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As an iPhone users, you inevitably encounter issues about accessing a locked iPhone without the password. In this post, we will help the individuals regain access to their own devices in situations where they’ve forgotten their iPhone passcodes, or are attempting to access a device owned by a deceased loved one.
From the iCloud to iTunes, recovery mode to Apple Support, we will delve into the myriad of tools that are available for iPhone 14/13/12/11 users who find themselves locked out of their devices. Get ready to navigate the twists and turns of iPhone security, and empower yourself to take control of your device – even when it seems locked away from you.
What Happens When My iPhone is Locked?
When your iPhone is locked, several things happen that prevent unauthorized access to the device.
Screen Lock: The most obvious change is that the screen will lock, displaying only the lock screen. This screen displays minimal information and requires either a passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID to unlock, depending on your device and settings.
Attempt Limit: If an incorrect passcode is entered multiple times, the iPhone will start to implement delays between attempts. After ten failed attempts, the device will either be disabled for a period or erased entirely, depending on your settings.
Activation Lock: If Find My iPhone is enabled, Activation Lock is also turned on. This feature prevents anyone else from using your iPhone, even after it’s been completely erased. To disable Activation Lock, you need to enter the Apple ID and password used to set up Find My iPhone.
So when your iPhone is locked, it’s protecting your data from unauthorized access and can’t be used without the correct passcode, Touch ID, Face ID, or Apple ID credentials.
How Much Does it Cost to Unlock an iPhone?
The cost to unlock an iPhone can vary greatly depending on the situation. Here are some common scenarios:
Forget iPhone passcode: If you’ve forgotten your passcode, Apple provides ways for you to reset and bypass the lock screen for free. This will involve either using iTunes, iCloud, or the recovery mode on the iPhone, which do not inherently cost anything. However, this process will erase all the data on your iPhone unless you have a recent backup. If you want to reset iPhone without password and data loss, then you should pay some money ($30 – $60) to buy a professional software to do that.
Activation Lock: If you’re dealing with Activation Lock – the feature that’s part of Find My iPhone – only the Apple ID and password used to set it up can disable it. If you are the original owner and forgot your credentials, Apple’s support team may help you recover your account for free. If you’ve bought a second hand iPhone and didn’t receive the Apple ID and password, you will need to contact the original owner or use third-party software to unlock the iPhone without knowing the password. However, it is not free!
Method 1: How to Get into a Locked iPhone from iCloud
If you’ve locked yourself out of your iPhone, but you have Find My iPhone set up and remember your Apple ID and password, you can erase your device using iCloud. Remember, erasing your device will delete everything on it, including the passcode. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: From another device or computer, go to iCloud.com.
Step 2: Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
Step 3: Click on "Find iPhone." If you’re not seeing it, click on "All Apps" and select "Find iPhone."
Step 4: Click "All Devices" at the top of the screen and select the iPhone you want to erase.
Step 5: Click "Erase iPhone" and then confirm. This will erase your device, including the passcode.
Step 6: Once your iPhone is erased, you can then restore it from your most recent backup during the setup process. If you hadn’t backed up your iPhone before, you would have to start afresh.
This method requires that you had Find My iPhone set up on your device, and you remember your Apple ID and password. If you didn’t have Find My iPhone set up, you’ll need to use iTunes or Finder on a computer to erase and restore your device.
Method 2: Get into a Locked iPhone without Password Using Professional Software
Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker is a powerful and user-friendly software designed to help iPhone users unlock their devices in various situations. Whether you have forgotten your passcode, acquired a locked iPhone, or simply want to bypass the iCloud activation lock, Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker provides a reliable solution.
This software offers three main unlocking modes: unlocking a locked iPhone screen, removing Apple ID, and bypassing the iCloud activation lock. With its intuitive interface and step-by-step instructions, Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker makes the unlocking process straightforward and accessible to users of all levels of technical expertise.
If you’re unable to access your iPhone due to a forgotten passcode, this tool can help you remove the lock screen without the need for a backup. It supports all iPhone models, including the latest iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, and can unlock various types of screen passcodes, such as a 4-digit or 6-digit numeric code, Touch ID, or Face ID.
Step 1: Download the iPhone Unlocker software from our website, and install it on your computer.
Step 2: : Connect the iPhone to the computer and open the program.
Step 3: Select the "Wipe Passcode" mode. This option should be on the main interface of the program.
Step 4: The software will detect your iPhone automatically and display its information. Confirm that the information is correct and click "Start" to download the firmware package.
Step 5: After the firmware download, click "Unlock" to remove the iPhone passcode. You need to confirm the unlocking by entering "0000" in the box, and then click "Unlock" again.
Once the passcode has been removed, you can set up your iPhone as new, including setting up a new passcode. If you have a backup (either iCloud or iTunes), you can restore it during the setup process.
Alternative iPhone Password Unlocking Software:
iMyFone Fixppo
Fixppo is a powerful software tool developed by iMyFone Technology, designed to assist users who have forgotten their iPhone passcodes, or are locked out of their iOS devices due to numerous incorrect passcode attempts. This software aids in regaining access to the device without compromising the existing data.
Notably user-friendly, iMyFone Fixppo enables users to bypass the iPhone’s passcode in a few simple steps. Its compatibility is also commendable, as it supports all iOS devices and versions, including the latest ones. Furthermore, this tool has been well-recognized in the industry for its high success rate in resolving iPhone lock issues.
Dr.Fone Screen Unlock
Dr.Fone Screen Unlock is a powerful iPhone passcode unlocking tool developed by Wondershare, specifically designed to help users unlock their iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch screens when they’ve forgotten their passcodes or when their device is disabled. This software supports various lock scenarios including a 4-digit passcode, 6-digit passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID.
This tool is known for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible for people with limited technical knowledge. It enables users to bypass the lock screen and regain access to their device without having to resort to more complex methods. However, it’s essential to note that using Dr.Fone Screen Unlock will erase all data on your device.
Dr.Fone Screen Unlock is part of the Dr.Fone toolkit, a suite of different tools designed to address various iOS and Android issues. While its features are appreciated by many users, it’s important to understand that using such tools can potentially lead to data loss if not used correctly. It’s always recommended to maintain regular backups of your devices.
Method 3: Get into a Locked iPhone without Password Using iTunes
Besides iCloud and iPhone passcode unlocking software, iTunes i another versatile solution to get into a locked iPhone. However, this method will erase all data on your device. If you have a backup, you can restore the data and settings after erasing the iPhone.
Here’s how you can erase the password from iPhone using iTunes:
Step 1: You can use the cable that came with your iPhone.
Step 2: If you don’t have iTunes, you can download it from Apple’s website.
Step 3: Put your device into Recovery Mode:
On iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery-mode screen.
On iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press and hold the Side (or Top) button and the Volume Down button at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the recovery-mode screen.
On iPhone 6S and earlier: Press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the recovery-mode screen.
Step 4: : A window will pop up in iTunes with the options to ‘Restore’ or ‘Update’. Click ‘Restore’. iTunes will download software for your device. If it takes more than 15 minutes, your device will exit recovery mode, and you’ll need to repeat steps 3 and 4.
Step 5: Wait for the process to finish and you can set up and use your device.
Video Tutorial: Unlock Any iPhone Without the Passcode Fast
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you still use a locked iPhone?
Yes, you can still use a locked iPhone, but your usage will be limited. For instance, you can use some functions from the lock screen like the flashlight, camera, or control center, make emergency calls, and answer incoming calls. However, you won’t be able to access apps or personal data unless you input the correct passcode or use biometrics (Touch ID or Face ID).
Is it possible to unlock a locked phone?
Yes, it’s possible to unlock a locked iPhone. If you’ve forgotten your passcode, you can use recovery methods provided by Apple, such as through iTunes or iCloud, to erase your device and remove the passcode. However, this will delete all data on your device unless you have a recent backup.
How long does a locked iPhone last?
If you enter the wrong passcode on an iPhone six times in a row, the device will be disabled for 1 minute. The more incorrect passcode attempts, the longer the disabling period, until the device says "iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes." At that point, you need to connect the iPhone to a computer to restore the device, which will erase all data.
What does Locked iPhone Mean for Backup
A locked iPhone means that you cannot directly back up the device unless you know the passcode. While your iPhone is locked, you cannot access its data or settings, which includes performing a backup. However, if your iPhone was routinely backing up to iCloud when connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into a power source, the backups may continue to occur even while locked.
Is it legal to unlock an iPhone yourself?
Yes, it is generally legal to unlock an iPhone yourself if the device is yours and you’re unlocking it to use on another carrier or because you’ve forgotten your passcode. However, unauthorized methods or tools that breach Apple’s terms of service can void your warranty and might lead to other issues. If you’re trying to bypass an Activation Lock on a device that isn’t yours, that is both illegal and unethical.
The Final Words
In conclusion, getting into a locked iPhone without a password may seem like a daunting task, but various methods are available to help users overcome this challenge. These methods include using Apple’s built-in recovery options like iCloud or iTunes, or third-party tools such as iMyFone Fixppo, Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker, and Dr.Fone Screen Unlock. Each method has its own set of steps and considerations, and in most cases, these procedures will lead to data loss unless a recent backup is available.
However, it’s critical to understand the implications and ethics associated with these methods. They are designed to assist users who have forgotten their own passcode or need to troubleshoot their own device, not to gain unauthorized access to someone else’s iPhone. Misusing these tools can lead to legal repercussions. Moreover, attempting to bypass security measures without the proper knowledge can result in data loss or other serious consequences.