How to Unlock a Disabled iPhone 13 (iOS 15.6)

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If your iPhone 13 is locked after too many incorrect passcode attempts, don’t panic. You can unlock it—but you’ll need a computer and a little patience. Whether you’re seeing “iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes” or the phone simply won’t accept a passcode, here’s exactly how to restore access.

What Happens When Your iPhone Is Disabled?

After too many failed passcode entries, your iPhone will lock itself for increasing time intervals. On the 10th wrong try, it’s fully disabled, and you’ll see a message telling you to connect to a computer. At this point, you’ll need to erase the device to get back in.

Important: Erasing your iPhone deletes all data, unless you have a backup saved in iCloud or iTunes.

Option 1: Unlock with iTunes on a Windows PC

  1. Turn off your iPhone completely.
  2. Put it into Recovery Mode:
    • Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.
    • Press and hold the Side button until you see the Recovery Mode screen (cable and computer icon).
  3. Open iTunes (latest version) on your PC.
  4. When prompted in iTunes, choose Restore.
  5. Wait for iTunes to download software and erase your iPhone.
  6. Afterward, you can set up your iPhone as new or restore it from a backup.

Option 2: Use Finder on a Mac (macOS Catalina or Later)

  1. Connect your iPhone to the Mac using a Lightning cable.
  2. Put the phone into Recovery Mode (same steps as above).
  3. Open the Finder app and select your iPhone in the sidebar.
  4. Click Restore iPhone.
  5. Follow the onscreen instructions to erase and reset your device.

Option 3: Use a Third-Party iPhone Unlock Tool

If you don’t want to deal with iTunes or Finder—or if they don’t recognize your device—third-party tools can help.

Popular options include:

  • iMobie AnyUnlock
  • Tenorshare 4uKey
  • Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock
  • iMyFone LockWiper

These apps usually work like this:

  1. Download and install the tool on your computer.
  2. Connect your iPhone via USB.
  3. Enter recovery mode.
  4. Follow the app’s instructions to remove the lock screen.

Note: Some tools require payment, but many offer free trials or partial functionality.

After You Restore Your iPhone

Once your iPhone is erased, you’ll go through the usual setup process:

  • Choose language, region, Wi-Fi.
  • Sign in with your Apple ID (used previously on the device).
  • Restore from iCloud or iTunes backup if available.

If you don’t have a backup, you’ll need to set it up as a new device.

Pro Tips to Avoid This in the Future

  • Set a memorable passcode (and don’t share it with young kids).
  • Enable Face ID for faster access.
  • Back up regularly via iCloud or iTunes.
  • Enable “Find My iPhone” for remote wipe and tracking.

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