[Step-by-Step] Latest Guide to Unlock iPhone with iTunes in 2026
"iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes."
If you have encountered this notification on your locked screen, it means your iPhone is locked permanently after multiple incorrect passcode attempts, and you cannot unlock it as normal.
Fortunately, you can unlock this device using iTunes by restoring the system. This tutorial will walk you through how to unlock iPhone with iTunes, with step-by-step solutions for different situations.
PAGE CONTENT:
Part 1: How to Unlock iPhone with iTunes (Step-by-Step)
How do you unlock an iPhone with iTunes? The exact steps may vary depending on whether your iPhone has trusted the computer before. Below are the step-by-step methods for both situations.
Unlock iPhone If You Trusted the Computer Before
Step 1. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your trusted computer.
Step 2. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and above).
Step 3. There will be an iPhone device icon in the top left corner. Click it.
Step 4. Choose Summary in the pop-up.
Step 5. Click Restore iPhone on the right panel. Wait patiently, then you can unlock a disabled iPhone with iTunes.
Unlock iPhone If You Never Trusted the Computer Before
Step 1. Launch iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and above).
Step 2. Connect your iPhone to the computer and put it into recovery mode.
iPhone 8 and later: Quickly press the Volume Up and Down buttons one after another. Then, press and hold the Power button until the Recovery Mode screen (a computer and cable icon) appears.
Tips: Please do not release the Power button when the Apple logo appears.
iPhone/iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold both Volume Down and Side buttons together. Release when you see the Recovery Mode screen.
iPhone 6s and earlier (with a Home button): Press and hold the Home and Top/Side buttons simultaneously. Release when you enter Recovery mode.
Step 3. There will be a prompt window. Just select the Restore option. Then, you can unlock iPhone that is disabled with iTunes.
Part 2: What to Do If iTunes Cannot Unlock Your iPhone
How to Unlock iPhone Without iTunes
If iTunes cannot detect your iPhone or the restore process gets stuck for a long time, you may not be able to unlock your iPhone using iTunes. In this case, you can try alternative methods, such as using a professional iPhone unlocking tool like Apeaksoft iOS Unlocker.
Unlock iPhone Without iTunes in Minutes
- Unlock the iPhone screen lock without a passcode.
- Support 4/6-digit passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID
- Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
- Compatible with the latest iOS versions.
Secure Download
Secure Download
Step 1. Download the iPhone unlocker from the button above. It takes only a few seconds.
Step 2. Click Start Unlocking in the first section, and connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable.
Step 3. Check the tips and your device information on the screen. Click Start Now to download the corresponding firmware.
Step 4. Once the firmware is ready, click the Start Removing button.
Step 5. You will be notified of risks and tips. Click OK and Confirm Again to make sure you are fully informed.
Step 6. Wait patiently for the software to verify the firmware package and unlock the iOS screen automatically.
How to Unlock iPhone Without a Computer
If you don't want to download software or don't have a computer at hand but feel urgent to unlock your device, you can still try other methods. Some iOS built-in features can help you, such as Find My. Just follow the steps below to unlock iPhone without iTunes or computer:
Step 1. Visit the iCloud official website in your browser.
Step 2. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
Step 3. Find the Find My feature.
Step 4. Check All Devices and select the locked one.
Step 5. Click Erase This Device.
Part 3: FAQs About Unlocking iPhone with iTunes
Will unlocking an iPhone with iTunes erase data?
Yes. When you click the Restore button in iTunes, the system will reset the device and erase all data and settings, including the screen passcode. But don't worry - you can restore from backup after the process.
Why can't iTunes detect my iPhone?
When iTunes can't detect your iPhone, you can try the following solutions:
Use a new USB cable or port.
Update iTunes to the latest version.
Restart both your iPhone and your computer.
How long does iTunes take to unlock an iPhone with iTunes?
The whole process takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on your internet speed and the size of the iOS firmware.
Conclusion
This post provides a comprehensive guide on how to unlock iPhone with iTunes, along with corresponding solutions to possible situations. If you find this post useful, just share it with your friends!
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