Contents

Part 1. Back Up Locked iPhone Using Aiseesoft (Best Method)
Part 2. Back Up a Locked iPhone Using iTunes
Part 3. Back Up a Locked iPhone Using iCloud
Part 4. FAQs of backing up Data on Locked iPhone

Locked iPhone: How to Back up iPhone with 3 Steps

March 13, 2026Louisa White

Just think about it, losing your iPhone passcode is the last thing you want, of course, but what if you happen to have such a device full of important photos, messages, the contacts of your loved ones, and so on? The very thought of the whole thing makes you helpless and desperate. When the time comes to reset their locked iPhone, users mostly want to know if they can back up a locked iPhone so as not to lose all their data. In fact, there are certain cases when you will not necessarily lose your data. Depending on your previous settings and device status, there are ways to help you secure your files before performing a reset. If your iPhone is not locked and you want to back up your data normally, follow the steps in “Back up iPhone contacts to PC.” Keep reading to discover what you can and cannot do when your iPhone is locked and how to avoid permanent data loss.

Part 1. Back Up Locked iPhone Using Aiseesoft iOS Data Backup and Restore (Best Method)

If your iPhone is locked and you’re worried about losing important files, backing up your data should be your first step before resetting the device. In some cases, especially if your iPhone was previously connected and trusted on a computer, you may still be able to create a backup. If you’re wondering how to back up a locked iPhone quickly and safely, Aiseesoft iOS Data Backup and Restore provides a simple and secure solution.

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Aiseesoft iOS Data Backup & Restore - Best iPhone Backup Too

Back up everything, or choose specific files only
Add a password to protect your data
Won’t replace or delete previous backups
View your files before restoring them
Contacts, messages, photos, notes, videos, WhatsApp, and more

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Steps to Back Up iPhone Data

Step 1.

Install and launch Aiseesoft iOS Data Backup and Restore on your computer. Click iOS Data Backup.

Step 2.

Connect your iPhone using a USB cable. If the device was previously trusted, it will be detected automatically. Then, choose whether Standard Backup or Encrypted Backup (for password protection).

Step 3.

Select the data types you want to back up (or choose all) and click Next to begin. Wait until the backup process completes. Your data will then be safely saved to your computer.

Steps to Restore Backup Files

Step 1.

Click iOS Data Restore and choose the backup file you previously created.

Step 2.

After that, click View Now to preview its contents.

Step 3.

Select the files you want to restore by clicking the Restore to Device (to send data back to your iPhone) or Restore to PC (to save files to your computer). Wait for the process to finish.

Detailed Recoverable iOS Data Aiseesoft Supports

Category	Supported Data Types
Contacts & Communication	Contacts, Messages (SMS/iMessage), WhatsApp, Call History
Notes & Productivity	Notes, Reminders, Calendar, Safari Bookmarks, Safari History
App Data	WhatsApp Attachments, Message Attachments, App Photos, App Videos, App Documents
Media Files	Camera Roll, Photo Library, Photo Stream, Videos, Voice Memos
Attachments	Voicemail, Message Attachments, WhatsApp Attachments
Other Data	Safari Data, App Documents, Application Media Files

Part 2. Back Up a Locked iPhone Using iTunes

If you previously synced your iPhone with a computer, you may still be able to back it up using iTunes even if the device is currently locked. However, this method only works if the iPhone was already trusted on that computer. Otherwise, iTunes will require you to unlock the device first.

For Windows users and older macOS versions, backup is done through iTunes. For macOS Catalina and later, Apple replaced iTunes with Finder, but the process is very similar.

For Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier (Using iTunes)

Step 1.

Open iTunes and make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed. Launch iTunes on your computer.

Step 2.

Use a USB cable to connect your locked iPhone and click the Device icon near the top-left corner of iTunes.

Step 3.

Under the Summary tab, go to the Backups section. Select This Computer (recommended for a full local backup). Optionally, check Encrypt local backup for added security.

Step 4.

Hit Back Up Now and wait until the backup process finishes.

For macOS Catalina and Later (Using Finder)

Step 1.

On your Mac, open a new Finder window. Assume you are connected to your PC, your device will appear in the Finder sidebar under Locations.

Step 2.

Click your iPhone name in the sidebar and under the General tab, choose Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.

Step 3.

(Optional) Check Encrypt local backup.

Step 4.

Click Back Up Now.

• This method only works if the iPhone was previously trusted on that computer.

• If the computer was never trusted, you must first unlock the iPhone, which may not be possible if you forgot the passcode.

• If iTunes or Finder cannot detect the device, consider using the Aiseesoft iOS Data Backup and Restore tool instead.

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Part 3. Back Up a Locked iPhone Using iCloud

Backing up your iPhone is crucial, especially if your device is locked and you want to save your data before proceeding. Fortunately, if your iPhone is linked to your Apple ID and has iCloud Backup enabled, you can back up your data without unlocking it. This method ensures your photos, contacts, messages, and app data remain safe.

Steps to Back Up a Locked iPhone Using iCloud:

Step 1.

Ensure your locked iPhone has iCloud Backup turned on previously. If enabled, your device should automatically back up when connected to Wi-Fi, plugged in, and locked.

Step 2.

Use a web browser and go to iCloud.com. Sign in using the Apple ID linked to your locked iPhone.

Step 3.

Once signed in, check apps like Photos, Contacts, Notes, and iCloud Drive to confirm your data is being backed up.

Step 4.

If your iPhone allows it, you can connect it to a trusted Wi-Fi network. On the device, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now.

Note: Some locked iPhones may require you to enter the passcode for manual backup.

Step 5.

You can restore your data to a different device or unlock your iPhone after it has been securely stored in iCloud.

Part 4. FAQs of backing up Data on Locked iPhone

Can a disabled iPhone be unlocked?

No. You can't unlock a disabled iPhone. But you can use Finder, iTunes, iCloud or Recovery Mode to erase your iPhone. Then recover your iPhone data with an iTunes backup or iCloud backup.

Can I reset my iPhone while it's disabled?

Yes. You can use iTunes to reset a disable iPhone and restore the data from a recent backup. Or you can reset the disabled iPhone from Apple's Find My iPhone web page.

How do I see if my iPhone is unlocked?

You can go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. If there is an option for Cellular Data Options, then your iPhone is probably unlocked.

Conclusion

Dealing with a locked iPhone can be stressful, but now you know how to back up a locked iPhone safely. From my experience, Aiseesoft iOS Data Backup and Restore is the easiest and most reliable method. iTunes works well if you’ve synced before, and iCloud can back up your data automatically if it is enabled. Regardless of the approach you take, the most important thing is to take prompt action to protect your sensitive information before attempting to unlock your device.

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