Alex Ruben
How to Restore Your iPhone If You Forgot Your Passcode
If you’ve forgotten your iPhone passcode and cannot unlock your device, you can reset it to remove the passcode lock and later restore it from a backup. This guide will provide you with systematic steps to reset your iPhone either wirelessly or using a computer, depending on the iOS version you are using.
Step 1: Prepare for the Reset
Before you proceed, ensure you have a backup stored in iCloud or on your computer. You will also need your Apple account information, and your iPhone must be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or cellular data. Here are the prerequisites:
- Backup of your iPhone (iCloud or on your computer).
- Your Apple account credentials.
- Internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular).
Step 2: Resetting Your iPhone Wirelessly (iOS 17 or Later)
If you’ve entered your passcode incorrectly several times, your device will be disabled. To reset your iPhone:
- Tap Forgot Passcode on the screen.
- If you’ve recently changed your passcode, you might be able to use your old one within 72 hours.
- Tap Start iPhone Reset. All content and settings will be erased.
- Enter your Apple account password when prompted and tap Done.
- If your iPhone has an eSIM, you’ll be asked if you’d like to keep it or delete it. Choose your option.
Step 3: Resetting Your iPhone Wirelessly (iOS 16 or Earlier)
For older iOS versions, follow these steps:
- Once your iPhone is disabled, tap Erase iPhone on the bottom right of the screen.
- Confirm by tapping Erase iPhone again.
- Enter your Apple account password when prompted and tap Done.
Step 4: Resetting Using Recovery Mode and a Computer
If you cannot reset your iPhone wirelessly, you can use recovery mode with a computer:
Ensure you have a Mac or a PC and a compatible cable. Here’s how to enter recovery mode based on your iPhone model:
- iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, 11, 12, 13, 14:
- Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the power off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off your device.
- Wait a minute, then connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Press and hold the side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
- iPhone 7, 7 Plus:
- Press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off your device, wait a minute, then connect to your computer.
- Press and hold the volume down button until recovery mode appears.
- iPhone 6s or Earlier, iPhone SE (1st Gen):
- Press and hold the side/top button until the power off slider appears.
- Turn off your device, wait a minute, then connect to your computer.
- Press and hold the home button until recovery mode appears.
Step 5: Completing the Reset Using Your Computer
Once in recovery mode:
- Mac with macOS Catalina or later: Open Finder.
- PC: Open the Apple devices app or iTunes if necessary.
When prompted with options to restore or update, click Restore. Allow your computer to download and install the latest version of iOS. If you enter recovery mode again due to extended download times, repeat the steps in Step 4. Once completed, your iPhone will restart and display the hello screen.
Step 6: Restore from Backup
After the reset, follow the on-screen prompts to restore your iPhone from your backup, if available.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
To ensure a smooth process:
- Make sure your iPhone is sufficiently charged or connected to power.
- Check that you have the latest version of iTunes or Finder before starting.
- If you encounter issues, consult Apple Support for assistance.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can successfully reset your iPhone and regain access to your device. Always remember to back up your data to prevent loss in the future.