How to Unlock iPhone with iTunes: Detailed Steps

How to unlock a disabled iPhone with or without iTunes? This passage will give you all things to finish the process efficiently!

Kathy by Kathy Updated February 18, 2025
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If you enter incorrect passcodes multiple times on your iOS device, you'll encounter the "iPhone is disabled" message. There are two variations of this message:

frown "iPhone is disabled try again in [time period]."

frown "iPhone is disabled connect to iTunes."

The former suggests you can still unlock the iPhone if you remember the correct passcode within a specified time. The latter requires you to reset your device using iTunes to remove the passcode.

unlock iphone with itunes

However, if you forget your iPhone passcode and need to unlock the device, there are alternative solutions besides using iTunes. Below, we outline all viable methods to unlock a disabled iPhone.

enlightened Note: The sole solution to unlock a disabled iPhone is to perform a device reset, which results in the deletion of all data and settings. Therefore, regardless of the method you select, all data on the iPhone will be lost unless a backup was created beforehand.

Method 1. How to unlock iPhone with iTunes

When you're unable to remember your iPhone passcode, performing a factory reset becomes the only solution. To factory reset an iPhone without the passcode, iTunes is the official method.

Here's how to unlock your iPhone using iTunes:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone with the computer > Launch iTunes.

Step 2. Power off your iPhone.

Step 3. Enter recovery mode by pressing and holding the Side/Volume Down/Home button while connecting your iPhone to the computer. Hold the button until the recovery mode screen appears.

For iPhone 8 and later, use the Side button.

recover iphone

For iPhone 7/7 Plus, use the Volume Down button.

For iPhone SE (1st generation), use the Home button.

Step 4. Click on your iPhone icon in iTunes.

Step 5. A prompt will appear, asking whether to restore or update your iPhone. Choose "Restore."

Step 6. Wait for the restoration process to finish. Then, set up and use your device again.

If you encounter any issues during the process, refer to Apple's guide for further assistance.

Now you can know how to reset iPhone with iTunes when disabled.

Method 2. How to unlock iPhone without iTunes - iCloud

What if you're without access to a computer? Can you unlock your iPhone wirelessly? Yes, you can, provided you've activated the Find My iPhone feature. With Find My iPhone enabled, you can access iCloud.com and remotely erase your iPhone.

Here's how to unlock your iPhone wirelessly:

Step 1. Visit iCloud.com on another functioning device and log in with your Apple ID and password.

Step 2. Select "Find iPhone" and click on "All Devices."

Step 3. Choose "Erase iPhone" > "Erase."

erase iphone

Step 4. Proceed with setting up your iPhone.

Method 3. How to unlock iPhone with professional unlocker

When it comes to iPhone unlock, a professional iOS unlock software named FoneTool Unlocker can be a nice choice!

Highlights:
· Unlock iPhone/iPad screen passcode with simple clicks, including 4-digit and 6-digit codes, Touch ID, and Face ID.
· Bypass the Screen Time restrictions for certain apps to help you regain full control of your device by removing the Screen Time passcode.
· Remove Apple ID from your device to enable you to link a new one.
· A success rate of up to 99.99% enables you to effortlessly unlock various iOS devices.

Now you can download FoneTool Unlocker on your Windows PC and follow the guidance below to get how to unlock iPhone efficiently.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1. Launch FoneTool Unlocker > Connect your iPhone to the computer via a USB cable.

⚠️ Note: This action will wipe all your iPhone data. If there is any important data on your iPhone, you'd better back up iPhone data first to protect it from loss.

Step 2. Go to Remove iOS Screen Passcode > Click on Remove Now.

unlock screen passcode

Step 3. Confirm the on-screen instructions and click Next to continue. 

go to remove iOS screen passcode

Step 4. Choose the firmware file you need > Click Download to begin the download process.

download firmware

Step 5. Wait for a while, the firmware files will be downloaded. Now you can click Remove Now to start the unlocking operation.

start to remove iPhone screen passcode

Conclusion

Now you can know how to unlock iPhone with or without iTunes efficiently. Hope this guide can really solve your problem efficiently. To unlock various iPhone screen passcodes, FoneTool Unlocker mentioned in Method 3 will be a good choice!

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