This wikiHow teaches you how to unlock an iOS device (e.g. iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch) in a number of different situations. Those situations include resetting a device that's secured with a password you can't access, as well as unlocking a device with a password you know.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Reset Password Secured iOS Device Via iTunes
Step 1. Connect the appropriate cable to your iOS device and computer
Connect the USB end of the cable (the larger one) to one of the rectangular ports on the side of the computer, and the smaller end of the cable to the charging port of the device.
- If you forget your device passcode, you can reset it by restoring a backup file to your device (restoring backup).
- USB ports are indicated by the three-pronged arrow icon next to the port.
- If your computer doesn't have a USB port, switch to the iCloud method.
Step 2. Open iTunes on your computer if the program doesn't open automatically
You may need to confirm your choice to open iTunes automatically once the device is connected to your computer, depending on the type (or operating system and settings) of the computer you are using.
Step 3. Wait for the device to sync to iTunes
The bar at the top of the iTunes window will say " Syncing [Your Name]'s iPhone (Step [X] of [Y]) " or something. Once the device is connected, you can start the reset process.
Step 4. Click the “Device” icon
The icon resembles an iPhone and is under the “Accounts” tab.
Step 5. Click the Back Up Now button
The button appears in the " Backups " section. While this step is optional, it can ensure that you can get the most recent files back in case you ever need to restore data from a backup file.
- If you have enabled automatic data backup, you don't need to create a backup file again. For security reasons, check the last file backup date shown in the “Backups” section.
- When you create a backup file from your phone, you have two options for saving files: “iCloud” (the file will be uploaded to your iCloud account) or “This computer” (the backup file will be saved to the computer you are using).
Step 6. Click Restore Device
It's at the top of the iTunes page. The “Device” label will be replaced with the device designation (e.g. iPhone, iPad, or iPod).
If you enable the "Find My iPhone" feature, iTunes will ask you to disable it before the data restore is performed. To turn it off, open the settings menu on your iOS device, then swipe up and select iCloud. Swipe back and select Find My iPhone. After that, swipe the switch next to the "Find My iPhone" label to the left
Step 7. Click Restore and Update
With this, you confirm your choice to restore or restore device files and settings.
Read the information displayed in the pop-up window before continuing with the process so you know what will happen when you restore files or device settings
Step 8. Click Next
Step 9. Click Agree
After that, the process of restoring or restoring files and device settings will begin. By clicking “Agree”, you agree not to sue Apple for any data loss caused by system errors.
Step 10. Wait for the process to complete
Step 11. Select the source of the backup file that you want to restore
You can access this option in the "Restore from this backup" section by clicking the bar labeled with your iOS device name.
- The date and location of the backup file will be displayed below the bar. For best results, choose the most recent backup file.
- You will need to click the circle next to the “Restore from this backup” option to enable it if it is not the default option.
Step 12. Click " Continue " to start the process of restoring or restoring files and settings
iTunes will begin restoring files and settings to the device. This process may take from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many files you have on your device.
You can see the remaining time information at the bottom of the file restore pop-up window
Step 13. Wait for the device to restart
When the file restore process is complete, you will see the words “Hello” running across the screen.
Step 14. Press the “Home” button
Since the data restore was done, the passcode has now been erased. Press the “Home” button to unlock the phone.
You can add a new password for your phone via the “Touch ID & Passcode” section of the iPhone settings menu
Step 15. Type in your Apple ID password
After that, your phone's settings and files will be restored.
You will need to wait a while for the app to finish updating and the device can resume the pre-wipe state
Method 2 of 4: Restoring an iOS Device Secured by Password Through iCloud
Step 1. Try backing up your device to iCloud before continuing with this step
The restore process described here includes wirelessly erasing the device's context. Therefore, by making a recent backup file, you can be sure that you will not lose any files stored on your device when you restore your device.
- If you don't have enough storage space to create a backup file on iCloud, you'll need to back it up to iTunes.
- You only have 5 GB of free iCloud storage space, so you may need to purchase more storage space to back up files to iCloud.
- You can buy 50 GB of storage space for 0.99 US dollars (about 10 thousand rupiah) per month.
Step 2. Open the Find My iPhone web page
Find My iPhone allows you to delete files on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, without having to access or use the device directly.
Step 3. Enter your Apple ID and password
You can enter it in the fields provided.
The Apple ID and password are the credential information used when you purchase apps from the Apps Store
Step 4. Click →
If the credential information entered is correct, you can sign in to your Apple ID account.
Step 5. Click All Devices
It's at the top of the page.
Step 6. Click your device name
In the drop-down menu, your device name is usually labeled as "[Your Name]'s [Device]".
For example, for the iPad, the option might be labeled "Rachman's iPad."
Step 7. Click Erase Device
It's in the upper-right corner of the special window that appears in the upper-right corner of the page.
Step 8. Click Erase again
After that, the deletion option is confirmed successfully and you will be taken to the password entry menu.
Step 9. Re-enter your Apple ID password
Step 10. Click Next
After that, you will be taken to the “Find My iPhone” preference page.
You also need to click " Next " in the phone number entry menu
Step 11. Click Done
After that, iCloud will start deleting your device's files and settings.
Step 12. Wait for the deletion process to complete
Once done, you should see the words “Hello” running across the screen. From here, you can use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch and perform a reset.
Step 13. Press the “Home” button to unlock the device
Since you have done the reset, you do not need to enter a password.
Step 14. Go to device initial setup option
These options include setting:
- Language you want to use
- Residential area
- The Wi-Fi network you want to use
Step 15. Enter your Apple ID and password on the "Activation Lock" page
The credential information entered must match the information previously used to delete files and device settings.
Step 16. Select Next
Step 17. Decide whether you want to enable or disable location services
If you're not sure about the options, tap the "Disable location services" option displayed at the bottom of the page. You can always change this setting at a later time.
Location services can enhance app functionality by leveraging the device's regional location to suit device usage
Step 18. Type in the new password twice
You can also touch the Skip option to do it later.
Step 19. Select Restore from iCloud Backup
This option is on the " Apps and Data " page. Once selected, the process of restoring files and settings will begin.
Step 20. Enter your Apple ID and password again
This step is done to check the backup files stored in iCloud.
Step 21. Select Agree
It's in the lower-right corner of the page. After that, you will be asked to select an iCloud backup file, according to the date it was created.
Step 22. Select the iCloud backup file with the desired date to start the process of restoring files and device settings
Keep in mind that this process can take a few minutes.
Step 23. Wait for the restore process to complete
You may need to re-enter your Apple ID password one more time during this process.
Method 3 of 4: Unlocking Device with Known Passcode
Step 1. Press the "Lock" button to turn on the screen
The iPhone lock button is usually on the right side of the case, while the lock button on the iPad and iPod Touch is at the top of the case.
- If you're using an iPhone 5 (or an older model), the "Lock" button is usually at the top of the phone case.
- On iPhone 6S (and similar models) with the "Raise to Wake" feature enabled, you can turn on the screen by simply picking up the phone.
Step 2. Press the “Home” button
You will be taken to the passcode entry page.
Step 3. Type in the device passcode
If you enter the code correctly, the device will unlock automatically.
The passcode can be set in three different configurations: 4-digit, 6-digit, and alphanumeric (numbers, letters, and symbols)
Method 4 of 4: Unlocking iPhone or iPod with Touch ID
Step 1. Make sure your iOS device supports Touch ID
Keep in mind that iPod Touch doesn't support Touch ID. Some of the devices that support Touch ID include:
- iPhone 5S, SE, 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, 7, and 7 Plus.
- iPad Air 2, Mini 3, Mini 4, and Pro (both 9, 7 and 12.9-inch screen versions).
Step 2. Press the "Lock" button to turn on the screen
For iPhone, it's on the right side of the device's frame. For iPad, it's at the top of the device's frame.
There is an exception for the iPhone 5S because the button is at the top of the body of the device
Step 3. Place your fingertip over the “Home” button
You need to use the finger you previously used to set up Touch ID on your iPhone or iPad.
- Make sure you place your finger on the “Home” button.
- If the "Rest Finger to Open" accessibility feature is enabled, the finger placement mechanism can unlock the phone automatically.
Step 4. Press the “Home” button when prompted
If your fingerprint has been scanned successfully, you will see a "Press home to unlock" message at the bottom of the screen. Once the button is pressed, the phone lock will be unlocked.
If your fingerprint does not scan properly, you will be taken to a passcode entry page and ask you to try again
Tips
- Some iOS devices will delete all saved files if they fail to enter the passcode 10 times.
- If the fingerprint scan doesn't work, try wiping your hands with a dry towel and doing the finger scan again.
