I forgot my iPhone or iPad passcode

Do this first

Changed it in the last 72 hours? Use your old passcode

• When you change your passcode in iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and later, Passcode Reset gives you 72 hours during which you can still access your iPhone or iPad using your previous passcode. If you unlock your device this way, you’ll be prompted to change your passcode again immediately.
• On your Lock Screen after five incorrect passcode attempts, the "[Device] Unavailable" screen appears. When prompted, tap Forgot Passcode? in the bottom corner of the screen.
• Tap Enter Previous Passcode.
• Enter your old passcode, then follow the onscreen instructions to set a new passcode.

Apple: If you forget your new passcode, use your old passcode to unlock your iPhone or iPad within 72 hours ↗

Then

1. 1 Reset it without a computer

   Apple: “If you're using an eSIM on iOS 16 or earlier, contact your carrier before trying these steps and ask for a QR code to set up your eSIM again.”

   • What you need
   • Find My previously enabled on your device
   • An active cellular or Wi-Fi connection
   • Your Apple Account and password
   • Reset your iPhone in iOS 17 or later
   • From your device's Lock Screen, try to enter your passcode until the "[Device] Unavailable" screen appears.
   • When you're able to, tap Forgot Passcode? The Forgot Passcode? button only appears if you have an active cellular or Wi-Fi connection and have Find My turned on.
   • On the Security Lockout screen, tap Start [Device] Reset to confirm.
   • Enter your Apple Account password to sign out of your Apple Account on your device.
   • Tap Erase [Device] to permanently delete all of your data and settings. If you use an eSIM with iOS 17 or later, you can also choose to keep your eSIM and erase your data, or to delete your eSIM and erase your data.
   • When your device restarts, follow the onscreen instructions to set up your device again, restore your data and setting from a backup if you have one, and set a new passcode.
   • If you use iOS 15.2 or iOS 16, an Erase [Device] option appears when you are locked out, connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network, signed into your Apple Account, and have Find My turned on.

   Apple: If you forgot your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro passcode, reset your device without a computer ↗

2. 2 Reset it with a computer

   Apple: “To access your iPhone after you forget your passcode, you must reset your device. This process erases the data currently on your iPhone.”

   • What you need
   • Mac or Windows PC
   • Cable that could charge your phone
   • Internet connection
   • Up to 60 minutes
   • iPhone with Face ID
   • Press and hold both the side button and the Volume down button until the power off slider appears.
   • Drag the slider to power off your iPhone.
   • Connect the cable to your Mac or Windows PC. Next, connect the cable to your iPhone and quickly hold the side button. Do not release it.
   • Continue to hold the side button while the Apple logo appears. Do not release the side button until an image of a computer and a cable appears.
   • Mac
   • Open a Finder window and select your iPhone in the sidebar under Locations.
   • Select Restore when you have the option to Restore or Update.
   • Windows PC
   • Open Apple Devices and select your iPhone in the sidebar.
   • Select Trust [your device] if necessary, then select General.
   • Select Restore and follow the onscreen instructions.
   • If you don't have a computer and you can't borrow one, you need to go to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for help.

   Apple: Use a computer to reset your iPhone and your passcode ↗

Also on Osnivo

• "Connect to computer" screen on iPhoneError Explorer