Maybe you recently changed your iPhone passcode to protect your data, but now you can’t remember the new one and you’re locked out of your own phone. As frustrating as it is to have a disabled iPhone, rest assured that there are a few iPhone tips and tricks that can help you get back on track.
While you most likely lost access to your phone through your own actions, it’s possible that someone else locked it without your knowledge, in which case you’ll want to learn how to delete iPhone apps and how to lock apps on iPhone. But first, knowing how to unlock an iPhone without a passcode is essential, whether for yourself or someone else—and maybe even a life saver.
Once you figure this out, you might also want to look into how to unlock iPad without a password.
Why can’t you use a passcode on iPhone?
There are several situations where you may need to unlock your iPhone without a passcode:
- You reset your password and forgot the new one.
- Someone else has reset your password.
- You have entered an incorrect password so many times that your phone has locked itself out of security settings.
- Your phone is disabled.
- Your screen is cracked and won’t accept your password.
- The phone belongs to someone else who needs help.
- You’re stuck in an emergency where the only available phone has a passcode you don’t know.
- Many people only use Touch ID or Face ID, so they forget the password. “Apple’s Face ID feature relies on a learning algorithm, so it’s still not 100% accurate,” explains tech expert Jason Wise, editor-in-chief at Earthweb. “If the feature is disabled or your device malfunctions, you will have to resort to using a passcode.”
How to unlock iPhone without passcode
Not being able to get into your iPhone can be frustrating and maybe even a little scary, depending on the situation. If this happens to you, try one of these strategies to unlock it. Note that using these methods will reset your phone to factory settings, but restoring your data is as easy as logging into iCloud with your Apple ID and password. That’s why it’s a good idea to regularly back up your data to iCloud. It’s too late to do this after you lose access to your phone.
How to unlock iPhone using computer
Using iTunes
Cornelius Fichtner, technical expert and president of OSP International, described the steps to use iTunes or Finder to unlock an iPhone without a passcode. Apple has changed things for users with macOS Catalina or later. For users of older operating systems or computer users, iTunes can still be used to unlock the iPhone.
- Install iTunes on your Mac or PC.
- Disconnect the phone from the computer (if connected) and turn it off.
- Put your phone into recovery mode by pressing the appropriate key and connecting your phone to your computer at the same time. For iPhone 8 and later, use the side button; for models 7 and 7 Plus, use the volume down button; for iPhone 6 and older, use the home button.
- Hold the button until the recovery mode pop-up appears.
- Find your iPhone in iTunes and select “restore” when you see the option to restore or update.
- When the download is complete, the phone will turn off and restart. When it’s done, disconnect it from your computer, set it up, and use your iPhone as usual.
Using the Finder
- Mac users running Catalina or later operating systems without iTunes can unlock their iPhone using the Finder.
- Open Finder on your Mac and plug your iPhone into your computer using a USB cable.
- Put your iPhone into recovery mode: For iPhone X and later, press and quickly release the volume up and volume down buttons in turn. Then press and hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- You will see a pop-up window with options to update or restore; press “Restore”.
- Accept the terms and conditions and Finder will begin downloading the latest iOS firmware.
- Wait for your iPhone to come back.
Using Find My
Another way to unlock your iPhone without a passcode is through Apple’s Find My feature. While the Find My app has many benefits, it can also open you up as a target for scammers, so keep in mind that, although generally, the benefits outweigh the risks. Fichtner explains how to unlock an iPhone using Find My.
- Go to icloud.com on your Mac and sign in.
- Open the Find My app.
- Click “All Devices” on the top bar; select the phone you want to unlock.
- Click “Erase iPhone”.
- Enter your Apple ID to confirm.
- The process will begin when your iPhone connects to the network.
Do you need to unlock your iPhone using third-party apps?
You may see advertising for third-party apps to unlock your iPhone without a passcode, but they aren’t necessary when Apple gives you other, more secure tools to unlock your iPhone. “It’s possible to unlock an iPhone using third-party software, but I wouldn’t advise it. Use iTunes or Finder,” says Eric Florence, a cybersecurity consultant at SecurityTech.
Alex Hamerstone, director of consulting solutions for TrustedSec, a company specializing in information security, agrees. “They’re all really just scams,” he says. “Even the FBI struggled with unlocking iPhones when investigating mass murderers and other criminals. If the company really managed to crack Apple’s iPhone encryption, they won’t be selling it for a few bucks online.”
“The best case scenario,” says Hammerstone, “is that these sketchy apps take your money and you get nothing in return. If you’ve only lost the few dollars you paid for the app, consider yourself lucky. However, they are more likely to steal your account information, personal information or financial information for further crimes and fraud.”
Chris Hauk, consumer privacy advocate at Pixel Privacy, also opines: “While several apps claim to unlock your iPhone, it’s best to stick to the Apple-recommended trilogy of using iTunes/Finder/Find My to unlock your device. While there are some pretty reputable companies that offer utilities that can unlock your iPhone, be aware that the app may be sending data back to the developer, which could lead to a breach of your privacy and device security.”
Consensus: Stick to their recommended methods or visit your local Apple Store for help. Don’t try to solve it yourself by downloading apps or tools you find online.
iPhone Unlock Hacks
There are hacks for everything these days, like using smartphone secret codes to disable call waiting or better reception. Other hacks will teach you how to restart a frozen iPhone, how to turn off read receipts, and how to hide text messages on iPhone. Not enough hacks? Check out TikTok which already convinced us we need a desk vacuum but has the ultimate trick to unlock iPhone without passcode.
This TikTok video is simple and safe. You can practice this on your own iPhone by covering the camera so Face ID doesn’t work.
Unlock iPhone without passcode as follows:
- Swipe down from the top to open the Control Center.
- Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile data. Turn on airplane mode.
- Open the calculator.
- Turn your phone sideways to open the scientific calculator.
- Enter the period.
- Tap In.
- It will say Error.
- Swipe up and the iPhone is unlocked.
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