Updated on 2024-03-15
5min read
Forgotten screen passcode is a common occurrence that restricts your access to an iPhone. Sometimes, you may be stopped from unlocking your second-hand iPhone because it’s locked with its previous owner’s passcode. Though these can be annoying, it’s fixable when you have the right guide at your disposal. In this post, we will cover the 5 professional ways to unlock any iPhone model with or without a computer.
How to Unlock iPhone with Computer
Firstly, we will look at how to unlock your iPhone with a computer in case you have one at your fingertip. Here are some of the techniques you could apply:
Use Passixer iPhone Unlocker
Passixer iPhone Unlocker is multifunctional software that comes with robust iOS unlock features to bypass screen restrictions on any iDevice. With the comprehensive interface, you can easily handle screen lock issues on your iPhone regardless of your tech skill. This software can remove all types of screen locks including 4-digit/6-digit passcode, Face ID/Touch ID, and custom numeric/alphanumeric code. It helps you simply access a locked iPhone without passcode, whether the iPhone is brand new or second hand. Additionally, Passixer is also useful for removing Apple ID without password or removing Screen Time Restrictions without Passcode, and more.
Key Features
- 1-click to bypass all kinds of screen locks on your iPhone or iPad without hassles.
- Passixer removes or recovers Screen Time Passcode in minutes.
- Fix iCloud Activation Lock on your iDevice without Apple ID or seeking assistance from the previous owner.
- Applicable for all iOS versions and iPhone/iPad models.
Steps to Unlock iPhone with Computer via Passixer iPhone Unlocker
Step 1: Install Passixer iPhone Unlocker on your PC/Mac. Afterwards, launch it and select Wipe Passcode.
Once done, click Start on the next screen.
Step 2: Link your locked iPhone to the computer using a reliable USB cable. If properly done, and Passixer detects your device, the screen below will appear:
Confirm that the info displayed tallies with what you have for your iPhone. Click Start to proceed.
Step 3: Next, Passixer will download a firmware file to unlock your phone. Once the download is finished, enter 0000 in the empty field displayed on the subsequent screen. Click Unlock and the software will remove the screen lock immediately.
Use iTunes/Finder
iTunes and Finder are Apple programs that let you preview, exchange, and backup data on an iPhone or iPad after connecting to a computer. Both programs play a significant role in screen unlock operations. This is possible as either program lets you reset your iPhone to factory settings so all installed data and settings are cleared. The configuration settings for your screen passcode are also cleared in the process.
If you don’t mind losing your data, follow the steps down here to unlock your iPhone via iTunes or Finder if you’ve synced the device with your computer in the past:
Step 1: Launch the updated version of iTunes on your PC (Windows or macOS Mojave or earlier). If you use macOS Catalina or later versions, you have to launch Finder.
Step 2: Connect the locked iPhone to your PC/Mac with the help of a certified USB cable. Then locate your device in iTunes after detection.
Step 3: On the right-hand panel, click on Restore iPhone. iTunes will reset your iPhone to factory mode in no time.
However, for Finder, you just select the iPhone tab on the left sidebar and click Restore iPhone.
However, if you haven’t, then the stepwise guide below should be used:
Step 1: Turn off the locked iPhone by following the technique that suits your model:
iPhone 8/X or Later Models
- Simultaneously hold down the Side + Volume Up buttons till the power slider interface appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off the device.
iPhone 6/6s/7/7 Plus
- Press down the Side button until you find the power slider on your screen.
- Move the slider to switch off the iPhone.
iPhone 5s/SE (1st Generation) and Earlier Versions
- Hold on the Top button until your device displays the power slider interface.
- Now, move the slider in the correct direction to turn off the iPhone.
Step 2: Next, you have to enter recovery mode on your iPhone. Depending on the iPhone model you use, the approach differs. Follow and apply the steps that match your model from the guides below:
iPhone 8/X and Later Models
- Press down the Side button.
iPhone 7/7Plus
- Hold down the Volume Down button.
iPhone 6/6s and Earlier Models
- Press the Home button down.
Step 3: While holding down the appropriate button for your iPhone model, launch iTunes or Finder and connect the device to the computer using an authentic USB cable. Continue holding the button until your iPhone displays the screen below, then let go:
Step 4: Next, a prompt will come up. Click on Restore and iTunes/Finder will download software to restore your device. Wait until the process is finished and your iPhone restarts. Now, you can configure it for usage.
Limitations
- Data loss is imminent.
- All procedures must be properly followed. If not, the device will be damaged in the process.
Use iCloud
From the official website for iCloud, you can wipe your iPhone remotely to bypass the screen lock. You can do this thanks to the Find My feature that’s available on the iCloud website. However, for this method to be effective, you must ensure that Find My is active on the locked iPhone.
If the condition is met, use the directions below to unlock your iPhone:
Step 1: Go to iCloud official website and sign into your iCloud account using the Apple ID details linked to the locked iPhone. If you have 2FA activated, you have to check one of the devices connected to the same Apple ID to fetch and paste the required code.
Step 2: On your profile page, locate the Find My icon and tap on it.
Next, a mapping interface will appear. Proceed to where you have All Devices and select the locked iPhone from the devices listed.
Step 3: On the subsequent interface, hit the Erase This Device button.
If required, you may enter your Apple ID password to confirm you own the device. Once done, your iPhone will be erased immediately. Now, you can use it without screen lock.
Limitations
- Your Apple ID details must be readily available so you can sign in to your iCloud account.
- A stable internet connection is needed.
- Only an iPhone that has Find My activated can use this method.
- The data on your iPhone will be deleted.
How to Unlock iPhone Without Computer [on Locked iPhone]
In case you don’t have a computer at your disposal, here are some handy techniques you can use to unlock your iPhone on the locked iPhone itself:
Erase iPhone from Lock Screen
From your locked screen, you can erase your iPhone and get rid of the passcode configuration settings you have on it using the Erase iPhone feature. However, this works for only selected devices, iOS 15.2 or later versions precisely.
Erase iPhone allows you to wipe your iPhone using your Apple ID details. Using this method to unlock your iPhone is easy but you must be connected to a WiFi router or Cellular network to use it.
If you’ve done this, follow these steps to unlock iPhone via Erase iPhone option:
- Enter the wrong screen passcode at least 5 times consecutively.
- Next, an Unavailable/Security Lockout screen will appear. Locate and click on Erase iPhone at the bottom right corner.
- Click on Erase iPhone again on the subsequent interface.
- Now, you have to provide the password to the Apple ID displayed. Enter the correct details and your iPhone will be wiped immediately.
Limitations
- You will surely lose your data while using this method.
- Only selected iOS versions (iOS 15.2 or later precisely) can use this method.
- It’s important you know the Apple ID password to unlock your iPhone via this approach.
Open iPhone with Old Passcode
With the help of your previous passcode, you can also bypass screen lock on your locked iPhone. However, for this technique to be effective, you must have changed your screen passcode once in the last 72 hours. In addition to the required conditions, you must ensure your iPhone is running on iOS 17.0 or later.
Having satisfied these conditions, then you can apply the stepwise guide below:
- Enter the wrong passcode multiple times until you find the Security Lockout interface.
- Tap on Forgot Passcode?
- On the next screen, select Enter Previous Passcode.
- Input the old passcode and follow the instructions displayed to set up a new screen passcode.
Limitations
- If you haven’t changed your screen passcode within the suggested period, you cannot unlock your device.
- You must be connected to a Cellular network or WiFi router for this method to work.
- It’s only applicable to devices running on iOS 17.0 or later.
Conclusion
Unlocking your iPhone with or without a computer is no longer a big deal with the guide above at your fingertip. We’ve listed the various ways to unlock an iPhone and the conditions for using each method. Select and apply the one that suits you to unlock your iPhone now. In case you need a universal approach, Passixer iPhone Unlocker would be helpful. The software unlocks all types of iPhone models without preference for any iOS version.