Did you forget the passcode for your iPhone? Luckily, it’s easier than ever to get into a locked iPhone so you can set a new passcode and start using your phone again. While all of these methods involve erasing and resetting your iPhone, you can always restore your data if you have a backup saved to a computer or iCloud.

Before you start: You must know the Apple Account password associated with the iPhone, and the device should be connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network.

Warning: Erasing your iPhone will permanently delete all data, apps, and settings unless you have a backup available.

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How to reset a forgotten iPhone passcode

This guide will walk you through the steps to reset your iPhone passcode when you’ve forgotten it.

  • First, try to enter your passcode incorrectly a few times until the screen says “iPhone Unavailable.”
  • If your iPhone is running iOS 15.2 or later, tapForgot Passcode? at the bottom right corner. If using iOS 16 or earlier, tapErase iPhone.
  • Next, enter your Apple Account password to sign out of your account on the iPhone.
  • Then, tapErase iPhone to start the reset process.
  • After the iPhone restarts, follow the instructions on the screen to set it up again and establish a new passcode.
  • If you recently changed your passcode, attempt to unlock your iPhone temporarily with the old passcode within 72 hours of the change:
    • Enter the wrong passcode a few times until the security lockout screen appears.
    • TapForgot Passcode?.
    • TapTry Passcode Reset or Enter Previous Passcode.
    • Enter your old passcode and follow the prompts to set a new passcode.
  • If unable to reset from the screen, turn off your iPhone and reset it using a computer:
    • To power down, if you don’t have a Home button, press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button until the power slider appears. For Home button models, hold the Side or Top button until the power slider appears.
    • Next, plug your iPhone into a computer using a USB cable and hold the Side button.
    • Within Finder, click the image of your iPhone in the sidebar, or in iTunes, select the iPhone icon in the top bar.
    • Trust your iPhone when prompted.
    • Select Restore to erase your device and reinstall iOS; the process should take around 15 minutes.
  • After the iPhone restarts, follow the instructions on the screen to set it up and restore data from a backup if applicable.
  • If using iCloud and Find My is enabled, visithttps://www.icloud.com/find, log in with your Apple Account, select your iPhone, and choose Erase This Device.

Pro tip: Always have a backup ready to avoid data loss. Consider setting up automatic backups in iCloud or regularly saving backups to your computer.

It’s essential to keep track of your iPhone’s passcode and your Apple Account password to prevent being locked out in the future. Regularly updating your password and enabling two-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security. If you find yourself frequently forgetting your passcode, think about using a memorable digital code or a password manager to help keep your information safe.