Let us start this structured guide with the requirements and then see the steps to reset the forgotten passcode without losing its data.
Requirements for resetting forgotten iPhone passcode The official way to back up your iPhone data if you forgot passcode 2 Methods to reset your iPhone when you forgot the Passcode Restore using iCloud (without iTunes) Restore using Mac or PC (with iTunes or Finder) What to do after erasing your iPhone
Requirements for resetting forgotten iPhone passcode
iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that is stuck on the passcode screen (obviously). Appropriate Lightning cable to connect the device to a computer. Mac or Windows PC. iTunes, if you are on Windows PC. Download it from the Microsoft Store or Apple, if not already. You will need the Apple ID and password that was used to set up the device initially. Most likely, this will be your Apple ID and password. Please understand that the Apple ID password and the passcode for the device are two separate things.
The official way to back up your iPhone data if you forgot passcode
Due to iOS encryption, there is no way to get inside the iPhone whose passcode you have forgotten. The only way is to erase the device. After this, if you have a backup, you can restore it on the device and get the data back. In case you do not have a backup in iCloud or a computer, you will have to set up your iPhone as new. Let me show you how to backup the iPhone whose password you have forgotten. If this is successful, you will not lose your data. Note: There’s no way to back up if you haven’t set up trusted devices or have restarted your device after setting the trusted device.
2 Methods to reset your iPhone when you forgot the Passcode
1. Restore using iCloud (Without iTunes)
This is easier in comparison to using Finder or iTunes (explained next). However, this method will only work if the locked iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. We will first erase the iPhone using iCloud.com. You can also use the Find My app on your other iPhone, iPad, or Mac that has the same Apple ID. After erasing, you can restore a backup (if you have one) or set up your device as new (if you do not have a backup).
2. Restore using Mac or PC (With iTunes or Finder)
If your locked iPhone is not connected to the internet, you can put it in recovery mode and restore it using a computer. On Mac running macOS Catalina or later, use Finder. On Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier or Windows PC, use iTunes.
What to do after erasing your iPhone
I have already briefly mentioned what to do after your iPhone is erased. Here is more to it.
Set up your device: After erasing, you would obviously want to set up your iPhone to use it. The setup process includes choosing the language, country, Touch ID/Face ID, creating a new password (ensure to remember this time 😛 ), Siri settings, etc. It is pretty easy. Just read what appears on the screen and follow along. Restore backups: During the setup process, you will see a screen called Apps & Data. If you have iCloud or computer backups, you can restore them from here. Make sure to choose the latest backup. Re-download apps and other data: Once you are inside your iPhone, open the App Store and download the necessary apps you need. If you restored a backup, the app would automatically start downloading.
This is how you can reset your iPhone when you forgot your password and start using it again. I hope the above guide was helpful. Let me end it with some frequently asked questions. If you still have an unanswered query, use the comments section below to reach out. Check out next:
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