If you changed your iPhone passcode within the last 72 hours and remember the previous one, you may be able to set a new passcode without erasing the phone. Otherwise, Apple’s supported recovery options erase and reset the iPhone; you can restore backed-up data during setup if a backup exists. The iPhone passcode is different from your Apple Account password: the latter may be required to erase the phone, but it does not unlock or recover the device passcode.
Choose the recovery route that fits your situation
| Route | When it can work | What happens to the iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| Use the previous passcode | You changed the passcode within the past 72 hours, use iOS 17 or later, and know the previous passcode. Apple’s 72-hour Passcode Reset instructions | Set a new passcode without resetting the device. |
| Reset on the iPhone | The phone meets Apple’s requirements: iOS 15.2 or later, Find My was enabled before lockout, it has an active cellular or Wi-Fi connection, and you know the Apple Account password. Apple’s on-device reset instructions | Erases the phone’s data and settings. |
| Reset with a computer | The other routes are unavailable, and you can use a Mac or Windows PC, a cable that can charge the iPhone, and an internet connection. Apple’s computer reset instructions | Recovery mode and Restore erase the phone’s current data. |
Try the previous passcode if you changed it recently
Apple’s Passcode Reset feature is a temporary option, not a way to reveal a forgotten passcode. On an iPhone with iOS 17 or later, you can use the previous passcode within 72 hours of changing it to create a new one.
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- On the lock screen, tap Forgot Passcode? when the option appears.
- Choose the option to enter your previous passcode and follow the prompts.
- Set a new passcode when asked.
If the 72-hour window has passed, you do not know the previous passcode, or the option is not available, move to a reset route below.
Reset the iPhone from its lock screen
This option erases the iPhone’s data and settings. Use it only if you are prepared to set up the device again and restore from a backup if you have one. Apple requires iOS 15.2 or later, Find My enabled before the phone was locked, a working cellular or Wi-Fi connection, and the Apple Account password associated with the iPhone.
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- On iOS 17 or later, tap Forgot Passcode? on the iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout screen. On earlier supported versions, look for Erase [Device].
- Follow the onscreen instructions to begin erasing the iPhone and enter your Apple Account password if prompted.
- After the erase completes, set up the iPhone and restore a backup if one is available.
Check the eSIM prompt before confirming
On iOS 17 or later, the reset flow may offer the choice to keep or delete an eSIM while erasing the iPhone. If the phone has an eSIM and runs iOS 16 or earlier, Apple advises contacting your carrier before resetting to arrange setting it up again. See Apple’s on-device reset guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use recovery mode and a computer if on-device reset is unavailable
Apple’s computer method also erases the iPhone. You need a Mac or Windows PC with internet access and a cable that can charge the phone; check that the cable connectors fit both the iPhone and computer. A cable does not retrieve or bypass a passcode. Apple states, “To access your iPhone after you’ve forgotten your passcode, you must reset your device.”
- Follow Apple’s instructions to put your specific iPhone model into recovery mode and connect it to the computer.
- When the computer offers Restore or Update, select Restore to reset the iPhone.
- Allow the software download to finish. If it takes more than 15 minutes and the iPhone exits recovery mode, let the download complete, then put the iPhone into recovery mode again and continue.
- After the restore, set up the iPhone and restore from a backup if available.
If you cannot borrow a computer, Apple directs you to an Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider for help.
What data can you get back?
After either erase-and-reset method, you can restore data and settings from a backup if one exists. Apple’s recovery steps do not promise recovery of local data that was not backed up. A reset clears the current data and settings rather than decrypting or displaying them.
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