the firmware download is complete, select the "Unlock Now" option. AnyUnlock will start the unlocking process.
- Step 5: Wait for the process to finish. Once done, your iPhone will be free from its previous passcode, and you can set it up as a new device.
5. Use a LockWiper Unlocking Tool
Third-party software tools like LockWiper can unlock iPhone passcodes without restoring:
- Download and install LockWiper on your Windows or Mac computer.
- Connect your locked iPhone to computer via Lightning cable.
- Open the LockWiper program and follow prompts to enter DFU mode.
- The tool will scan your device and extract passcode hash data.
- Decryption will begin to reveal your iPhone passcode.
- Finally, enter passcode directly on iPhone to unlock.
Research legitimacy and read reviews before downloading any third-party unlocking software. Reputable tools like LockWiper can unlock without wiping iPhone data but approach with caution.
6. Use PassFab iPhone Unlocker
Another reliable third-party unlocking tool is PassFab iPhone Unlocker:
- Download and install PassFab on your computer.
- Connect disabled iPhone via USB and open PassFab.
- The program will detect device status and enter recovery mode automatically.
- Click Start Bypass to scan memory and extract passcode key.
- Passcode will be retrieved and displayed on screen.
- Input passcode directly on your iPhone to unlock.
As with any third-party software, vet PassFab iPhone Unlocker legitimacy thoroughly beforehand. If reliable, it can retrieve passcodes without data loss or restore.
Things to Know Before Unlocking Your iPhone
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Unlocking a passcode-protected iPhone without the proper credentials is technically bypassing security mechanisms put in place by Apple. Use these methods ethically and legally.
- The approaches outlined typically cause data loss or erasure of contents. Back up your iPhone data beforehand if possible.
- Several methods rely on restoring or resetting your iPhone, which wipes all contents and settings. Be prepared to reconfigure your device afterwards.
- Many approaches require a computer with iTunes installed if using a Mac or PC. For Windows, install the latest version of iTunes.
- Some methods only work on specific iPhone models and iOS versions. Check compatibility before proceeding.
- Third-party unlocking software provides convenience but should be used with caution and proper research beforehand.
Prerequisites
Before beginning the unlock process, make sure you have the following:
- The iPhone you want to unlock (make sure it is powered off initially).
- Computer with iTunes installed (for Mac/Windows methods).
- Lightning cable to connect iPhone to computer.
- iCloud account credentials used on iPhone (if applicable).
- Backups of your iPhone data if possible (as many methods result in data loss).
- Latest iOS software installer or firmware file downloaded (for some iTunes restore methods).
- Patience and time to try different approaches. Unlocking can take some trial and error.
- Third-party unlocking software if pursuing that route (research legitimacy beforehand).
Okay, with the prerequisites checked and proper expectations set, let’s look at how to unlock your iPhone without the passcode step-by-step based on different scenarios:
Concluding Thoughts
Hopefully this guide has given you several options to get back into a passcode-locked iPhone based on your specific needs. From built-in solutions like Find My and iTunes to third-party software tools, various methods can successfully bypass iPhone passcode security in 2024.
The key is matching the right approach to your situation in terms of data preservation needs, device compatibility, computer access and more. Just remember that unlocking without consent or proper authorization may violate usage policies.