Can You Recover a Forgotten iPhone Password? What If You Can’t?

August 03, 2026Ashley Mae

Currently, iOS users have a variety of methods to unlock their devices, such as Face ID, Touch ID, PIN code, and more. According to a recent survey, biometric identification is the most popular way to access iOS devices due to its convenience. Every coin has two sides, and so does biometric identification. It makes it easier for iPhone users to forget their passwords. So, what if they forgot their iPhone passcode? Does Apple officially support iPhone passcode recovery? What should users do if they can’t get their passcode back? You can find all the answers in this post.

Recover Your iPhone Password

Can You Recover a Forgotten iPhone Password?

If you forgot your iPhone password, you may want to recover the original passcode and unlock your device without losing data. However, Apple does not store your passcode in a recoverable format, which means there is no official way to view or retrieve it.

Instead of recovering the old password, you need to regain access to your iPhone by removing the forgotten passcode. Apple's official solutions usually require erasing the device, while some professional tools can help remove the screen lock when you cannot remember the passcode. You can move on to the next part for help resetting or removing the iPhone passcode.

Ways to Regain Access to Your iPhone Without the Password

Way 1. Unlock iPhone by Erasing It from Security Lockout

Best for: Users on iOS 15.2+ who have a backup available and remember their Apple ID credentials.

This built-in iOS feature appears when you’ve entered the wrong passcode too many times and the device enters iPhone Security Lockout mode. It allows you to erase your iPhone directly from the lock screen using your Apple ID credentials, without needing a computer.

Note: this way erases all local data permanently; requires a network connection; only works if the Security Lockout screen appears.

Security Lockout
Step 1:
On the lock screen, enter incorrect passcode attempts until you see the Security Lockout screen.
Step 2:
Tap Erase iPhone and then press Erase iPhone again to confirm the action.
Step 3:
When prompted, type in your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple ID. Next, press Erase iPhone.
Step 4:
Wait for your iPhone to restart and set a new passcode.

Way 2. Restore iPhone Using Recovery Mode

Best for: Disabled or unresponsive iPhones that don't show the Security Lockout option, when a computer with iTunes/Finder is accessible.

This is a standard Apple recovery procedure that uses a computer (Mac or PC) to force the iPhone into Recovery Mode and restore it to factory settings. This wipes both the passcode and the operating system, then installs the latest iOS version.

Note: It wipes all data; requires a computer and internet for firmware download; may trigger Activation Lock (Apple ID password needed afterward).

Step 1:
First of all, power off your iPhone:

On iPhone 8, iPhone X, and later: Press and hold both the Side and Volume down buttons until the power-off screen appears.

On iPhone 7/7 Plus/6s/6: Hold down the Side button to enter the power-off screen.

On iPhone 5s and earlier: Keep pressing the Power button until you see the power-off slider.

Move the slider to turn off your device.

Step 2:
Next, put your handset in Recovery Mode:

On iPhone 8, iPhone X, and later: Hold the Side button and connect your iPhone to your computer.

On iPhone 7/7 Plus: Keep pressing the Volume down button and connect to your computer.

On iPhone 6s and earlier: Hold down the Home button and plug it into your computer.

Keep holding the button until the Recovery Mode screen appears on your iPhone.

Recovery Mode
Step 3:
Open the Finder on a Mac computer or iTunes on a PC. When prompted, click the Restore button. Next, your computer will download firmware and begin restoring your iOS device.
MacOS Montery Finder
Step 4:
When the process finishes, disconnect your iPhone and set it up as a new device.

Way 3. Erase Your iPhone Remotely with iCloud’s Find My

Best for: Lost or stolen devices, or when the iPhone is not in your hands but still connected to the internet.

This is a web-based solution that lets you erase your iPhone from any browser via iCloud.com/find. The erase command is sent over the internet, removing the passcode remotely without needing physical access to the device.

Note: It requires Find My to be enabled beforehand; erase only executes when the device is online; data is lost without a backup; Activation Lock remains.

Recover iCloud
Step 1:
Access the iCloud website in a browser, and sign in to the account associated with your iPhone.
Step 2:
Click the Find My option on the home page, pull down the All Devices list, and choose your iPhone.
Step 3:
Now, you will see the location of your device on the map if it is online. Click the Erase iPhone button on the popup dialog and follow the instructions to reset your handset.
Step 4:
Finally, set up your iPhone with a new passcode.

Way 4. Remove Forgotten iPhone Passcode with Professional iPhone Unlocker🔥

Best for: Users who prefer a paid, convenient alternative after official methods fail or seem too complicated.

When official methods fall short, turning to a trusted third‑party tool can be a practical and time‑saving option. Professional iPhone unlockers are designed to remove passcodes with just a few clicks, boast high success rates, and work across most iOS versions—all without needing your Apple ID. Aiseesoft iKnockin – iPhone Unlocker is a solid example of this type of solution.

Aiseesoft iKnockin - iPhone Unlocker

Downloads

Aiseesoft iKnockin - iPhone Unlocker

  • Remove 4/6-digit passcodes, custom alphanumeric codes, Touch ID, and Face ID in just a few clicks.
  • Delete the existing Apple ID even if you forgot the password, then log in with a new account.
  • Remove Mobile Device Management profiles from remote companies or schools without losing data.
  • Forgot your restriction passcode? Remove it safely with zero data loss.
  • Supports a wide range of iPhone and iPad models across various iOS versions.
Free DownloadFor Windows

Secure100% Secure. No Ads.

Free DownloadFor macOS

Secure100% Secure. No Ads.

Step 1.
Launch Aiseesoft iKnockin and select “Unlock iOS Screen” from the available solutions. Connect your locked iPhone or iPad to the computer using a USB cable.
Iknockin Interface
Step 2.
Check your device model and iOS version, then click "Start Now" to continue. The program will automatically get the required firmware for the unlocking process.
Start To Wipe Passcode
Step 3.
After the firmware download is complete, click "OK" and confirm the operation. Wait for a few minutes while iKnockin removes the forgotten screen passcode. Once finished, your iPhone/iPad will restart, and you can re-access your device again and reset the iPhone passcode.

FAQs about Recovering Your iPhone Password

What to do if I forgot my iPhone passcode?

If you forgot your iPhone passcode, you cannot recover the original password. Instead, you need to erase or remove the passcode using methods such as Security Lockout, Recovery Mode, Find My, or a trusted unlocking tool.

How many failed attempts will lock an iPhone?

After multiple incorrect passcode attempts, your iPhone will enter Security Lockout mode. The waiting time increases after each failed attempt. If Erase Data is enabled, the device may erase itself after 10 failed attempts.

Can I unlock my iPhone without losing data?

In most cases, no. Apple's official methods require erasing your iPhone, which removes all data and settings. Keeping regular backups can help prevent permanent data loss.

Conclusion

Forgetting your iPhone password can be frustrating, especially when you need to access important data or use your device again. However, the original iPhone passcode cannot be recovered because Apple does not store it in a retrievable format.

Instead, you can regain access to your iPhone by removing the forgotten passcode through official methods like Security Lockout, Recovery Mode, or Find My. If you are looking for a simpler way to remove a forgotten screen lock, Aiseesoft iKnockin – iPhone Unlocker provides an easy-to-follow solution.

Free DownloadFor Windows

Secure100% Secure. No Ads.

Free DownloadFor macOS

Secure100% Secure. No Ads.

Disqus IconLeave your comment and join our discussion
Aiseesoft iKnockin - iPhone Unlocker box

To fix iPhone screen locked, wiping password function can help you a lot. And you also can clear Apple ID or Screen Time password easily.

Free DownloadFor Windows

Secure100% Secure. No Ads.

Free DownloadFor macOS

Secure100% Secure. No Ads.

Back to top