How to Unlock an iPhone Without Passcode

Joe Cohen

person holding iPhone

Figuring out how to unlock your iPhone without a passcode can be stressful. But no worries, several methods can help you get back in. One effective way is to use iTunes on a computer. With the right steps, you can reset your device and regain access.

Another method involves using third-party apps designed to unlock your iPhone. These tools can offer a quick solution, especially if you’re locked out and can’t use iTunes. Each method has specific steps to follow, ensuring you can unlock your device without much trouble.

Understanding the various ways to unlock your iPhone 14 can save you time and hassle in emergencies. With easy-to-follow methods, you can quickly regain access to your phone and continue with your day.

How to Unlock an iPhone Without a Passcode (Legitimate & Safe Methods)

Forgetting your iPhone passcode can be stressful, but there are safe and legal ways to regain access—as long as the device is yours. Apple intentionally designs iOS security so that passcodes cannot be bypassed without erasing the device. Any guide claiming otherwise is misleading or unsafe.

Below are the official, legitimate methods to unlock an iPhone when you don’t know the passcode.


Important Before You Start

  • ✅ These methods are legal only for devices you own
  • ❌ There is no way to unlock an iPhone without data loss if you don’t know the passcode
  • ✅ You can restore your data afterward if you have a backup

Method 1: Use Face ID or Touch ID (If Available)

If your iPhone still accepts biometric authentication:

  1. Wake the iPhone
  2. Use Face ID or Touch ID
  3. Once unlocked, immediately:
    • Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode
    • Change your passcode

⚠️ This works only if biometrics are still enabled and haven’t been disabled by restarts or failed attempts.


Method 2: Unlock Using Apple ID (iOS 15.2+)

If you’re running iOS 15.2 or later, Apple allows passcode reset using your Apple ID.

Steps:

  1. Enter the wrong passcode several times
  2. Tap “Forgot Passcode?”
  3. Choose “Reset iPhone”
  4. Sign in with your Apple ID password
  5. Set a new passcode

✅ Requires:

  • Internet connection
  • Apple ID credentials
  • Find My enabled

Method 3: Restore iPhone Using iTunes or Finder

This is the most common official solution.

What you need:

  • A Mac (Finder) or Windows PC (iTunes)
  • USB cable
  • Apple ID credentials

Steps:

  1. Turn off your iPhone
  2. Put it into Recovery Mode:
    • Face ID models: Hold Side + Volume Down
    • Home button models: Hold Home + Power
  3. Connect to computer while holding buttons
  4. When prompted, choose Restore
  5. Wait for iOS to reinstall
  6. Sign in with Apple ID to remove Activation Lock

📌 Your data will be erased unless you restore from a backup.


Method 4: Unlock Using iCloud (Find My iPhone)

If Find My iPhone is enabled:

  1. Visit icloud.com
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID
  3. Go to Find Devices
  4. Select your iPhone
  5. Click Erase iPhone
  6. Set a new passcode after setup

✅ Works remotely ❌ Erases all data


Method 5: Restore from a Backup

After unlocking using any erase method, you can recover your data:

Backup options:

  • iCloud backup
  • iTunes/Finder backup

📌 You must remember:

  • Apple ID password
  • Backup encryption password (if used)

What About Third‑Party Unlocking Tools?

⚠️ Be very cautious.

Many tools claim to:

  • Unlock without data loss
  • Bypass iCloud lock
  • Remove passcodes instantly

In reality:

  • Most erase data anyway
  • Some are scams or malware
  • Many violate Apple’s security policies

✅ Only use reputable tools if Apple’s official methods fail—and understand the risks.


What You Cannot Do

  • ❌ Guess or brute‑force the passcode
  • ❌ Bypass security without erasing data
  • ❌ Unlock an iPhone without the Apple ID
  • ❌ Unlock a stolen or found device

Apple’s security is designed to protect user privacy, even if that means inconvenience.


Quick Comparison

MethodData PreservedRequirements
Face ID / Touch ID✅ YesBiometrics enabled
Apple ID reset❌ NoiOS 15.2+, Apple ID
iTunes / Finder❌ NoComputer
iCloud❌ NoFind My enabled
Backup restore✅ YesExisting backup

Final Takeaway

There is no true way to unlock an iPhone without a passcode and without erasing data—and that’s by design. Your best option is to:

  1. Erase the device using Apple’s official tools
  2. Restore your data from a backup
  3. Set a new passcode you’ll remember

If you’re still stuck, contact Apple Support with proof of ownership—they’re the only ones who can help beyond these steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Unlock iPhone through iTunes on a computer.
  • Use third-party apps to unlock without passcodes.
  • Easy steps make the process simple and efficient.

Methods to Unlock iPhone 14 Without Passcode

There are several ways to unlock an iPhone 14 if you forget your passcode. You can use Find My iPhone, iTunes or Finder on a computer, or specialized iPhone unlocker tools.

Using Find My iPhone

Find My iPhone is handy if the iPhone is linked to iCloud and has Find My iPhone enabled. Go to the iCloud website and sign in with your Apple ID. Click on Find My iPhone and select your iPhone 14. Choose Erase iPhone to remove all data, including the forgotten passcode. After this, you can set up the device again as new or restore it from a backup.

Utilizing iTunes or Finder

To use iTunes or Finder, first ensure your iPhone is not connected to a computer. Turn off the iPhone, then press and hold the side button while connecting it to your computer. Keep holding until the recovery mode screen appears. Open iTunes or Finder and a message will pop up, indicating a device in recovery mode. Select Restore iPhone. This will erase the iPhone, including the passcode, and install the latest iOS.

Employing iPhone Unlocker Tools

iPhone unlocker tools like EaseUS MobiUnlock can remove a forgotten passcode. Download and install the tool on your computer. Connect the iPhone to the computer using a USB cable and open the software. Follow the prompts to download the necessary firmware package. Once the download is complete, the tool will unlock the iPhone. These tools are useful if the standard Apple methods are not working.