Here is how can Reset or Remove iPhone Passcode, if you happen to forget the Lock Screen Passcode or it gets disabled due to multiple incorrect login attempts.
The general tendency when users forget the Lock Screen Passcode is to make multiple login attempts, trying to remember or guess the correct Passcode.
However, entering the wrong Passcode multiple times activates the safety feature in iOS which disables iPhone, in order to protect its data.
When iPhone gets temporarily or permanently disabled, you will clearly see a blunt message reading “Your iPhone is disabled” and you won’t be able to get past this screen.
If iPhone gets permanently disabled, the only solution to unlock your device is to Reset or Remove its Lock Screen Passcode by erasing all its data.
Steps to Reset or Remove iPhone Passcode
Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer (Mac or Windows PC) and follow the steps below to Reset or Remove Passcode from iPhone.
1. Connect iPhone to computer using its charging cable.
2. Open the Finder on your Mac (macOS Catalina or higher). If you are using an earlier version of macOS or Windows PC, Open iTunes (If iTunes is already open, close iTunes and open it again).
3. Next, follow the steps below to enter Recovery Mode as applicable for the model of your iPhone.
iPhone 8 and later: Press and release Volume UP button > Press and release Volume Down button > Next, Press and hold the Side button (Power Button), until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Side and Volume Down buttons at the same time. Keep holding them, until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
iPhone 6 or earlier: Press and hold Home and Side (Power) buttons at the same time. Keep holding them, until you see the Recovery Mode Screen (iTunes Logo and Cable)
Note: Do not release the button as you see iPhone starting with Apple Logo. Continue holding down the button, until you see Recovery Mode Screen.
4. Restore iPhone Using iTunes
Once your device enters recovery mode, you will see a pop-up allowing you to either Update or Restore your device.
Since, you are trying to Erase the Passcode, select the Restore option.
Patiently wait for your computer to download the latest version of software on your device. If the download is taking longer than 15 minutes and your device exits recovery mode, allow the download to finish and repeat step 3.
5. Setup iPhone Using Backup or As New Device
After the Restore process is completed, you will find iPhone starting with the ‘Hello’ screen.
Follow the on-screen instructions, until you reach ‘Apps & Data’ Screen and select Set up as New iPhone option.
Follow the remaining on-screen instructions to complete the setup process, join WiFi Network and setup a New Lock Screen Passcode on your iPhone.
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Want to temporarily or permanently turn off the passcode on your iPhone or iPad? Follow along below for a step by step guide.
There are a variety of scenarios where it might be helpful to turn off the passcode on your device. Just keep in mind that the contents of your phone will be exposed if someone else uses it or it’s lost or stolen.
One other downside, is that Apple Pay cards will be removed when you turn off your passcode. We’ll first look at changing your passcode if you know the current one, and then tackle what to do if you can’t remember your passcode.
How to turn off passcode on iPhone and iPad
- Open Settings
- Swipe down and tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode)
- Swipe down again and tap Turn Passcode Off
- Read disclaimer and tap Turn Off
Here’s how the process looks:
After entering your passcode, swipe down and look for Turn Passcode Off as shown below.
If you’re locked out of your iPhone and can’t get into Settings to make these changes, you’ll need to restore your iPhone. Read more about that on Apple’s support document here.
For more help getting the most out of your Apple devices, check out our how to guide as well as the following articles:
- Can you get the Podcasts app on Mac?
- How to cancel your YouTube TV subscription
- How to connect Apple Pencil with your iPad
- How to unlock a disabled Apple ID
- How to change your Apple ID password
- How to change your Apple ID birthdate
- How to use AirPods with your Mac
- How to check the model of your AirPods and charging case
- How to fix AirPods that won’t connect to your iPhone
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About the Author
Michael Potuck
@michaelpotuck
Michael is an editor for 9to5Mac. Since joining in 2016 he has written more than 3,000 articles including breaking news, reviews, and detailed comparisons and tutorials.