If you forgot your iPhone passcode, here are the main steps to regain access:
- Use iOS 17 or later "Forgot Passcode?" feature: If your iPhone runs iOS 17 or later and you changed your passcode within the last 72 hours, after multiple failed attempts, tap "Forgot Passcode?" on the lock screen. Then enter your previous passcode and your Apple ID password to reset the passcode without erasing data
- Restore via Recovery Mode: If the above doesn't apply or you can't remember your passcode, you must erase the iPhone to remove the passcode. To do this, put your iPhone into recovery mode by connecting it to a computer, then use iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac) to restore the device. This erases all data and settings, including the passcode
- Backup before restoring: If you had iCloud Backup enabled or previously synced with your computer, you can restore your data after erasing the device. Otherwise, data stored only on the iPhone will be lost
- Use Apple ID to erase remotely: If "Find My iPhone" is enabled, you can erase your device remotely via iCloud.com using your Apple ID credentials. After erasing, you can restore from backup if available
- Try to remember or test passcodes: If you have another Apple device linked to the same Apple ID, you can try resetting your Apple ID password or use the Apple Support app on another device to get more passcode attempts before the iPhone locks you out
In summary, forgetting your iPhone passcode generally requires erasing the device to remove the lock, unless you have iOS 17+ with the recent passcode reset option. After erasing, you can restore your data from a backup if you have one. Without a backup, data on the iPhone will be lost
