Apple introduced excellent security measures on iPhones to protect users’ data and privacy. Screen locks, such as digit passcodes, Face IDs, and Touch IDs, can prevent unauthorized access. However, you will be locked out of your device when you forgot your iPhone passcode. If you enter the wrong passcode attempts too many times, your iPhone will become disabled. This guide demonstrates proven methods to unlock a disabled iPhone in various situations.

Part 1: How to Unlock Disabled iPhone Without iTunes

Since iOS 15.2, Apple added the Security Lockout feature on iPhones. It comes with the option to unlock an iPhone when it is disabled. It doesn’t require iTunes or extra software or hardware. Moreover, you can unlock your device with the previous passcode after updating to iOS 17 or later if you change your iPhone passcode within 72 hours.

How to Unlock Disabled iPhone on iOS 17 and Above

Step 1. Tap the Forgot Passcode at the bottom of your disabled iPhone.

Step 2. Read the alert and choose Start iPhone Reset.

Step 3. Enter your Apple ID password and hit Erase iPhone.

Note: The process will erase all data and screen locks on your iPhone.

How to Unlock Disabled iPhone with the Previous Passcode

Step 1. Tap the Forgot Passcode button at the bottom.

Step 2. If you change your passcode within 72 hours, choose Enter Previous Passcode.

Step 3. Enter your previous passcode.

Step 4. Then, you can set a new iPhone passcode.

Note: This method won’t interrupt current data on your device.

How to Unlock Disabled iPhone on iOS 15.2 to 16

Step 1. Tap Erase iPhone at the bottom.

Step 2. Read the alert and hit Erase iPhone again.

Step 3. Input your Apple ID password to sign it out.

Step 4. Then, your device will begin erasing all data and screen locks.

Part 2: How to Unlock Disabled iPhone with iTunes/Finder

If you forgot your Apple ID password, you can unlock a disabled iPhone with iTunes. This method requires a computer and a USB cable. Moreover, if you turn on Find My iPhone, you still need to provide your Apple ID password to set up your device after unlocking it.

Step 1. Connect your disabled iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.

Step 2. Open Finder on macOS Catalina or later or Apple Devices on your PC. If you don’t have the Apple Devices app or you are using macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes instead.

Step 3. Put your device in Recovery Mode:

On an iPhone 8 or Later

Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.

Do the same thing with the Volume Down button.

Press the Side button until the connect-to-computer screen appears.

On an iPhone 7/7 Plus

Hold the Volume Down + Side buttons together.

Release the buttons when you see the connect-to-computer screen.

On an iPhone 6s or Earlier

Hold the Home + Sleep/Wake buttons at the same time.

Let the buttons go if the connect-to-computer screen pops up.

Step 4. Once iTunes or Finder detects your disabled iPhone, you will see a pop-up dialog.

Step 5. Click the Restore button and follow the onscreen instructions to complete it.

Part 3: How to Unlock Disabled iPhone Using Find My

If you have turned on Find My iPhone on your device, you can unlock a disabled iPhone without a computer or with a web browser. The process requires your Apple ID password to sign out of your account.

How to Unlock Disabled iPhone on Another Apple Device

Step 1. Open the Find My app on a borrowed iPhone or iPad.

Step 2. Go to the Devices tab and choose your iPhone.

Tip: If you cannot find it, tap + next to Devices and add your iPhone by entering your Apple ID password.

Step 3. Tap the Erase This Device button and hit Continue.

Step 4. Input your phone number or ignore it. Tap Erase to proceed.

Step 5. Enter your Apple ID password and tap Erase.

How to Unlock Disabled iPhone Online

Step 1. Go to www.icloud.com/find in a browser and sign in with your Apple ID and password.

Step 2. Pull down the All Devices option and choose your iPhone.

Step 3. Click the Erase This Device button.

Step 4. Follow the onscreen instructions to confirm unlocking your disabled iPhone without iTunes.

Part 4: How to Unlock Disabled iPhone with iOS Unlocker

Another way to unlock a disabled iPhone without a password is Apeaksoft iOS Unlocker. It simplifies the workflow and is easy to use for ordinary people. Moreover, it doesn’t require any password during the process.

How to Unlock a Disabled iPhone Without a Password

Step 1. Connect to your iPhone
Run the best iPhone unlocking software once you install it on your computer. Link your iPhone and computer with a Lightning cable. Choose the Wipe Passcode mode and click the Start button.

Step 2. Check your device information
Once your device information is loaded, check each entry. Then, click the Start button to download the firmware.

Step 3. Unlock your disabled iPhone
After the firmware download finishes, click the Unlock button to begin unlocking your disabled iPhone. Then, you need to enter 0000 to confirm your action.

Note: The process erases all your data, so you’d better back up your iPhone before that.

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