Face ID not working
When Face ID stops working and you get locked out, you must enter your passcode. If you forget your passcode, the only option is to erase your iPhone using recovery steps. Apple does not allow any facial recognition to be overridden without the passcode.
A restore helps restore the phone to working condition. After erasing everything, you can set up Face ID again during setup.
Forgot iPhone passcode
If you forget your iPhone passcode, the only way to unlock it is to erase the device. This wipes everything but lets you set it up again from scratch or a backup.
Apple does not offer any official way to bypass the passcode without a full restore, so be sure your data is backed up before starting.
iPhone disabled fix
An iPhone becomes disabled after too many failed passcode attempts. Once this happens, the screen might say Try again later. To fix it, you need to erase the iPhone and restore it.
If you’re locked out, you’ll usually need to erase the iPhone either from the lock screen (on iOS 15.2 or later) or by using recovery mode with a computer. After the reset, restore your data from a backup or configure it as new. Ensure necessary features are enabled first.
Reset Without Passcode
If you forget your iPhone passcode, you can reset the phone without the password, but you must erase it. First, enter recovery mode using your computer, then use the appropriate software to restore the device.
If enabled, you can erase the phone remotely through iCloud. This removes the lock screen but also deletes all content, so having a backup in iCloud or on a computer is key before starting the reset.
Restore with Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes
You do not always need iTunes to reset a locked iPhone. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, you restore using Finder. On a Windows PC, use the Apple Devices app (Microsoft Store).
If you don’t have Apple Devices on Windows, or your Mac is running macOS Mojave or earlier, use iTunes instead. In all cases, you’ll connect the iPhone and choose Restore to erase it and reinstall iOS.
If you cannot access a computer, you can erase the phone remotely using iCloud. These alternatives are useful when iTunes is not installed or the software is not working correctly.
Erase via Finder
Connect your iPhone to a Mac and open Finder. Put the iPhone into recovery mode using the steps for your model, then select Restore when prompted.
This erases the device, reinstalls iOS, and lets you set it up again. Once finished, you can set up the phone again and restore data if a backup is saved.
No computer restore
You can still reset your iPhone using iCloud if you do not have a computer. Visit iCloud.com on another device, log in to your Apple ID, and use the feature to erase your iPhone remotely.
This erases the device to remove the passcode, but Activation Lock remains, so you’ll still need the Apple Account and password to reactivate it.
You can also use the Apple Support app on a friend’s device to walk through the reset steps. Make sure your iPhone has WiFi and is listed under your Apple ID.
Remote iPhone wipe
If Find My was enabled on your iPhone, you can erase it remotely at iCloud.com/find. Sign in, select the device, and choose Erase.
The erase begins when the iPhone is online. After it’s erased, Activation Lock remains on, so you’ll still need your Apple Account and password to reactivate the iPhone during setup.
Apple ID locked
If your Apple ID is locked due to too many login attempts or suspicious activity, you must reset your password using the Apple ID website. Go to iforgot.apple.com and follow the prompts to reset your password or start account recovery.
Once your identity is verified, you can unlock your Apple ID and sign in to your device. Without access to your Apple ID, you cannot fully use your iPhone or disable Activation Lock, so this step is essential before a restore.
Bypass lock screen
Apple does not offer any legal way to bypass the iPhone lock screen without erasing the device. If you are locked out and cannot remember the passcode, you must reset the phone using Finder, iTunes, or iCloud.
This security measure protects your data and device from unauthorized access. Once erased, you can restore your content from iCloud or a local backup. Be cautious of third-party tools claiming to bypass the lock without a reset.
Restore from backup
After erasing a locked iPhone, you can restore from a backup during setup. This only works if you have a previous iCloud or iTunes backup available. Choose Restore from iCloud, Restore from Mac, or PC during the setup screen.
Then log in and select the backup you want. Restoring will bring back your apps, photos, and settings. It is the easiest way to return to normal after a passcode lockout or reset.
Locked out during travel
Getting locked out of your iPhone while traveling can turn into a real mess. If you do not have access to your regular devices or accounts, a smart move is to use your trusted contacts or recovery key.
These can help verify your identity without needing to log in from familiar devices. If your phone has an eSIM, you can also contact your carrier to suspend service or temporarily move your number until you get back online.
Locked after update
Some users get locked out after an iOS update, especially if Face ID or Touch ID fails. If you forgot the passcode in that case, recovery mode is your best bet. Connect the device to a computer and use it to erase and reinstall iOS.
Then, if available, restore from a backup. This is a common issue after system updates when authentication settings are reset or Face ID behaves differently due to software changes.
Family sharing unlock
If a family member is locked out and you use Family Sharing, you can help erase and reset their iPhone using your iCloud account. Log in to iCloud.com, choose the device, and select Erase iPhone. If it appears in Find Devices under your family group, send an erase request.
This helps when kids forget their passcodes or get locked out. You will still need their Apple ID to set the phone up again, but the process works well for families.
Curious to see how it all comes together? Check out the iPhone apps already using Apple Intelligence; they’re seriously impressive.
Screen time lock
If you forgot your Screen Time passcode, you can usually reset it in Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode by signing in with the Apple Account email and password used to set it up.
If you manage a child’s device with Family Sharing, the organizer can reset the child’s Screen Time passcode from their own device.
Hence, recovery is possible if you have access to that account. If you try too many times, the device may become disabled and need a full restore, so it’s smart to keep that password written somewhere safe.
Having Wi-Fi troubles on your iPhone? You might want to check this setting first before pulling your hair out.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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