It’s no secret that Apple’s iPhone has grown into one of the most popular mobile devices in the world. While the iPhone is held in high esteem for its sleek design, fast performance, and advanced security measures, it’s not uncommon for users to forget their passcode and get locked out of their device. In this article, we will explore different methods to reset the passcode on an iPhone. Whether your device is running the latest iOS software or an older version, these methods are guaranteed to help you get back into your phone.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the different methods to reset the passcode on an iPhone, let’s take a quick look at the tools you will need:
- An iPhone that is locked with a passcode.
- A computer with iTunes installed, and a lightning cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Access to a second device with the Find My app installed.
- A backup of your iPhone stored in iCloud or on your computer through iTunes.
What Requires Your Focus?
Resetting a passcode is a multistep process, and each method requires a different level of focus. Furthermore, different methods may not be viable in all situations, such as when your iPhone is not connected to Wi-Fi or your computer. Therefore, it’s essential to pay close attention to the instructions we provide and choose the method that works best for your situation.
Different Methods to Reset the Passcode on an iPhone
Method 1: Via iTunes
iTunes is a software application developed by Apple that organizes and syncs media files between iOS devices and computers. Follow these steps to reset your iPhone passcode via iTunes:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a lightning cable, and launch iTunes.
- Select your iPhone icon in the top-left corner of the iTunes window.
- Click the Restore iPhone button, located in the Summary section on the right side of the iTunes window.
- Click Restore again when prompted to confirm the action.
- Select the backup you want to restore, and click Restore and Update.
Pros:
- This method doesn’t require a Wi-Fi network.
Cons:
- All data and settings on your iPhone will be erased.
- You will need to have a backup stored on your computer or iCloud.
Method 2: Via Find My App
The Find My app is pre-installed on iOS devices running versions 13 and later. Follow these steps to reset your iPhone passcode via the Find My app:
- Open the Find My app on your second device, and select your lost or stolen iPhone from the list of devices.
- Click Actions and select Erase iPhone.
- Click Erase iPhone again to confirm the action.
- Enter your Apple ID and password when prompted. This will disable Activation Lock, which might prevent you from using your iPhone again.
Pros:
- You can restore your data from an iCloud backup.
- You can erase your iPhone even if you don’t have access to a Wi-Fi network or your computer.
Cons:
- If Activation Lock is enabled, you will need to know your Apple ID and password to log in after the device is erased.
Method 3: Via Recovery Mode
Recovery mode is a feature of iOS devices that allows you to restore your device when it’s not responding, stuck on the Apple logo, or has a broken screen. Follow these steps to reset your iPhone passcode via recovery mode:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a lightning cable, and launch iTunes.
- Press and hold the Side button and either volume button until the power off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone. If your iPhone doesn’t turn off, press and hold the Side and Volume Down buttons until it turns off.
- While still holding the Side button, connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Release the Side button when you see the Connect to iTunes screen on your iPhone.
- In iTunes, select your iPhone icon in the top-left corner of the window.
- Click the Restore button and follow the prompts to restore your iPhone.
Pros:
- This method doesn’t require you to know your passcode or Apple ID and password.
Cons:
- All data and settings on your iPhone will be erased.
Method 4: Via Siri
Siri is Apple’s intelligent personal assistant that responds to voice commands. This method takes advantage of a security flaw in Siri’s functionality that allows you to bypass the passcode. Follow these steps to reset your iPhone passcode via Siri:
- Activate Siri by pressing and holding the Home button on your iPhone.
- Ask Siri what time it is.
- When Siri responds with the current time, click the clock icon.
- Click the + icon to add a new clock.
- Type anything into the search bar and select it.
- Select Share from the options, and then select Message.
- Enter any text into the To: field, and then tap Return.
- Click the + icon next to the message, then Create New Contact.
- Click Add Photo > Choose Photo > Select Album.
- Click on any photo, and then click the Share icon.
- Click on the AirDrop icon and select your computer to transfer the photo.
- On your computer, click the photo, and select Edit in Photos.
- Select File > Export, and then click Export Unmodified Original.
- Select Add to Photos > Create New Album.
- Name the album anything you like, and then click OK.
- On your iPhone, go to the Albums tab in your Photos app and select the newly created album.
- Click the Select button, and then select all the photos in the album.
- Select the Share button and tap the Messages icon.
- Type anything into the To: field, and then tap Return.
- Click the + icon next to the message, then Create New Contact.
- Click the Edit button, and then select Add Photo.
- Select Choose Photo, and then select all the photos in the album.
- Exit the Photos app and go to the Contacts app.
- Click the newly created contact and click the Share Contact icon.
- Select Message, and then delete the conversation.
- Now you can access your iPhone without a passcode.
Pros:
- This method doesn’t require a computer or Wi-Fi network.
Cons:
- The process is complicated and may not work on newer versions of iOS.
- Using Siri in this way poses a significant security risk and should not be relied on.
Method 5: Via Apple Support
If all else fails, you can contact Apple Support and ask for their assistance in resetting your passcode. Follow these steps to get in touch with Apple Support:
- Visit the Apple Support website and select your country or region.
- Click the Contact Apple Support button, and select your iPhone model.
- Click the Troubleshooting tab, and select the issue you’re experiencing.
- Click the Chat Now or Schedule a Call button to get in touch with a support agent.
Pros:
- Apple Support is always available to help you resolve your issues.
- They can provide you with specific instructions based on your situation.
Cons:
- It may take some time to get in touch with a support agent.
- You may be asked to send in your device for repair, which could take a few days.
Why Can’t I Reset My iPhone Passcode?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to reset your iPhone passcode:
- You’ve entered the incorrect passcode too many times, and your phone is locked for a specified period.
- You’re not on a trusted Wi-Fi network, and your iPhone is not connected to the internet.
- You don’t have a backup of your iPhone stored in iCloud or on your computer through iTunes.
- Your iPhone is under someone else’s Apple ID, and they haven’t given you access to their account.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, try the following fixes:
- Wait the specified amount of time before attempting to enter your passcode again.
- Connect your iPhone to a trusted Wi-Fi network or your computer.
- Create a backup of your iPhone by following the steps in iTunes or iCloud.
- Ask the person who’s Apple ID it is to give you access to the account.
Implications and Recommendations
Resetting your iPhone passcode may seem like a simple task, but it can have some implications you should be aware of:
- All the data and settings on your iPhone will be erased.
- You will need to restore your iPhone from a backup, which can take some time.
- If you don’t have a backup, you will lose all your data and settings.
- If Activation Lock is enabled, you will need to know your Apple ID and password to log in after the device is erased.
Therefore, we recommend that you regularly back up your iPhone to mitigate the loss of data. Additionally, we suggest that you keep your passcode in a safe place or use a password manager to securely store it. Lastly, if you’re unsure about resetting your passcode or have concerns about the implications, it’s always best to contact Apple Support for assistance.
5 FAQs About Resetting the Passcode on an iPhone
Q1: How long does it take to reset an iPhone passcode?
A: The time it takes to reset your iPhone passcode depends on the method you use. If you’re restoring your iPhone from a backup, the process can take several hours to complete, depending on the amount of data you have. If you’re resetting your passcode via recovery mode or the Find My app, the process should take less than an hour to complete.
Q2: Can I reset my iPhone passcode without a computer?
A: Yes, you can reset your iPhone passcode via the Find My app, which is pre-installed on iOS devices running versions 13 and later. However, the other methods we’ve mentioned in this article require a computer with iTunes installed.
Q3: Will resetting my iPhone passcode erase all my data?
A: Yes, resetting your iPhone passcode will erase all data and settings on your device. Therefore, it’s essential to have a backup of your iPhone stored in iCloud or on your computer through iTunes.
Q4: Does resetting my iPhone passcode disable Activation Lock?
A: Yes, resetting your iPhone passcode will disable Activation Lock, which might prevent you from using your iPhone again. Therefore, it’s essential to know your Apple ID and password to log in after your device is erased.
Q5: Is it safe to use Siri to reset my iPhone passcode?
A: No, it’s not safe to use Siri to reset your iPhone passcode. Using Siri in this way poses a significant security risk and should not be relied on.
Final Words
Forgetting your iPhone passcode can be frustrating, but thanks to the many methods available to reset it, you don’t need to worry about permanently locking yourself out of your device. However, remember that resetting your passcode will erase all your data and settings, so be sure to create a backup of your iPhone before proceeding.
Furthermore, because different methods require different tools and levels of focus, you should choose the method that works best for your situation. If you’re unsure about any of the steps involved or have concerns about the implications of resetting your passcode, contact Apple Support for assistance.