Locked Out of iPhone/iPad? Here Is How to Get Into It

Hi Darren,

I locked myself out of my iPhone 6s last week, and I had tried a lot of ways to get into it but it seemed too difficult for me. Could you please guide me on this?

Thanks in advance!

Jane

We got this email from one of our readers who are locked out of his iPhone. In fact, this is a common problem for those who get a second-hand device.

As we cannot find out if it is a screen lock or iCloud lock from the email, so we decide to offer guides for both situations here.

Before talking about how to get into a locked iPhone or iPad, you need to learn why this happens.

Part 1. Why Are Your Locked of Your iPhone/iPad?

As discussed above, you may be locked by Screen Lock (passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID) or iCloud Activation Lock.

I made a chart for both of the locks to help you figure it out why you’re locked out of your iPhone:

	What you’ll see on your device	What caused this
Screen Lock	iPhone (or iPad) is disabled, connect to iTunes	You forgot the passcode to unlock the lock screen, and made too many failed passcode attempts.
iCloud Activation Lock	Lost iPhone – This iPhone has been lost, please call me. Activation Lock – This iPhone is linked to an apple id. Enter the Apple ID and password that were used to set up this iPhone. Activation Lock – This iPhone was lost and erased. Enter the Apple ID and password that were used to set up this iPhone. Activate iPhone – This iPhone was lost and erased. Sign in with the Apple ID that was used to erase this iPhone.	The Find My iPhone (or Find My iPad) feature is enabled before erasing your device. You’ll have to enter the Apple ID & password or remove your device from the iCloud account to use this device.

So, what to do when you’re locked out of your iPhone? Read on to find the solutions.

Part 2. How to Get into a Locked iPhone/iPad without Password?

Let’s separate the solutions into 2 parts: getting into a disabled iPhone & getting into an iCloud locked iPhone.

Note: the following solutions can also work for iPad.

2.1 How to Get into a Disabled iPhone/iPad without Password?

When you’re locked out of an iPhone, the most common way to solve this is to make a factory reset by iTunes. Before doing this, please update iTunes to the latest version.

2.1.1 Steps to Reset iPhone with iTunes

If you’ve ever backed up your iPhone via iTunes to computer, here’re the steps to get into your locked iPhone without password:

Step 1. Connect your disabled iPhone to computer via a USB cable.

Step 2. Click on “Restore iPhone” option.

Step 3. There will be a message asking for confirmation. Click on “Restore” to proceed.

Step 4. Then iTunes will download the latest firmware to restore your device.

Step 5. Once the restoration process is complete, you’ll be able to set up your device to enjoy all the features of it!

If you’ve never backed up your device via iTunes, then the above method won’t work for you. Because iTunes cannot detect your device.

You’ll have to put your device into Recovery mode to restore it.

Step 1. Turn off your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2. Put it into Recovery mode, here is how:

• For iPhone 8 and later models: connect your device to computer via a USB cable while holding the side button. Keep holding until you see the “Connect to iTunes” (Recovery mode) screen.
• For iPad with Face ID: connect your iPad to computer while holding the top button. Keep holding until you see the “Connect to iTunes” screen.
• For iPhone 7/7Plus, iPod touch (7th generation): connect your device to computer while holding the Volume Down button until you see the “Connect to iTunes” screen.
• Other devices: connect your device to computer while holding the Home button until you see the “Connect to iTunes” screen.

Step 3. Then you’ll see a message on iTunes saying that: There is a problem with the iPhone…

Step 4. Click on Restore to download the firmware package. After restoration, set up your device.

The above methods can work for 80% of users. If it cannot work for you or you prefer getting into a locked iPhone without iTunes or computer, then this post will help you out: How to Unlock a Disabled iPhone without iTunes?

2.1.2 FAQs about Getting into a Disabled Device

Q1. Can I get into a locked iPhone without losing data?

The answer is yes! Restoring an iTunes or iCloud backup after unlocking will bring your data back. And this is the only way to get into a disabled iPhone without losing data.

Q2. Why does it ask for Apple ID password to set up the device?

This is an iCloud Activation Lock. When Find My iPhone/Find My iPad feature is enabled. You’ll have to offer the account and password when setting up your device. If it’s hard for you to provide the required info, just find the solutions below to unlock the iCloud lock.

2.2 How to Get into an iCloud Locked iPhone/iPad without Password?

The following methods help you remove iCloud activation lock from your iPhone/iPad. Choose your favorite one to proceed now!

2.2.1 Find the Apple ID and Password

If you’re the original owner of this device and forgot the Apple ID or password, then this is pretty easy for you to reset the password.

Just visit https://appleid.apple.com/ to find the forgotten Apple ID or password with the information it required.

The whole process will take no longer than 5 minutes if you would offer the right info.

2.2.2 Ask the Previous Owner for Help

This is the only free way to get into an iCloud locked iPhone without password. If the previous owner is glad to help, just sent these steps to him:

Step 1. Visit https://www.icloud.com/ and login with the iCloud account and password associated with the locked device.

Step 2. Click on Find iPhone > All Devices.

Step 3. Choose the locked device and click the “Remove from Account” option.

Step 4. Then click on “Remove” from the popup message to confirm.

Finally, set up your device without Apple ID or password required now!

2.2.3 Using an Unlock Service

This is the only way works for iCloud locked device if the previous owner cannot help. Using a reliable iCloud unlock service will enable you to unlock the device permanently.

One thing you should note is that those services are not free.

One of the reliable iCloud unlock services is AppleiPhoneUnlock. The price of this service is reasonable and it works perfectly to help you get into a locked iPhone.

The whole unlocking process is very straightforward as discussed above. After unlocking, you’ll get a notification and then, just set up and enjoy your new iPhone!

2.2.4 Using iCloud DNS Bypass

Locked out of iPhone iCloud lock? Don’t worry, there’s a way for you to bypass it. In fact, this way just helps you get into a locked iPhone temporarily, you’ll have to bypass again after restarting your device. Except that, only part of functions or apps can be accessed after unlocking.

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Open your iPhone, then select your Country and Language.

Step 2: Go to WiFi settings. By tap the “i” icon.

Step 3: Insert custom DNS, choose one of the below IPs according to your location:

• USA / North America: 104.154.51.7
• Europe: 104.155.28.90
• Asia: 104.155.220.58

Step 4: Tap “< Back” in the top left screen, then choose your WiFi and enter the password. Hence your iPhone will jump to the next interface, don’t let it, and hit “Back”

Step 5: The iCloud Bypass screen will pop up. Scroll down to find the “Menu”, from which you can access apps, music, videos, camera, and other functions.

If it cannot work for you, just refer to the iCloud DNS bypass full guide to get more details.

Bonus: If You Mean You’re Locked Out of iPhone Carrier Lock

When you’re locked out of an iPhone Carrier lock, you’ll see a message saying that “SIM not supported” when you restart your iPhone.

Fortunately, unlocking an iPhone from a carrier lock is much easier than unlocking a screen lock or iCloud lock. Just simply contact the carrier or using an unlocking service.

For more details, please read this post to get this problem resolved.

In Conclusion

Don’t panic when you’re locked out of your iPhone/iPad. There’re lots of effective solutions to help you get into a locked iPhone or iPad. Just choose what you prefer and unlock now!