Lifestyle — Technology

Encountered a Locked iPhone Situation: Solutions Explored

Returning fortunes: there's an option for redemption. However, it may necessitate a complete system overhaul (factory reset).

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2025 September 11 . 2:20 PM

2 min read

Found Yourself Locked Out of Your iPhone? Here's Your Next Step

Encountered a Locked iPhone Situation: Solutions Explored

In today's digital age, smartphones have become an essential part of our lives, storing valuable information that we can't afford to lose. However, what happens when you find yourself locked out of your iPhone due to too many unsuccessful attempts to enter the passcode? This article will guide you through the process of recovering your device and protecting your data.

Firstly, to initiate the recovery process, press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the power off slider appears. Turn off the iPhone, and while it's powered off, hold the side button while plugging it into your computer. The 10th incorrect attempt will result in a message saying "iPhone is Disabled; Connect to iTunes" or "iPhone is Disabled; Connect to a Mac/PC".

In this situation, the phone's contents need to be erased, which is a factory reset. This is for protection in case the device falls into the wrong hands. The computer will ask if you want to Restore or Update. Choose Restore.

If remembering passwords is difficult, consider setting up a biometric alternative like Touch ID or Face ID. This not only makes it easier for you to access your device but also adds an extra layer of security. To set up Touch ID or Face ID, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and follow the onscreen instructions.

It's important to note that even with biometric sign-ins, you may still need your passcode for some apps or if biometric sign-ins are malfunctioning. Consider writing your passcode down or sharing it with someone you trust.

If you have backed up your data to iCloud, most of it can be recovered. To restore from an iCloud backup, turn on the device, go to Apps & Data > Restore from iCloud Backup, sign in with your Apple ID, and select a backup from the list.

To prevent this situation in the future, it's important to back up your data regularly. You can do this by turning on iCloud Backup under Settings > [your name] > tap the name of your iPhone > iCloud Backup > turn the green slider to the on position.

Online guides for breaking into a locked iPhone may not apply to newer versions of iOS and may refer to removed loopholes. The digital security features on smartphones protect data across apps, password managers, files, notes, etc.

If no computer is available, use one at a local Apple Store. There is no information available in the provided search results about who Courtney Linder is or details about her as an author.

Lastly, if the phone has been backed up to iCloud, most data can be recovered. After setting up the device, it's recommended to set it up as a new device to get rid of old software and run the latest versions of apps. More attempts to unlock a device result in longer lockout periods: 1 minute for the first six attempts, 5 minutes for the 7th attempt, 15 minutes for the 8th attempt, and 1 hour for the 9th attempt. After the 10th incorrect attempt, the phone will be permanently disabled and will require professional assistance to recover.

In conclusion, by following these steps and regularly backing up your data, you can ensure that your iPhone stays secure and your data remains protected.