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If you changed your iPhone passcode within the last 72 hours and use iOS 17 or later, try your previous passcode first; Apple’s Passcode Reset may let you regain access without erasing the phone. Otherwise, Apple’s supported recovery methods erase the iPhone: reset it from the unavailable screen if it meets Apple’s requirements, or use recovery mode with a computer. You can restore your data from a backup if one is available.

Apple calls the device code a passcode, though many people call it a password. “iPhone Unavailable,” “Security Lockout,” and “Forgot Passcode?” are labels you may see during recovery—not ways to bypass the passcode.

Try your previous passcode if you changed it recently

On iOS 17 or later, Apple’s Passcode Reset feature lets you use your previous passcode for up to 72 hours after changing it. This is the first option to try because it can restore access without erasing the iPhone.

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  1. On the Lock Screen, enter the wrong passcode until the iPhone displays an unavailable message. Apple says this screen appears after five incorrect attempts.
  2. Tap Forgot Passcode?, then tap Enter Previous Passcode.
  3. Enter the passcode you used before the recent change and follow the prompts to set a new passcode.

This option applies only within the 72-hour period and requires the previous passcode. Apple documents the feature for iOS 17 and later.

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Reset the iPhone from the unavailable screen

If you cannot use the previous passcode, you may be able to erase the iPhone directly from its Lock Screen. Apple’s on-device erase route is for iOS 15.2 or later and requires all of the following:

  • Find My was enabled on the iPhone before it was locked.
  • The iPhone has an active cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
  • You know the password for the Apple Account associated with the phone.

iOS 17 or later

  1. On the unavailable screen, tap Forgot Passcode?.
  2. Tap Start [Device] Reset.
  3. Enter your Apple Account password to sign out, then choose Erase [Device].

iOS 15.2 or iOS 16

When the iPhone is locked out and the Find My, network, and account conditions are met, Apple says an Erase [Device] option appears on the screen. Follow the prompts to erase it.

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What happens to your data and eSIM

Erasing permanently removes the data and settings currently on the iPhone. After it restarts, follow setup and restore from a backup if one is available. On iOS 17 or later, Apple says you can choose whether to keep or delete the eSIM while erasing. If you have an eSIM on iOS 16 or earlier, contact your carrier before starting and ask for a QR code to set it up again.

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Use recovery mode and a computer if on-device reset is unavailable

Apple’s computer method is the alternative when Passcode Reset or the on-device erase option cannot be used. It erases the current data on the iPhone, so a backup is needed to restore backed-up information during setup.

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What you need

  • A Mac or Windows PC with an internet connection.
  • A cable that can charge the iPhone. Check that its connector fits the iPhone and that it can connect to your computer.
  • The button sequence for your iPhone model to enter recovery mode.
  • Time to complete the process: Apple says it may take up to 60 minutes.

Put the iPhone in recovery mode and restore it

  1. Turn off the iPhone and connect it to the computer while placing it in recovery mode. Use Apple’s button instructions for your exact model group: Face ID models, iPhone 8 and later, iPhone 7 models, or iPhone 6s and earlier. The button sequence differs by model.
  2. On a Mac, open Finder and select the iPhone. On Windows, open Apple Devices and select the iPhone.
  3. Choose Restore and follow the on-screen instructions. This erases the iPhone and reinstalls its software.
  4. When the iPhone restarts, complete setup and restore from a backup if you have one.

If the software download takes more than 15 minutes and the iPhone leaves the recovery screen, let the download finish. Then turn off the iPhone and repeat the recovery-mode steps.

If you cannot use a computer

If you cannot borrow a computer, Apple’s instructions name an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider as an in-person option for help with the reset. Apple does not promise data recovery through this route.

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Which recovery option should you choose?

Option When it applies Data outcome What you need
Previous passcode Passcode changed within the last 72 hours; iOS 17 or later May restore access without erasing Previous passcode
Erase from the iPhone iOS 15.2 or later; Find My was enabled; active connection; Apple Account password available Erases data and settings; restore from backup if available Apple Account password and network access
Recovery mode with a computer Other recovery options are unavailable Erases current data; restore from backup if available Mac or Windows PC, internet, suitable cable, and model-specific button sequence
Apple Store or authorized service provider You cannot borrow a computer Ask the provider about the reset; data recovery is not promised Visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why a forgotten passcode cannot simply be bypassed

Apple’s documented recovery paths are the previous-passcode feature, when eligible, or erasing and resetting the iPhone. If the 72-hour window has passed or the old passcode is unavailable, the remaining documented reset methods do not preserve data stored only on the locked device. Be cautious about third-party tools that claim to unlock an iPhone without a passcode; Apple’s support guidance does not establish them as safe or supported recovery methods.

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