Getting locked out of your iPhone can be a real headache, but don’t worry, there’s a way to get back in. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of unlocking your iPhone step by step. So, if you’ve forgotten your passcode or your device has been disabled, follow along, and you’ll be back in your phone in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Get into a Locked iPhone
Before we start, it’s important to note that the following steps will erase all data on your iPhone. So, if you have a backup, you’ll be able to restore your data later. If you don’t have a backup, you’ll lose everything on your device.
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer
Plug your iPhone into your computer using the USB cable that came with your device.
Once your iPhone is connected to your computer, it’s time to open iTunes. If you don’t have iTunes installed on your computer, you’ll need to download and install it. Make sure you’re using the latest version of iTunes to avoid any issues.
Step 2: Put your iPhone into recovery mode
Press and hold the correct buttons on your iPhone to enter recovery mode.
For iPhone 8 or later, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
For iPhone 7, press and hold the Volume Down and the Sleep/Wake buttons at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.
For iPhone 6s or earlier, press and hold the Home and the Sleep/Wake buttons at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.
Step 3: Restore your iPhone
Click on ‘Restore’ when the option appears on your computer screen.
Once you click ‘Restore,’ iTunes will download software for your device. If the download takes more than 15 minutes, your iPhone will exit recovery mode, and you’ll need to repeat steps 2 and 3.
After the process is complete, your iPhone will be unlocked, and you’ll be able to set it up as new or restore it from a backup.
What Happens After?
Once you’ve completed the above steps, your iPhone will restart, and you’ll be able to set it up as if it were a brand new device. If you have an iCloud or iTunes backup, you can choose to restore your data from there. If not, you’ll have to set up your iPhone from scratch.
Tips for How to Get into a Locked iPhone
- Always back up your iPhone regularly, so you don’t lose important data if you get locked out.
- If you’ve enabled ‘Find My iPhone,’ you can use it to erase your device remotely, which also removes the passcode.
- Never use easy-to-guess passcodes like “1234” or “0000” as they can easily be guessed by others.
- If you can’t use iTunes to restore your iPhone, try using recovery mode or contact Apple Support for help.
- Remember that after ten failed passcode attempts, your iPhone will be disabled, so avoid guessing if you’re not sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have a computer to connect my iPhone to?
If you don’t have access to a computer, you can use a friend’s computer or visit an Apple Store for assistance.
Can I unlock my iPhone without erasing all the data?
Unfortunately, if you’ve forgotten your passcode, there’s no way to unlock your iPhone without erasing all the data.
How do I avoid getting locked out of my iPhone in the future?
To avoid getting locked out, make sure to remember your passcode, use Touch ID or Face ID for easy access, and regularly back up your iPhone.
What should I do if I can’t put my iPhone into recovery mode?
If you’re having trouble entering recovery mode, make sure you’re pressing the correct buttons for your iPhone model and that you’re holding them long enough.
Will this process work on any iPhone?
Yes, this process will work on any iPhone model, as long as you follow the correct steps for your specific device.
Summary
- Connect your iPhone to your computer
- Put your iPhone into recovery mode
- Restore your iPhone
Conclusion
Getting locked out of your iPhone can feel like a disaster, especially if you rely on your device for everyday tasks. However, with the right knowledge and tools, you can unlock your iPhone and get back to using it as normal. Just remember, the process will erase all your data, so it’s crucial to have a backup either on iCloud or iTunes. If you ever find yourself in this predicament, don’t panic. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll regain access to your locked iPhone in no time.
Whether you’ve forgotten your passcode or entered the wrong one too many times, the steps we’ve discussed are a surefire way to regain access to your device. It’s a good practice to regularly back up your iPhone to avoid losing precious data. And if you’re ever in doubt, seeking help from Apple Support is always a smart move. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so take measures to prevent future lockouts by using features like Touch ID or Face ID and keeping your passcode in a safe place.
Locked out of your iPhone? No problem! You now have the knowledge to get back in.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.