If you’ve forgotten your iPhone passcode, you’ll need to
erase your device to remove the passcode and then restore it from a backup or
set it up as new. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Understand What Happens
- Erasing
your iPhone deletes all data, including the forgotten passcode. - After
erasing, you can restore from a backup (if available) or start fresh.
Step 2: Choose a Method to Erase Your iPhone
You can use iCloud, iTunes/Finder, or Recovery
Mode, depending on your situation.
Option 1: Erase via iCloud (If Find My iPhone is Enabled)
- On a
computer or another device, visit iCloud.com and log in with your Apple ID. - Click
Find iPhone. - Select
your device from the “All Devices” dropdown. - Choose
Erase iPhone. This will remotely erase your device. - Once
erased, set up your iPhone again and restore from a backup if available.
Option 2: Erase Using iTunes or Finder
- Prepare
Your Computer: - Install
the latest version of iTunes (on Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier). - Use
Finder (on macOS Catalina or later). - Connect
Your iPhone: - Use
a USB or Lightning cable to connect your iPhone to the computer. - Enter
Recovery Mode: - For
iPhone 8 and later: - Press
and release the Volume Up button. - Press
and release the Volume Down button. - Press
and hold the Side Button until the recovery mode screen appears. - For
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: - Press
and hold the Volume Down and Side Button simultaneously. - Keep
holding until the recovery mode screen appears. - For
iPhone 6s and earlier: - Press
and hold the Home Button and Side/Top Button together. - Release
when the recovery mode screen appears. - Restore
Your iPhone: - A
prompt will appear in iTunes/Finder with options to Restore or Update. - Choose
Restore. - Follow
the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Option 3: Erase Using Recovery Mode
If the above methods don’t work, follow the steps for Recovery
Mode:
- Connect
your iPhone to a computer and put it into Recovery Mode (steps as
described above). - Open
iTunes or Finder. - Select
your device and choose Restore. - Wait
for the process to complete. Your iPhone will restart without the
passcode.
Step 3: Set Up Your iPhone
- Follow
the on-screen setup instructions. - Restore
from a backup (iCloud or iTunes) if available.
Step 4: Prevent This Issue in the Future
- Use
a passcode you can easily remember or enable Face ID/Touch ID for easier
access. - Keep
your iPhone regularly backed up to avoid data loss.