How to restore your iPhone if you forgot your passcode | Apple Support

If you forgot your passcode and are unable to unlock your iPhone, you can erase it to remove the passcode lock and then restore it from a backup later.

We will show you how to erase your iPhone wirelessly in iOS 15.2 or later. If you are using iOS 15.1 or earlier, or if you cannot erase your iPhone wirelessly, we will also explain how to erase it using a computer.

To restore your device from a backup, you will need to have one already stored in iCloud or on your computer.

Erase your iPhone wirelessly

First, let us see how to erase your iPhone wirelessly.

Before you start, you will need to know your Apple ID and password, and your iPhone must be connected to the internet using Wi-Fi or your cellular data.

Let us get started. If you have entered your passcode incorrectly too many times, your device will be disabled, and you will see an option to erase your iPhone in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

To do this, tap Erase iPhone. This will erase all content and settings on your iPhone, including the passcode. If you have a backup saved in iCloud or on your computer, you can restore your content when the process is complete.

To continue, tap Erase iPhone again, and then enter your Apple ID password when prompted. Then the process of erasing your iPhone will begin. This might take a little while.

Once it has been erased, the Hello screen will appear, and you can follow the steps to set up your iPhone again.

Erase your iPhone with recovery mode and a computer

If you are using iOS 15.1 or earlier, or cannot erase your iPhone wirelessly, you can erase it with Recovery Mode and a computer. To use this option, you will need a Mac or Windows computer and a compatible cable.

Your iPhone will need to be charged, and if it has Find My enabled, you will need to make sure you have your Apple ID and password ready.

First, you will perform a few steps on your iPhone. The steps will vary depending on which model of iPhone you have. Once you have entered Recovery Mode, you will switch to your computer.

Enter recovery mode for iPhone X or later, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus

If you have an iPhone X or later, a 2nd generation iPhone SE, an iPhone 8, or an iPhone 8 Plus, press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the Power Off slider appears.

Drag the slider to turn off your device. Now press and hold the side button and immediately connect your device to your computer while holding the button. Make sure to keep holding the side button until Recovery Mode screen appears. This might take a moment.

Enter recovery mode for iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch (7th generation)

If you have an iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, or a 7th generation iPod touch, press and hold the side button or the top button until the Power Off slider appears. Then drag the slider to turn off your device. Now press and hold the volume-down button and immediately connect your device to your computer while holding the button. Make sure to keep holding the volume-down button until the Recovery Mode screen appears. This might take a moment.

Enter recovery mode for iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 6s or earlier, and iPod Touch (6th generation or earlier)

If you have a 1st generation iPhone SE, an iPhone 6s or earlier, or a 6th generation iPod touch or earlier, press and hold the side or top button until the Power Off slider appears. Next, drag the slider to turn off your device. Now press and hold the Home button and immediately connect your device to your computer while holding the button. Make sure to keep holding the Home button until the Recovery Mode screen appears, and then follow the onscreen prompts. This might take a moment.

Restore your iPhone on a computer

Now you will complete the process using your computer. If you have a Mac using macOS Catalina or later, open the Finder. If you are using macOS Mojave or earlier, or if you are using Windows computer, open iTunes.

When the option to Restore or Update your device appears, click Restore. This will erase all content and settings, including passcode. If you have a backup saved to your computer or iCloud, you can restore it after this process is done. Click Restore and Update when you are ready. Your computer will download and install the latest version of iOS onto your iPhone.

If the download takes longer than 15 minutes, your device will exit Recovery Mode. To reenter Recovery Mode, you will need to repeat the iPhone steps described in the previous section. Be sure not to disconnect your device while it is restoring. After the restore is completed, your device will restart.

If you still need help, contact Apple Support to speak with an advisor or to make an appointment at an Apple Store or Apple-authorized service provider.

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Source :

Apple Support. (2022). How to restore your iPhone if you forgot your passcode – Apple Support. YouTube. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://youtu.be/7s8-zLG9ySQ.