How to Fix Disabled iPhone Won’t Connect to iTunes

“Hello,

I’m currently in a big mess. I just entered the wrong passcode on my iPhone and didn’t know I’ve exceeded the trial times. Now the device is disabled. My friend advised me to unlock the device using iTunes, but unfortunately, it’s not connecting to iTunes. Please, how do I fix a disabled iPhone that fails to connect to iTunes?”

Having an issue similar to the one above can be frustrating, especially when you have some crucial tasks to execute on the device. But that’s history now that you’ve made it to this platform and read this post.

Here, we will explain in detail the reasons why your iPhone is disabled and won’t connect to iTunes plus the troubleshooting solutions. Keep reading to learn how this is done!

Reason Why “iPhone is Disabled and Won’t Connect to iTunes”

Your disabled iPhone isn’t connecting to iTunes due to connection issue. iTunes can’t detect the disabled iPhone which is directly connected to iTunes via a USB cable. Sometimes, an uncertified or broken USB cable can also lead to the “won’t connect to iTunes” issue.

Part 1. Quick Fix to iPhone is Disabled and Won’t Connect to iTunes

As what above says, the issue “disabled iPhone won’t connect to iTunes” may be caused by a unworkable USB cable, you can try another reliable USB cable for the connection between the iPhone and iTunes. If the USB cable isn’t the culprit, simply leverage recovery mode to bridge the gap in connection. By holding down the right set of buttons on your iPhone, you can link your device with iTunes to perform a quick restoration which paves the way for you to bypass your disabled screen.

The procedure for recovery mode differs for the different iPhone models, which will be demonstrated in our guide. However, prior to fixing iPhone disabled and won’t connect to iTunes via recovery mode, it’s best to note that this solution will cause data loss.

If this is fine with you, then apply the stepwise guide below:

Step 1: Launch the up-to-date version of iTunes on your PC. After that, enter recovery mode on your disabled iPhone. To do that, apply the stepwise guide that corresponds with your iPhone model:

iPhone 8/X and Later Models

1. Press down the Volume Up key and release immediately.
2. Next, do the same thing with the Volume Down button.
3. Now, hold down the Side button. Continue holding until the recovery mode logo appears.

iPhone 7/7 Plus

1. Simultaneously press down both Volume Down + Power buttons till you see the recovery mode screen.

iPhone 6 Series and Older Models

1. Hold down the Home button and Power button together.
2. Be patient till the recovery mode screen is shown.

Step 2: Hold down the last button from the recovery mode guide and connect the disabled iPhone to your PC using a USB cord. iTunes will detect your device in error and suggest that you restore or update it. Click Restore to proceed.

Step 3: Tap on the Restore button again to confirm your action. When that’s completed, iTunes will restore your iPhone and remove the screen lock immediately and now you can use it without any restriction.

Part 2. Alternative Ways to Unlock Disabled iPhone That Won’t Connect to iTunes

If recovery mode fails to work, here are some alternative techniques to unlock your disabled iPhone that won’t connect to iTunes:

Way 1. Unlock Disabled iPhone without iTunes via Passixer

Passixer is one of the most efficient iOS unlockers that offers high-quality screen unlock services. With this simple software, you can deal with any security restriction issues you may run into on your iPhone or iPad, including disabled iPhone won’t connect to iTunes.

There’s no limitation to the type of screen lock you can use this software to bypass. Passixer is suitable for removing 4-digit or 6-digit code, Face ID and Touch ID security locks. You can use it for any model of iPhone, with the iPhone 15 series inclusive. This software is super easy to navigate around, so operating it isn’t a function of your tech literacy.

Key Features

1. 3-step to unlock disabled iPhone without connecting to iTunes.
2. Easily remove Apple ID from iPhone/iPad without password.
3. Effectively bypass iCloud Activation Lock from your iOS device without previous owner.
4. 1-click to remove Screen Time from iDevices without passcode.
5. Quickly unlock MDM lock from iPhone or iPad without credentials.

Steps to Unlock Disabled iPhone without iTunes via Passixer:

Step 1: Run Passixer on a computer and click on Wipe Passcode when the quick start screen pops up.

Step 2: Next, you get a screen with a Start icon. Click on the icon and proceed to connect the disabled iPhone to your computer via a USB cable.

Step 3: Passixer will analyze your iPhone and display some of the information. Verify the info and proceed to click on Start to download the recommended firmware package to unlock your disabled iPhone.

Step 4: When the download is completed, click Next. Then head to the empty space and enter 0000, then click Unlock.

Passixer will immediately unlock your iPhone without passcode, Face ID or Touch ID.

Way 2. Reset Disabled iPhone without iTunes with iCloud

Popular for storing data off iOS and macOS devices, iCloud also plays a significant role in unlocking disabled iDevices. This cloud storage facility lets you erase or reset your disabled iPhone remotely using the Find My feature available on your profile page. After resetting, the disabled iPhone becomes empty as new, meaning that the iPhone is unlocked.

This technique follows a simple procedure, but requires that you fulfill conditions which are:

1. Find My iPhone feature is on.
2. Get the authentic Apple ID and password signed in on the disabled iPhone.

Once you have the aforementioned confirmed, you can proceed to reset your disabled iPhone without iTunes using your iCloud profile. Here’s how to do that:

Step 1: Using another mobile device or better yet a computer, launch iCloud.com. Hit the Sign In button and provide your Apple ID details correctly in the space given to login to your iCloud account.

If required, you might have to provide a 2FA code. To get this, you can check one of the devices linked to your Apple ID.

Step 2: Scroll down the iCloud profile and click on Find My.

Step 3: Next, you will be directed to an interface showing all the devices using your Apple ID on the left-hand side of your screen. Simply choose the disabled iPhone.

Step 4: Now, select Erase This Device on the next screen that pops up.

After that, you have to enter your Apple ID password for security purposes and to validate your action.

Way 3. Erase Disabled iPhone without iTunes Using Find My App

With the Find My app, you can quickly perform a quick reset on your locked iPhone without having any physical interaction with it. Find My App lets you erase all content and custom settings, including screen time passcode tied to your device using another Apple phone, whether iPhone or iPad. Here’s a detailed procedure you need to follow to unlock your disabled iPhone without iTunes via Find My App:

1. Open Find My App and sign in the Apple ID you have on the disabled iPhone.
2. Locate the Devices icon at the bottom panel and click on it.
3. Next, select the disabled iPhone from the list of devices shown on your screen.
4. After that, click Erase This Device. The disabled iPhone will be wiped immediately.

Bonus: Tips to Avoid iPhone Disabled

Here are some useful tips to prevent iPhone disabled issues from occurring in the future:

1. Use a strong passcode that you can easily remember.
2. Try setting up alternative unlock measures, such as Touch ID and Face ID.
3. Ensure your device doesn’t auto type while in your pocket.
4. Keep your iPhone out of children’s reach.
5. Activate the Erase iPhone feature so your device erases after 10 unsuccessful passcode attempts.

FAQs

Q1. What is Find My iPhone?

Find My iPhone is an additional security feature Apple Inc. integrated into its devices to help track the location in case it goes missing. It also plays a vital role in data protection and the safety of your device in general. When you reset an iPhone on which Find My feature is on, you will get an iCloud Activation Lock screen on the iOS device after restoration. To unlock this iCloud lock, the correct Apple ID is needed, which greatly prevents your lost iPhone from being accessed by the wrong hand.

Q2. How Do I Connect My iPhone to iTunes When My iPhone is Unavailable?

To make iTunes recognize your unavailable iPhone, you can put your iPhone into Recovery Mode first. For the detailed tutorial, simply follow Part 1 above.

Final Words

Hopefully, this post should help you fix the “iPhone is disabled and won’t connect to iTunes” issue and successfully unlock your disabled iPhone. If the quick fix isn’t available to you and you want an easy but effective way to access the disabled iPhone, give Passixer a shot, which removes the disabled screen from iPhone with a straightforward process and an ensured success rate.