How do I reset a forgotten iPhone passcode?
Answer
A forgotten iPhone passcode is usually reset either through Erase iPhone in Find My/iCloud, or by connecting the phone to a computer and restoring it in Finder, iTunes, or the Apple Devices app. Both methods erase the phone's contents unless a backup is restored afterward.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Restoring an iPhone through Erase iPhone, Finder, iTunes, or Apple Devices permanently erases its current content unless a backup is restored afterward.
- Be cautious of any site or service that asks for payment to 'unlock' an iPhone outside of official Apple channels.
Follow these steps
Try Erase iPhone through Find My, if available
From another device or a browser, sign in to the Find My or iCloud website with the Apple ID used on the locked phone, locate the device, and select Erase iPhone.
You should see: The phone erases and restarts, showing the initial setup screen instead of the lock screen.
Put the iPhone into recovery mode if Find My isn't an option
Connect the iPhone to a computer with a cable, then use the button combination for your iPhone model to enter recovery mode (this varies by model, so check the current button sequence for your specific iPhone).
You should see: The computer detects the iPhone in recovery mode and shows a restore or update option.
Restore the device using Finder, iTunes, or Apple Devices
On the computer, open Finder (Mac) or the Apple Devices app or iTunes (Windows), select the connected iPhone, and choose Restore.
You should see: The iPhone erases and reinstalls iOS, then restarts to the setup screen.
Set up the phone and restore from backup if available
During setup, choose to restore from an iCloud or computer backup if one exists and is reasonably recent.
You should see: Your apps, photos, and settings return from the backup, and you can set a new passcode.
Contact official support if no backup exists
If there is no recent backup and losing all current data is a serious concern, contact Apple Support before restoring, in case there are alternative options for your situation.
You should see: You get personalized guidance before permanently erasing the device's only copy of its data.
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Extra tips
What to look for: A lock screen repeatedly rejecting the passcode, or a message offering to erase the device after too many failed attempts.
Before you change anything: Confirm whether a recent backup exists, either in iCloud or on a computer. Check whether Find My iPhone was turned on for this device. Have the Apple ID and password ready, since it will likely be required after any reset. Understand that both recovery methods described here erase the device's current contents.