Knowing how to restore a disabled iPhone is crucial information for any user. If your iPhone is disabled, it can feel like a disaster, but fortunately, there are solutions. Even the best iPhones are only a few wrong password entries away from locking up or even wiping themselves of your data, depending on your settings.
While exploring your device's capabilities, you might discover some hidden iPhone features that enhance your user experience. However, it's equally important to maintain your device's physical condition. For instance, learning how to clean an iPhone's charging port without damaging it can prevent connectivity issues that might lead to lockouts.
Read on for different ways of restoring a disabled iPhone, plus some tips on how to avoid disabling your phone in the first place. With these methods, you'll be prepared to handle this common yet stressful situation.
Why is my iPhone disabled?
After six failed passcode attempts in a row, an iPhone will disable for 1 minute. The seventh incorrect passcode attempt will lock you out for 5 minutes, the eighth attempt for 15, and the tenth for an hour.
If you go past ten attempts and have still not entered the correct passcode, you’ll receive the message iPhone is Disabled; Connect to iTunes.There’s one other potential pitfall if your iPhone gets locked down after ten failed attempts to enter your passcode — you may have set your iPhone to erase itself after those 10 failed attempts.
What can I do if my iPhone is disabled?
Should you find yourself with a disabled iPhone, you’ve got a few methods at your disposal for recovering your device. These recovery methods will be most effective if you’ve recently backed up your iPhone to iCloud or iTunes.
Otherwise you’re likely to lose some of your content, but it’s still worth going through these steps to get your iPhone working again.
Apple’s suggested recovery method
Apple recommends these step-by-step recovery instructions when you get an “iPhone is disabled” alert. First, you'll need either a Mac or a PC. Any Mac seems to do the job, but your PC needs to be running Windows 10 and have iTunes installed. What you do next depends on your phone.
- For the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, SE (2020), or any iPhone X or later model: Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the power off slider appears. Turn off your device with the slider. Connect your device to your computer while holding the side button. Keep holding the side button until you see the recovery-mode screen on your phone.
- For the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the side (or top) button until the power off slider appears. Turn off your device with the slider. Connect your device to your computer while holding the volume down button. Keep holding the volume down button until you see the recovery-mode screen on your phone.
- For the iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold the side (or top) button until the power off slider appears. Turn off your device. Connect your device to your computer while holding the home button. Keep holding the home button until you see the recovery-mode screen on your phone.
Restoring your device
In the iTunes app, you’ll be asked whether you want to Restore or Update your device. Choose Restore. iTunes will download software for your device. Wait for the process to finish. Then you can set up and use your device.
Restore Your iPhone with iTunes
There’s another variation of Apple’s recommended method to recover a disabled iPhone using iTunes. First, connect your iPhone to the computer you normally sync it with.
Click the Restore button in iTunes and follow the onscreen instructions. In a few minutes, your iPhone should be recovered.
Recovering your iPhone through iCloud
If you’d rather not deal with iTunes, there’s a roundabout way to recover your disabled iPhone using iCloud. Start by opening icloud.com/find in a browser on your computer.
Use your Apple ID and password to log in to your account. Click All Devices at the top of the screen and Select the device of yours that is disabled. Click Erase, and then Confirm Erase. Enter your Apple ID password to authenticate your device has been wiped, and it will power up as any new iPhone would.
Go through the iPhone setup process and restore the device using your most recent backup via iTunes or iCloud.
Other solutions for a disabled iPhone?
If none of these methods worked for you, your best bet is to bring your disabled iPhone to an Apple Store or certified third-party repair service for a service appointment. There, an Apple Expert may be able to help you erase and restore your device
How to avoid disabling your iPhone
Set a new passcode: Tom’s Guide Security Editor Paul Wagenseil recommends using a 6-digit passcode created from a random number generator. Memorize the number and write it down on paper somewhere safe. You can change your passcode in the Touch ID & Passcode section of Settings.
Use Touch ID or Face ID: This method requires you to have an iPhone with a fingerprint reader — the iPhone 5s through the iPhone 8 Plus — or an iPhone X or later that supports facial recognition. You’ll still want to set a passcode as a backup in case your fingerprint can’t be read (wet fingers can pose a problem) or Face ID doesn’t recognize your face, but most of the time, your finger or face will be all you need to unlock your iPhone.
After resolving your disabled iPhone issue, you might want to explore other ways to optimize your device. Learn how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone for seamless upgrades or backups. Personalize your device by discovering how iOS 18 lets you customize your iPhone's home screen. And to prevent future lockouts or worse, check out these 3 simple tricks to protect your iPhone from thieves.
