It happens to the best of us. You change your passcode to something "more secure" at 2:00 AM, wake up the next morning, and your brain has completely deleted the memory. Or maybe a kid mashed the buttons too many times and now you're staring at the "iPhone Unavailable" screen of death. Honestly, learning how to get in locked iphone models feels like a high-stakes puzzle where the prize is your own digital life. It’s frustrating. It's stressful. But it isn't impossible, provided you understand that Apple prioritizes security over your convenience every single time.
If you're looking for a magic "backdoor" that doesn't involve wiping your data, I have to be the bearer of bad news: it doesn't exist. Not for you, and technically, not even for the FBI without a massive fight. Apple’s encryption is robust.
The Reality of Modern iOS Security
Apple uses a dedicated hardware component called the Secure Enclave. This is a separate processor from the main one. It handles your biometric data and your passcode. When you enter a code, the Secure Enclave checks it. If you get it wrong too many times, it starts a cooldown timer. Get it wrong ten times? The phone can be set to wipe itself entirely.
This is why "hacking" into your own phone isn't like the movies. You aren't going to run a script that guesses the code. You have to use the official recovery channels. Most people think there's a trick with the Emergency Call screen or a Siri bug. Those holes were patched years ago. If you see a TikTok claiming you can bypass a lock screen by opening the calculator and swiping the Control Center, they’re lying for clout. It won’t work on iOS 17 or iOS 18.
Using the "Erase iPhone" Option on the Lock Screen
Starting with iOS 15.2, Apple actually gave us a bit of a break. If your phone is connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network, and you've typed the wrong code enough times, you’ll see "iPhone Unavailable" or "Security Lockout."
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Look at the bottom of the screen.
You might see an "Erase iPhone" or "Forgot Passcode?" option. If you tap that, the phone asks for your Apple ID password. Enter it, and the device wipes itself. It’s clean. It’s simple. But it only works if you have Find My enabled and an active internet connection. If you're in Airplane Mode, you're out of luck with this specific method.
The Desktop Route: Recovery Mode and Your Computer
Sometimes the on-screen option doesn't show up. Maybe the Wi-Fi is off. In that case, you need a Mac or a PC with iTunes (or the Apple Devices app). This is the "brute force" way of how to get in locked iphone units when the software is being stubborn.
- Turn off your iPhone.
- Put it in Recovery Mode. For the iPhone 8 and later, this means holding the side button while immediately connecting it to the computer.
- Don't let go of that button. Keep holding it until you see the cable and computer icon on the iPhone screen.
- On your computer, a pop-up will appear. It will give you the choice to "Update" or "Restore."
- Choose Restore.
Your computer will download the latest firmware. If the download takes longer than 15 minutes, the iPhone might exit recovery mode. Don't panic. Just let the download finish and then repeat the button-holding process. This process completely overwrites the existing operating system. Your passcode is gone. Your photos are also gone—unless you have a backup.
Why iCloud is Your Only Safety Net
We need to talk about backups. If you haven't backed up to iCloud or a local computer, the data on that locked phone is essentially gone. This is the "nuance" that tech support reps hate telling people.
Apple’s File-Based Encryption means that without the passcode, the keys to decrypt your photos and messages are inaccessible. Even if someone physically desolders the flash memory chips from the logic board, the data remains scrambled. This is why you should always have 5GB (or the paid 50GB/200GB) of iCloud storage active. If you have a backup, once the phone is erased, you just sign in with your Apple ID during the "Hello" setup screen and everything flows back in.
The iCloud.com "Find Devices" Method
If you don't have a computer handy but you have an iPad or a friend's phone, you can use the Find My network. Go to iCloud.com/find. Sign in. Select your locked iPhone from the list and hit "Erase This Device."
This sends a remote kill signal. The next time that iPhone pings a cell tower or joins a known Wi-Fi network, it will trigger a factory reset. This is a lifesaver if you left your phone somewhere and realized you've also forgotten the code, or if the screen is broken and you can't type the digits even though you know them.
What About Third-Party Software?
You’ve probably seen ads for software like Tenorshare 4uKey or iMyFone LockWiper. Do they work? Sorta.
What these programs actually do is automate the Recovery Mode process I described above. They don't magically "crack" the code so you can keep your data. They just make the "Restore" process a bit more user-friendly for people who are scared of iTunes. They usually cost $30 to $50. Honestly? You can do exactly what they do for free using Apple's official tools. Don't waste your money unless your computer is having a specific driver issue that prevents it from seeing the iPhone.
Dealing with Activation Lock
Here is the kicker. Once you successfully get in by erasing the phone, you’ll hit the Activation Lock screen. This is Apple's anti-theft measure. It will ask for the Apple ID and password previously linked to the device.
If you bought the phone used and it’s locked to someone else’s account, you are effectively holding a very expensive paperweight. There is no legitimate software that removes Activation Lock. You would need the original proof of purchase and a trip to the Apple Store, where they might help you if you can prove you’re the legal owner.
Moving Forward Without the Headache
Once you're back in, set up a passcode you'll actually remember, or better yet, use a password manager to store it. Turn on FaceID or TouchID immediately.
Also, check your "Lockdown" settings. Make sure "Find My iPhone" is always on. It is the single most important toggle in your settings menu. If you ever find yourself wondering how to get in locked iphone again, having that toggle on makes the "Erase" option available, saving you a trip to a computer or a technician.
Check your iCloud backup status right now. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. If it says "Last successful backup: 3 weeks ago," fix that. Plug your phone in, hit "Back Up Now," and let it finish. Your future self will thank you when the screen inevitably goes dark or the code slips your mind again.
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Actionable Next Steps
- Verify your backup: Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup to ensure your data is safe before any lockout occurs.
- Note your Apple ID credentials: Ensure you know your Apple ID password, as it is required to reset a locked device.
- Set up Legacy Contacts: Go to Settings > Password & Security > Legacy Contact so a trusted person can access your data in emergencies.
- Update to the latest iOS: Newer versions of iOS provide the "Forgot Passcode?" option directly on the lockout screen, making recovery much easier.