If you forgot your iPhone passcode

Forgot your iPhone passcode? Learn how to get your iPhone into recovery mode so you can erase it and set it up again.

  • Forgot the passcode on your iPad?
  • Forgot the passcode on your iPod touch?

If you enter the wrong passcode on your iPhone Lock Screen too many times, an alert lets you know that your iPhone is disabled. If you can't remember your passcode when you try again, you need to use a computer to put your iPhone in recovery mode. This process deletes your data and settings, including your passcode, giving you access to set up your iPhone again.

After you erase your iPhone, you can restore your data and settings from backup. If you didn't back up your iPhone, you can set it up as a new device and then download any data that you have in iCloud.

Step 1: Make sure that you have a computer (Mac or PC)

This process requires a Mac or PC. If you're using a PC, make sure that it has Windows 8 or later, and that iTunes is installed. You also need the cable that came with your iPhone, or another compatible cable, to connect your iPhone to the computer.

If you don't have a computer and you can't borrow one, you need to go to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for help.

Step 2: Turn off your iPhone

  1. Unplug your iPhone from the computer if it's connected.
  2. Turn off your iPhone using the method for your iPhone model:
  3. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone, then wait a minute to make sure that it turns off completely.

Step 3: Put your iPhone in recovery mode

  1. Get ready by finding the button on your iPhone that you'll need to hold in the next step:
  2. Press and hold the correct button for your iPhone while immediately connecting your iPhone to the computer. Don't let go of the button.
  3. Keep holding the button until you see the recovery mode screen on your iPhone, then let go.

    If you see the passcode screen, you need to turn off your iPhone and start again.

If you can't get your iPhone to show the recovery mode screen and you need help, contact Apple Support.

Step 4: Restore your iPhone

  1. Locate your iPhone in the Finder or in iTunes on the computer that it's connected to. (Learn how to find your connected iPhone.)
  2. Choose Restore when you see the option to Restore or Update. Your computer downloads software for your iPhone and begins the restore process. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and your device exits the recovery mode screen, let the download finish, then turn off your iPhone and start again.
  3. Wait for the process to finish.
  4. Disconnect your iPhone from the computer, then set up and use your iPhone.

Need more help?

If you can't complete any of these steps, if you're still prompted for a passcode, or if you need any other assistance, contact Apple Support.

Published Date: