How to Unlock an iPhone Without a Passcode

Before you get stuck, learn how to unlock an iPhone without a passcode. You never know when these strategies will prove useful.

Perhaps you recently changed the passcode on your iPhone to protect your data, but now you can't remember the new one and are locked out of your own device. As aggravating as it may be to have a disabled iPhone, rest assured that there are numerous iPhone hacks and iPhone techniques that can help you regain access.

While you probably locked yourself out of your phone due to your own acts, it is possible that someone locked it without your knowledge, in which case you will need to learn how to uninstall iPhone apps and how to lock iPhone apps. But first, it's crucial to know how to unlock an iPhone without a passcode, either for yourself or for someone else—and it could save your life.

Why wouldn’t you be able to use a passcode on an iPhone?

There are various instances in which it may be necessary to unlock an iPhone without the passcode:

• You reset your passcode but have since forgotten it.
• Someone else reset your passcode.
• You have entered an incorrect passcode so frequently that your phone's security settings have been disabled.
• Your phone is inactive.
• Your cracked screen will not take your passcode.
• The phone belongs to someone who requires assistance.
• You are in an emergency circumstance where the sole available phone has a passcode that you do not know.
• Numerous individuals exclusively utilize Touch ID or Face ID, so they forget their password. "Apple's Face ID feature relies on a learning algorithm, so it is not yet 100 percent accurate," argues technology analyst and Earthweb editor-in-chief Jason Wise. "If the functionality is disabled or malfunctions on your device, you will be forced to use the passcode."

How to unlock an iPhone without a passcode

Depending on the situation, being unable to use your iPhone might be irritating and even a little frightening. If this occurs, attempt one of the following techniques to unlock it: Using these methods will result in a factory reset of your device, but restoring your data is as simple as going into iCloud with your Apple ID and password. Therefore, it is essential to routinely back up your data to iCloud. Once your phone is locked, it's too late to perform the action.

How to unlock an iPhone with a computer

Using iTunes

The IT expert and head of OSP International, Cornelius Fichtner, outlined the procedures to unlock an iPhone without a passcode using iTunes or Finder. Apple has made modifications for users of macOS Catalina and later. iTunes can still be used to unlock an iPhone for individuals running earlier OS systems or PC users.

1. Install iTunes on your Mac or PC.
2. Unplug the phone from the computer (if it’s connected) and turn it off.
3. Put the phone into recovery mode by hitting the correct button and simultaneously connecting it to a computer. For iPhone models 8 and beyond, use the side button; for iPhone models 7 and 7 Plus, use the volume down button; and for iPhone models 6 and prior, use the home button.
4. Hold the button until you see recovery mode pop up.
5. Find the iPhone in iTunes and select “restore” when you see the option to restore or update.
6. Once the download is complete, the phone will power down and restart. When it's done, detach the iPhone from the computer, set it up, and use it normally.

Using Finder

1. Finder allows Mac users running Catalina or later operating systems to unlock their iPhones without iTunes.
2. Launch Finder on your Mac and connect your iPhone to the computer through USB.
3. Enter the iPhone's recovery mode: For iPhones X and later, sequentially push and release the volume up and down buttons. Then, hold the side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
4. You will receive a pop-up with the options to restore or update; click "Restore."
5. Accepting the terms and conditions will cause Finder to begin downloading the most recent iOS firmware.
6. Wait while your iPhone updates.

Using Find My

Apple's Find My function is another method for unlocking an iPhone without a passcode. While the Find My app has numerous benefits, it can also make you a target for scammers; therefore, you should be aware of this, despite the fact that the benefits generally outweigh the risks. Fichtner explains how to use Find My to unlock an iPhone.

1. Sign in to icloud.com using your Mac.
2. Launch Find My Device.
3. Select the phone to be unlocked by clicking "All devices" in the bar at the top.
4. Tap "Erase iPhone".
5. Enter your Apple ID for verification.
6. When your iPhone becomes network-connected, the process will begin.

Should you unlock an iPhone using third-party apps?

You may encounter advertisements for third-party programs that claim to unlock your iPhone without a passcode, but they are unnecessary because Apple provides other, safer options to unlock your iPhone. "It is feasible to unlock an iPhone using third-party software, but I do not recommend doing so. Utilize iTunes or Finder, advises Eric Florence, a cybersecurity specialist for SecurityTech.

Alex Hamerstone, director of consulting solutions for the information security business TrustedSec, concurs. "They are all essentially cons," he asserts. "When investigating mass shooters and other offenders, even the FBI has struggled infamously to unlock iPhones. If a business has cracked Apple's iPhone encryption, they won't sell it online for a few bucks.

"The best-case scenario," adds Hamerstone, "is that these shady apps take your money with no return. If you only lose the few dollars you paid for the application, consider yourself fortunate. However, it is more possible that they may take your account information, personal information, or financial information for use in future crimes and scams."

Chris Hauk, consumer privacy advocate at Pixel Privacy, also chimes in: "Although various applications claim to be able to unlock your iPhone, it's best to stick with Apple's recommended trio of iTunes/Finder/Find My to unlock the device. While there are trustworthy organizations that offer iPhone unlocking software, be warned that the app may send information back to the creator, which could compromise your privacy and device security.

Consensus: Follow their advised procedures or visit your nearest Apple store for assistance. Do not attempt to address this yourself by using online programs or tools.

Hacks for unlocking an iPhone

There are currently hacks for everything, such as employing concealed smartphone codes to eliminate call waiting or improve reception. Other iPhone hacks will teach you how to restart a frozen iPhone, disable read receipts, and conceal SMS messages. Too few hacks for you? Check out TikTok, which has already persuaded us that we require a desk vacuum but offers the ultimate method for unlocking an iPhone without a passcode.

This TikTok video is simple and straightforward. You can practice on your own iPhone by covering the camera to prevent Face ID from functioning.

Unlock an iPhone without the passcode using the steps below:

1. Swipe down from the top to open the Control Center.
2. Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular data. Turn on Airplane Mode.
3. Open the calculator.
4. Turn the phone sideways to open the scientific calculator.
5. Type a period.
6. Tap In.
7. It will say Error.
8. Swipe up and the iPhone is unlocked.