How do I help someone who is locked out of an iPhone?
Answer
You generally cannot unlock someone else’s iPhone without their passcode or Apple ID. If the screen allows, put the iPhone into recovery mode and restore it with a computer; that erases the phone and then requires the owner’s Apple ID to pass Activation Lock.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Restoring an iPhone in recovery mode erases apps, photos, and data that were only on the device.
- Services that claim to unlock an iPhone without the passcode or Apple ID are commonly scams.
Follow these steps
Confirm ownership and Apple ID access
Ask the owner for the Apple ID email on the phone and whether they can still reset that password through Apple’s official iforgot.apple.com flow. Without that account, a restore may leave the phone Activation Locked.
You should see: The owner can sign into the Apple ID, or you know Activation Lock will block setup after erase.
Prepare a computer with Apple’s software
On a Mac, use Finder (or Apple Devices). On a Windows PC, install or open the official Apple Devices or iTunes app from Apple—not a random download site—then connect the iPhone with a trusted cable.
You should see: The computer recognizes an iPhone connection or is ready for recovery mode.
Enter recovery mode and choose Restore
Follow Apple’s recovery-mode button sequence for that iPhone model until the computer detects a recovery-mode device. Choose Restore, not Update, so the phone is erased and reinstalled with iOS.
You should see: The computer downloads iOS and erases the iPhone, or shows a specific restore error code.
Set up with the owner’s Apple ID
When setup begins, have the owner enter their Apple ID to turn off Activation Lock and continue. Do not use anyone else’s Apple ID on their phone.
You should see: The iPhone finishes setup, or Activation Lock clearly blocks progress without the correct account.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether the iPhone shows a passcode keypad, a disabled/security lockout timer, or a connect-to-computer recovery screen, and whether the owner still knows the Apple ID.
Before you change anything: Confirm the phone’s owner is present and authorizes erase if needed. Back up first only if the phone can still unlock—otherwise data on the device may already be inaccessible. Use a trusted Mac or PC with the latest Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes from Apple. Never give the passcode or Apple ID to an unexpected remote “helper.”