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Home Unlock iPhone Unlock Forgotten Passcode On iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch With No Computer

Last Edited : September 24, 2021

Unlock Forgotten Passcode On iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch With No Computer

unlock-iphone-forgot-passcode-computer

Please note: This article is still relevant but there is a newer version which you may want to read on the topic of unlocking your iPhone after forgetting your passcode.

Have you forgotten your iPhone passcode? Or maybe it is the password for your iPad or iPod Touch? Regardless of the device, I think you will agree with me when I say:

Getting the ‘device disabled’ message having tried your passcode several times makes your heart sink.

It gets worse if you continue to guess at the passcode and still get it wrong.

You will be thrown into a bigger panic when it tells you “iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes”. Especially if you don’t have a computer handy as iTunes ONLY runs on a computer.

But don’t panic – you can unlock your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch…

…even if you have forgotten your passcode and have no computer to hand. You can reset it and keep all your data. Just follow the simple instructions in this article and you will be able to use your device again.

Best of all you should be able to keep all your precious photos and other data stored on the device.

It is worth mentioning that this article is about passcode locks, and not the iPhone activation lock or the factory lock. These can often get muddled as there are so many types of lock that can be used on Apple devices.

Table of Contents

  • Which model of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch can be reset?
    • iPhone models
    • iPad models
    • iPod touch models
  • Reset Passcode and keep your data
    • iOS 6 and older
    • iOS 7 and newer
  • Option 1: Reset passcode but lose your data
  • Option 2: Hack iOS to bypass the passcode and keep your data
    • How to hack iOS and bypass the passcode
  • Option 3: Other passcode unlock options without iTunes
  • People Also Ask
    • What is the iPhone passcode?
    • When does your iPhone passcode expire?
    • Can the iPhone passcode be hacked or cracked?
    • I Can’t remember iPhone passcode – what should I do?
    • What is the default iPhone passcode?
    • How many passcode attempts do you get on iPhone?
    • When does the iPhone passcode lock expire?
    • What are the iPhone passcode restrictions?
    • iPhone passcode v password: what’s the difference between them?
    • What should I do if I forgot iPhone passcode without restore?
    • Turn off iPhone passcode is greyed out?
    • Why would my iPhone passcode no longer work?

Which model of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch can be reset?

I have written these instructions to be as comprehensive as possible – so they describe what to do regardless of the model of device you have.

This should make it easier for you to unlock the passcode.

The important thing isn’t the device, but the version of software running. This is because the security used to lock your device is dependent on the software, called iOS, not the device.

iOS 7 has a much higher level of security than devices that run iOS 6 and earlier…

…so there are 2 sets of fixes, dependant on the version of iOS you have.

Not sure what version of iOS your device is running?

If you don’t know what version of iOS you are running then you need to find out. This is because the specific steps you need to follow are dependant on knowing the version you have installed. I have written an article on how to find out the iOS version on your device.

iPhone models

I have listed all the iPhones this fix is suitable for together with the version of iOS that each them can run.

This doesn’t mean they will have that version installed. It simply means you could install that version. However it is possible your device has an earlier version so it is important to check.

  • iOS 11 iPhone disabled forgot passcode3G: up to iOS 3
  • 3GS: up to iOS 6
  • 4: up to iOS 7
  • 4S: up to iOS 9
  • 5: up to iOS 10
  • 5S: up to iOS 11
  • 5C: up to iOS 10
  • SE: up to iOS 11
  • 6: up to iOS 11
  • 6S: up to iOS 11
  • 6 Plus: up to iOS 11
  • 6S Plus: up to iOS 11
  • 7: up to iOS 11
  • 7 Plus: up to iOS 11
  • 8: iOS 11
  • 8 Plus: iOS 11
  • X: iOS 11

iPad models

This article applies to the following iPad models:

  • 12.9 inch iPad Pro (2017): up to iOS 11
  • 12.9 inch iPad Pro (1st generation): up to iOS 11
  • 10.5 inch iPad Pro (2017): up to iOS 11
  • 9.7 inch iPad Pro (1st generation): up to iOS 11
  • iPad mini 4: up to iOS 11
  • iPad mini 3: up to iOS 11
  • iPad mini 2: up to iOS 11
  • iPad Mini: : up to iOS 9
  • 9.7 inch iPad (2018): up to iOS 11
  • The iPad  (2017): up to iOS 11
  • iPad Air 2 (6th generation): up to iOS 11
  • iPad Air (5th generation): up to iOS 11
  • iPad (4th generation): up to iOS 10
  • iPad (3rd generation): up to iOS 9
  • iPad 2: up to iOS 9
  • iPad: up to iOS 5

iPod touch models

  • iPod touch (3rd generation): up to iOS 5
  • iPod touch (4th generation): up to iOS 5
  • iPod touch (5th generation): up to iOS 6
  • iPod touch (6th generation): up to iOS 11

Reset Passcode and keep your data

iOS 6 and older

This fix will only work if you have installed the Find My iPhone App on your iPhone. You also need to have set up the iCloud backup service on your iPhone too (which is free to do).

1. Remotely wipe your device using Find My iPhone. This will remove all of the data on your iPhone so only do this as a last resort.

2. Restore your iPhone from your latest iCloud backup. The video below explains how to carry out this procedure.

iOS 7 and newer

Unfortunately, unless you have a backup made via iCloud there isn’t an official way to save your data. You will need to reset your device which will erase all of your data and settings.

There is a way around this by hacking iOS to bypass the passcode but you will need a PC to do it – it won’t work on a Mac. Since you don’t have access to a computer this may not be an option for you.

Why is this so difficult?

Apple does this as a security feature to prevent your data getting into someone else hands, for example, if your device is stolen.

In fact, the security on iOS 7 and newer is so advanced that the FBI had to pay $1.3 million to crack it.

In order to reset your passcode, you need to go into recovery mode and reset everything.  There are only 2 ways of doing this:

  1. By selecting “Erase all contents and settings” on the device itself.
  2. By connecting it to a computer and resetting it via iTunes.

If you forgot your passcode option 1 is no good. If you have no computer then option 2 is no good either – so you are stuck.

Your only option is to find someone with a computer that will allow you to install iTunes on it so you can perform the recovery. Or pop into your nearest Apple store, or Apple reseller and they will help you perform the reset.

It doesn’t matter if you bought the device from that store originally, Apple’s attitude is that they will help you as it is one of their devices. So don’t be shy – go and see them or a reseller and they will help you.

Option 1: Reset passcode but lose your data

This method erases your device using recovery mode to remove the passcode so you can use it again.

Unfortunately, this means all your data will be removed so if you don’t have a backup you won’t be able to recover it.

As mentioned earlier you will need a computer to do this so you need to visit your local Apple store or dealership.

  1. Connect your iOS device to your computer and open iTunes.
  2. While your device is connected, force restart it:
      • On an iPhone X, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
      • On an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the recovery mode screen.
      • On an iPhone 6s and earlier, iPad, or iPod touch: Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the recovery mode screen.
  3. When you see the option to Restore or Update, choose Restore. iTunes will download software for your device. If it takes more than 15 minutes, your device will exit recovery mode and you’ll need to repeat steps 2 and 3.
  4. If you have a backup then chose to restore and select the latest backup.
  5. Once the restore is completed you can set up your device as though it is new.

Option 2: Hack iOS to bypass the passcode and keep your data

As a last resort after you forgot iPhone passcode, you could try to hack iOS to bypass it. This is quite dangerous and must be done at your own risk but it should work as a last resort…

…but again, it only works if you have a computer.

So if you can beg, borrow, or steal a PC (this won’t work on a Mac) then you could use the instructions in the video below to allow you restore your device.

You can see this hack working in the video below. Underneath there are step-by-step instructions to make it easy to follow along.

How to hack iOS and bypass the passcode

These instructions are in a slightly different order than the video. This is because the sequence used is, in my opinion, wrong. I believe you should download all of the files before you connect the device to the computer otherwise iTunes will ‘timeout’ due to inactivity with the iDevice.

  1. Get your model number from the back of your device
  2. On your PC open a web browser and go to ipsw.me
  3. Click ‘identify my iOS device’ from the menu on the left
  4. Chose your device type – iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
  5. Enter your model number from step 1.
  6. Click ‘download the latest’ to get the newest firmware and save it on your desktop. It is a big file so it will take a while to download.
  7. Next, download this program and unzip it.
  8. Drag the unzipped program to your desktop.
  9. Drag the firmware file onto the program icon. A new window will open where it will unpack everything. It will take about 10 mins.
  10. It will create a new file on your desktop which you will use to restore to your device.
  11. You then connect your device to the PC using the standard charging cable.
  12. While your device is connected, force restart it:
    • On an iPhone X, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
    • On an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the recovery mode screen.
    • On an iPhone 6s and earlier, iPad, or iPod touch: Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the recovery mode screen.
  13. iTunes will open automatically, if not open it.
  14. It should ask you about iPhone recovery mode. Hold the shift button down and click ‘Restore iPhone’.
  15. A file manager window will open. Go to the desktop and find the new file that was created in step 10 and open it.
  16. Click restore and wait around 10-15 mins for the new firmware to upload via iTunes. The iPhone should show the Apple logo with a file progress bar.
  17. It will then reboot and iTunes will say the device is reset to factory settings (but your data should be safe).
  18. Once rebooted you should be able to access the device without needing to use a passcode.

Option 3: Other passcode unlock options without iTunes

Data Recovery Box‘Do You Data Recovery’ is an app that allows you to restore lost data that has been deleted or is inaccessible.

It is capable of recovering data from devices that have hung or are locked as well as devices suffering from water damage.

I haven’t tested this tool myself but it is highly regarded online with a straightforward and intuitive interface.

They claim it can allow you to restore things like pictures, camera rolls, reminders, notes, videos, calendars, contacts, call history and more…

It can recover data from almost all iOS devices from the iPhone 3G all the way up to the latest versions. As well as iDevices it can also recover data direct from iTunes and iCloud backups.

Overall, it should like a good way to get some of your data back if you can’t manage to reset your passcode without destroying everything on your device.

You do need to have a PC to use it tho – so if you can’t get access to one this option may not be suitable.

Recovering Photos from an iOS device

There is a free version with some limited functionality. It is worth downloading and giving it a try to see if will allow you to recover the data you need before resetting your device.

If you think it will fulfill your needs then you can buy and download a Pro version that will allow you to do exactly what you want. It costs $59.95 but depending on how important your data is it might be worth it.

If you prefer a free solution then you should try the iOS passcode hack described above.

People Also Ask

What is the iPhone passcode?

The iPhone passcode is a 4 or 6 digit number that you can set to secure your iPhone. You must enter the passcode to gain access to your iPhone and use it’s features. The passcode is an extra level of security in addition to fingerprint ID, or face ID.

When does your iPhone passcode expire?

The iPhone passcode never expires. You can keep the same passcode for as long as you wish only changing it when it suits you.

Can the iPhone passcode be hacked or cracked?

Yes, the iPhone passcode can be hacked but it is a risky process which is described here. You can also buy forensic software such as Elcomsoft iOS Forensic Toolkit, Backlight or Latern that claim to unlock the passcode but the software is not sold to the general public and you need to prove your identity and apply for a license before getting a copy.

I Can’t remember iPhone passcode – what should I do?

If you can’t remember the iPhone passcode you will need to reset and restore it so you can use the device again. If you don’t have a backup then you may lose the data on your device. The exact steps you need to follow depend on your circumstances:

  • Forgot passcode and have an iTunes backup
  • Forgot passcode and have an iCloud backup
  • Forgot passcode and have no backup
  • Forgot passcode with no computer

What is the default iPhone passcode?

There is no default iPhone passcode as it is set by the owner during the initial setup process.

How many passcode attempts do you get on iPhone?

  • After 6 attempts iPhone is disabled for 1 minute
  • After 7 attempts iPhone is disabled for 5 minutes
  • After 8 attempts iPhone is disabled for 15 minutes.
  • After 9 attempts iPhone is disabled for 60 minutes
  • After 10 attempts you will see a message on screen saying “iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes” OR your iPhone is completely erased if Erase Data is turned on in Settings > Touch ID & Passcode (or Settings > Passcode for iPhones without Touch ID).

When does the iPhone passcode lock expire?

The iPhone passcode lockout time increases the more incorrect guesses you make. iPhone starts with a 1 minute lockout after 6 wrong attempts, which increases to 5 minutes after 7, 15 minutes after 8, and 60 minutes after 9 incorrect passcode attempts. If you get the passcode wrong 10 times the iPhone will be permanently locked and you will need to connect it to iTunes before being able unlock it.

What are the iPhone passcode restrictions?

iPhone passcode restrictions are also known as parental controls and they prevent the use of some functions on the device such as:

  • Content  & privacy restrictions
  • Preventing App store purchases
  • Preventing access to explicit content
  • Restricting Siri web searches

This is a different passcode from the one requested when the device is rebooted.

iPhone passcode v password: what’s the difference between them?

iPhone doesn’t have a security password, it has a security passcode which is a 4 or 6 digit number. Some people still refer to the passcode as a password but they are referring to the same security feature. So there is no difference between the passcode or the password – they are the same thing people are referring to.

What should I do if I forgot iPhone passcode without restore?

If you have no iPhone backup and have forgotten your passcode then you may lose all your data stored on the device. This is because the way you remove a forgotten passcode is by resetting it which removes all the data from the iPhone. You could trying hacking the iPhone passcode so you might save your data.

Turn off iPhone passcode is greyed out?

The iPhone passcode is greyed out and can’t be disabled as a corporate security measure when work email is installed on the device. This is a standard practice with most large businesses.

Why would my iPhone passcode no longer work?

There have been reports in the past that the iPhone passcode no longer worked for large numbers of people after upgrading iOS software on the phone. People were certain they were using the correct passcode but could not gain access to their iPhone. This issue was found to be a bug in iOS. Even though this was a bug the only fix was to reset and restore the device to remove the passcode.

The only other reason that the passcode no longer works on iPhone is because the owner has mistyped or forgotten it.

Related articles
  • How To Bypass iCloud On iPhone, iPad & Apple Watch
  • Unlock iPhone After Forgetting Passcode (For iOS 7 or Newer)
  • Unlock iPhone After Forgetting Passcode (For iOS 6 or Older)
  • How To Unlock Your iPhone Fast

Disclosure

The link above is an affiliate link, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that I recommend these tools because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.

Tagged With: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, No Computer, Passcode Unlock

 

About Dean Case

Dean Case is Case Services’ chief technology editor and has been covering Apple’s mobile electronics, security, privacy, and the wider technology sector since 2011. He is also a highly regarded Web Designer & Developer with a career spanning 15 years which began in PC support. Dean's technical expertise and experience are highly regarded in a wide variety of fields. His well-researched work resulted in highly regarded and often cited articles.

Comments

  1. essay writer help says

    January 31, 2019 at 9:24 am

    It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate
    to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding
    your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new
    updates and will talk about this site with my Facebook group.
    Chat soon!

    Reply
  2. linda Nawyn says

    August 25, 2018 at 3:07 am

    Phone was brought back to factory settings. Just purchased 2 weeks ago, forgot password,

    Reply
  3. Paige says

    August 18, 2018 at 6:19 am

    I guess my iPhone 8 is never going to be back on again lol. My passcode literally changed itself my fingerprint will not work. I can not connect to ITunes because because I guess the option for usb accessories is disabled requires a passcode before I can use it.

    Reply
  4. Skylin says

    August 11, 2018 at 10:16 am

    Okay… so I’m confused on step 9 for the hack iOS with the firmware file and the program icon can you like help me understand where I am supposed to move this file ?

    Reply
  5. Ameer says

    July 6, 2018 at 7:01 pm

    I have no information about my phone becouse it is locked

    Reply
  6. lee says

    March 7, 2018 at 3:10 am

    Hi. I need help. passcode i try many but is failed… and the phone was with my parents at oversea..and they duno hw to connect itune. can u pls help me any method to unlock de passcode

    Reply
  7. Tony says

    November 26, 2017 at 2:51 pm

    iPhone 5, forgot password no cloud no backup no computer what do I do

    Reply
  8. Emma Frost says

    October 12, 2017 at 7:10 am

    Hi James, I have an old iPhone 5 that I would like to start using again. I have forgotten my password and I can’t restore I obviously. The power button doesn’t work and the phone isn’t connected to the internet. Is there any way that I can reset it?

    Reply
  9. Gaurav Tawri says

    September 26, 2017 at 2:46 pm

    I just bought a new iPhone but I had forgotten the password
    I want to reboot my iPhone without computer
    How can I do it ??

    Reply
  10. lam says

    August 1, 2017 at 9:45 pm

    Hi Kev, I was wondering if you can help. I changed my iphone 6 passcode and forgot the new 4 digit no. This has never happened to me before, so i tried many more times before my mate told me the phone will be completely disabled by the tenth attempt.

    I have pictures and screenshots in my camera roll that I need to use in building my presentation billed for 21 August, 2017. Is there anyway you can help retrieve these photos please? I went to the Apple store in Bluewater, Kent and they asked me to go try data recovery companies.

    Reply
  11. Vanessa says

    July 22, 2017 at 2:52 am

    Hey my aunt gave me her iPhone 6 but she gave it to me because it has a passcode and she doesnt remember it nor the Apple ID/iCloud is there anyway i can fix this?. Thank You

    Reply
  12. Vanessa says

    July 22, 2017 at 2:50 am

    Hey my aunt gave me her iPhone 6 but she gave it to me because it has a passcode and she doesnt remember it nor the Apple ID/iCloud is there anyway i can fix this?

    Reply
  13. sophia says

    July 15, 2017 at 8:41 pm

    i got my dads old phone and when i tried to wupe everything it asked for he password of his old itunes account. he doesnt rember that. then we got into recovery mode, but realised that I have the Macbook which has a USB-C outlet so I cant plug my phone into itunes? What do I do? Do I just have to buy an adaptor or is there an other way?
    thank you

    Reply
  14. helleen charles says

    March 29, 2017 at 9:18 pm

    i totally forgot the password and i dont have itunes and dont even get me started with this icloud thing. i need help. i tried bypassing it and using my computer and i even downloaded itunes too and it still wont work

    Reply
  15. yaqoob alam says

    September 12, 2015 at 8:43 pm

    hi my name is yaqoob my i phone 4 is disable because i was forget my password plz help my on my email add
    [email protected]

    Reply
  16. johnny rodriguez says

    August 29, 2015 at 6:40 pm

    I have an iPhone that I lost password to and I don’t have a computer or iTunes.. I also can’t hard reset it because my lock button does not work. Is the’re any other way to unlock my iPhone please help

    Reply
  17. Chante Taylor says

    May 30, 2015 at 7:55 pm

    I bought an iphome 4 a couple monthes ago and i forgot my password but i also,dont have an itunes account or an computer..wat should i do now its really urgent

    Reply
  18. jason hernandez says

    April 5, 2015 at 5:52 am

    How can i take.off my password when i.forgot it and is disabled and have no computer

    Reply
  19. John Davis says

    March 31, 2015 at 12:28 am

    I manage Multiple Moblie accounts with ATT Premier Website. As the Corporate Account Manager I have recieved an iPhone4s returned and am unable to unlock it to re-assign to a new user. The Team Member who used this Corporate Device is no longer with the company and I need to know how to unlock it/wipe it without syncing it to iTunes/iCloud etc.

    Reply
  20. Indrit Fazliu From Kosovo says

    December 30, 2014 at 7:34 pm

    I forgot my passcode in my iphone 4 . I also forgot APPLE ID and i need help :/ please HELP ME

    Reply
  21. Indrit Fazliu From Kosovo says

    December 30, 2014 at 7:34 pm

    I forgot my passcode in my iphone 4 . I also forgot APPLE ID and i need help :/ please HELP ME

    Reply
  22. Ranjana says

    October 14, 2014 at 6:34 pm

    I forgot passcode of my iphone 4s ( ios 7.1.2). I want to unlock without connecting to computer bcoz i dont wanna upgrade ios. I need help.

    Reply
  23. rahul gala says

    October 5, 2014 at 7:50 pm

    iphone is disable connect to itune bcoz i was forget my passcode. how to do fix it. plz help me on [email protected]

    Reply
  24. john ramsey says

    March 18, 2014 at 10:28 pm

    bought mobile from ebay as cant get into the passcode as been try itunes but message come up …iTunes could not connect to the iphone “Calum” because it is locked with a passcode.
    You must enter your passcode on the iphone before it can be used with itunes.

    AS Calum is not my name and been try email ask for passcode without get them
    what other way ?

    Reply
    • aljfe says

      October 5, 2016 at 3:25 am

      go to fractory and press restore

      Reply
  25. . says

    March 16, 2014 at 2:28 am

    The video above needs to be retracted. It only shows you to do the wipe and restore, using your phone. If it’s locked, you cannot follow this procedure. Thank you.

    Reply
  26. Alexis says

    January 1, 2014 at 10:50 pm

    my friend bought an iphone from someone and cant unlock the passcode bc she doesnt know it and it cannot connect to my itunes because of the lock

    Reply

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