iOS: Forgotten passcode or device disabled after entering wrong passcode
When you set up a passcode to secure the use of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and then enter the wrong passcode, you may see a a message saying your device is "disabled". Learn what to do if you have forgotten or can't remember your passcode, or if your device displays a message saying it is disabled.
If you enter the wrong passcode six or more times, you'll see a message that says one of the following:
- iPhone is disabled
- iPad is disabled
- iPod touch is disabled
If you have previously synced your device with iTunes, you may be able to reset the passcode by restoring the device:
- Connect the device to the computer with which you normally sync and open iTunes.
Note: If iTunes asks you to enter the passcode, try another computer that you have synced with. Otherwise, go to "If you have never synced your device with iTunes, or you do not have access to a computer" section below. - If the device is still disabled, or if iTunes does not automatically sync your device, sync the device with iTunes.
- If you have chosen to encrypt your backup, it will contain the passcode. Disable backup encryption before restoring from backup. Learn more about iOS backups in iTunes.
- When the backup and sync is complete, select Restore from Backup and choose the most recent backup of your device.
If you have never synced your device with iTunes, or you do not have access to a computer
If you see one of following alerts, you need to erase the device:
- "iTunes could not connect to the [device] because it is locked with a passcode. You must enter your passcode on the [device] before it can be used with iTunes."
- "You haven't chosen to have [device] trust this computer"
If you have Find My iPhone enabled, you can use Remote Wipe to erase the contents of your device. If you have been using iCloud to back up, you may be able to restore the most recent backup to reset the passcode after the device has been erased.
Alternatively, place the device in recovery mode and restore it to erase the device:
- Disconnect the USB cable from the device, but leave the other end of the cable connected to your computer's USB port.
- Turn off the device: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button for a few seconds until the red slider appears, then slide the slider. Wait for the device to shut down.
- While pressing and holding the Home button, reconnect the USB cable to the device. The device should turn on.
- Continue holding the Home button until you see the Connect to iTunes screen.
- iTunes will alert you that it has detected a device in recovery mode. Click OK, and then restore the device.