It happens to the best of us. You changed your passcode last night in a fit of security-conscious productivity, or maybe your kid mashed the screen until the dreaded "iPhone Unavailable" message appeared. Suddenly, that $1,000 piece of glass and titanium is a paperweight. You’re staring at it, hoping a miracle happens, but deep down, you know the truth.
How to get into iPhone if you forgot your passcode isn't about magic tricks; it's about data management and security protocols.
Apple’s security is notoriously stubborn. It’s designed to keep thieves out, which unfortunately means it’s equally good at keeping you out if you lose the keys. Most people think there’s a secret backdoor or a way to bypass the lock screen without losing data.
There isn't.
Unless you are running a very specific, outdated version of iOS (think iOS 17.0.2 or earlier with "Passcode Reset" options), getting back in almost always means wiping the device. It’s a bitter pill. But if you have an iCloud or computer backup, it’s just a temporary setback rather than a digital catastrophe.
The Reality of iPhone Security in 2026
If you’re looking for a way to break in without erasing your photos, stop. Seriously. Unless you have a backup, that data is likely gone. Apple uses 256-bit AES encryption. Even the FBI has struggled with this.
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The "Forgot Passcode" feature introduced in iOS 17 was a game changer for some. If you changed your passcode recently—within the last 72 hours—and you remember the old one, you can actually use that old code to get back in. You just tap "Forgot Passcode?" at the bottom of the screen and select "Enter Previous Passcode."
But what if that window has passed? Or what if you don't have that option? Then we have to look at the "nuclear" options.
Erasing from the Lock Screen
This is the easiest path. You don't need a Mac. You don't need a PC. You just need an internet connection and your Apple ID credentials.
After a few failed attempts, your iPhone will show "iPhone Unavailable" or "Security Lockout." If your phone is on a cellular or Wi-Fi network, look for the "Erase iPhone" or "Forgot Passcode?" option at the bottom. Apple moved these around in recent updates, but the functionality remains the same.
- Tap the option.
- Sign in with your Apple ID. This proves you actually own the thing.
- Confirm you want to erase everything.
The phone restarts. It looks brand new. During the setup process, you just sign into iCloud and pull your last backup. If you don't have a backup? Well, you start from scratch. It sucks, but your phone is at least usable again.
Using a Mac or PC: The Recovery Mode Method
Sometimes the "Erase iPhone" button doesn't show up. Maybe the Wi-Fi is off. Maybe the OS is glitched. This is when you need a cable.
You’ll need a computer—either a Mac (Finder) or a Windows PC (Apple Devices app or iTunes). This process is mechanical and requires some finger gymnastics.
Putting your iPhone into Recovery Mode
The button combinations vary by model, which is frustrating.
For the iPhone 8 and later (including the newest iPhone 15 and 16 lineups), it goes like this:
- Quickly press and release Volume Up.
- Quickly press and release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button.
Keep holding it. Don't let go when the Apple logo appears. Keep holding until you see a cable pointing toward a computer icon.
Once you’re in Recovery Mode, your computer will pop up a window. It will ask if you want to Update or Restore. "Update" tries to fix the software without erasing data, but it almost never works for a forgotten passcode. You have to click "Restore."
This downloads the entire iOS firmware from Apple’s servers. If your internet is slow and it takes longer than 15 minutes, the iPhone might exit Recovery Mode. Don't panic. Just let the download finish and then do the button combo again.
The Find My App Approach
Maybe your locked iPhone is sitting on your desk and you have an iPad or a spouse's iPhone handy. You can use the "Find My" app to wipe the device remotely.
Open Find My, select your locked iPhone from the list of devices, and hit "Erase This Device." This works as long as the locked phone is connected to the internet. It’s basically a remote self-destruct for your data. Once the erase is triggered, the phone will reset itself.
It’s worth mentioning Activation Lock here. Even after you erase the phone, you still need your Apple ID password to set it up again. This is Apple's way of making sure a thief can't just wipe your phone and sell it. If you forgot your Apple ID password and your device passcode, you’re in for a much longer journey involving Apple Support and proof of purchase.
What Most People Get Wrong About Third-Party Software
If you search for how to get into iPhone if you forgot your passcode, you will be flooded with ads for software that claims to "Unlock iPhone in 1 Click."
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Be careful.
Most of these tools just automate the Recovery Mode process I described above. They aren't doing anything magical. Some are legitimate utilities that make the process easier if you aren't tech-savvy, but many are "scareware" designed to get you to pay $50 for something you can do for free.
Never trust a tool that claims it can unlock your iPhone without erasing data. That is fundamentally impossible on modern iOS versions due to the Secure Enclave—a dedicated chip that handles encryption keys. If the passcode is wrong, the chip won't release the keys. Period.
Nuances of the 72-Hour Grace Period
Apple’s Passcode Reset feature is a lifesaver, but it’s conditional. It only works if you changed the code recently.
Let's say you had a passcode of "123456" for years. You change it to "987654" on Tuesday. On Wednesday, you realize you've forgotten the new one. When you hit the lockout screen, Apple allows "123456" to function as a temporary bypass to reset the new code.
If you don't see this option, it might be because you manually went into Settings and tapped "Expire Previous Passcode Now." People do this for security, but it removes your only safety net.
Summary of Actionable Steps
Getting back into your digital life requires a methodical approach. Don't just start clicking things in a panic.
- Check for the 72-hour window: If you recently changed your code, look for the "Forgot Passcode?" prompt on the lock screen to use your old one.
- Use the on-device Erase option: If you’re on iOS 15.2 or later and connected to Wi-Fi, this is the fastest way. You'll need your Apple ID password.
- Force Recovery Mode: Use a Mac or PC if the device isn't responding or isn't connected to the internet. Remember: Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold the Side button.
- Verify your Backup: Before you hit "Restore," log into iCloud.com on another device to see when your last backup was. If it was this morning, you have nothing to lose.
- Prepare for Activation Lock: Have your Apple ID and password ready. You cannot bypass this screen without them, even after a full factory reset.
- Set a "Legacy Contact" or Recovery Contact: Once you get back in, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security to set up an account recovery contact. This can prevent this nightmare from happening again in the future.
The process is frustrating by design. Apple prioritizes the privacy of your data over the convenience of getting back in. While it feels like a hurdle now, it’s the same system that keeps your banking apps and private messages safe from everyone else. Proceed with the reset, restore your backup, and maybe write the new passcode down in a physical safe this time.