Forgetting your iPhone or iPad passcode can be a frustrating experience, but there are several methods to regain access to your device. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you reset your forgotten passcode.
Using Passcode Reset in iOS 17 and Later
If you are using iOS 17 or later, Apple has introduced a feature called Passcode Reset that allows you to temporarily use your old passcode to access your device.
- Trigger Passcode Reset: Try to enter your new passcode five times until the "[Device] Unavailable" screen appears. Tap the "Forgot Passcode?" option in the bottom corner of the screen.
- Enter Previous Passcode: Tap "Enter Previous Passcode" and enter your old passcode. Follow the onscreen instructions to set a new passcode immediately.
- Expire Old Passcode Early: If you want to expire the old passcode before the 72-hour period, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, enter your current passcode, and tap "Expire Previous Passcode Now".
Resetting Your Device Using a Computer
If you are unable to use the Passcode Reset feature or if your device is disabled, you will need to reset your iPhone or iPad using a computer.
Preparing Your Device
- Ensure You Have a Computer: You will need a Mac or PC with the necessary software installed (iTunes or Finder for Mac, Apple Devices app for PC).
- Turn Off Your Device: Unplug your iPad from the computer if it's connected. Turn off your iPad by pressing and holding the appropriate buttons for your model until the power off slider appears.
Putting Your Device in Recovery Mode
- Connect Your Device: Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
- Enter Recovery Mode:
- For iPad models without a Home button: Press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button, then press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button. Finally, press and hold the top button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- For iPad models with a Home button: Press and hold both the Home and the top (or side) buttons at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.
Restoring Your Device
- Locate Your Device: Open Finder, iTunes, or the Apple Devices app on your computer and locate your connected iPad.
- Restore Your Device: Choose the "Restore" option when prompted. Your computer will download the necessary software and begin the restore process. Wait for the process to complete.
- Set Up Your Device: Once the restore process is complete, disconnect your iPad from the computer and set it up again. You can restore your data and settings from a backup if available.
Using iCloud to Erase Your Device
If you have enabled the Find My feature on your iPhone or iPad, you can use iCloud to remotely erase your device.
- Access Find My: Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Navigate to the Find My section.
- Erase Your Device: Select your iPhone or iPad from the list of devices and click "Erase [Device]" to remotely erase it. This will delete all data on your device, including the forgotten passcode.
- Set Up Your Device: After erasing, you can set up your iPhone or iPad as new or restore it from a previous backup.
Additional Tips
- Regular Backups: Regularly back up your device to avoid data loss. Use iCloud or iTunes to ensure you can restore your data after resetting your device.
- Password Management: Consider using a password manager to securely manage your passwords and avoid forgetting them in the future.
- Avoid Third-Party Tools: Be cautious of third-party tools that claim to unlock your device without erasing data. These tools are often unofficial and may not work as promised.
By following these steps, you should be able to reset your forgotten iPhone or iPad passcode and regain access to your device.