How do I move data from a lost iPhone 13 mini when I forgot its passcode?
Answer
You cannot unlock a lost iPhone without its passcode. Restore the new iPhone from an iCloud or computer backup of the iPhone 13 mini if one exists, and use Find My to mark the lost phone as lost or erased. Without a backup, older data from the lost phone usually cannot be recovered just by knowing the new phone’s passcode.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Erasing the new iPhone deletes data that is not already backed up on that new device.
Follow these steps
Check for a backup of the iPhone 13 mini
On a computer or at iCloud.com with the same Apple ID, look for a recent backup of the iPhone 13 mini. On the new iPhone, also check whether setup offers restore from iCloud Backup.
You should see: You know whether a usable backup of the lost phone exists.
Restore the new iPhone from that backup
During setup of the new iPhone, sign in with the Apple ID and choose the backup from the iPhone 13 mini. If the new phone is already set up without that data, erase it first from Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings, then restore the backup during setup.
You should see: The new iPhone restores apps, settings, and backed-up data from the old phone.
Secure the lost iPhone 13 mini in Find My
On iCloud.com or the Find My app, select the lost iPhone 13 mini, use Lost Mode if available, and erase the device if you no longer expect to recover it.
You should see: The lost phone is locked to your Apple ID and marked lost or erased.
Accept limits if no backup exists
If there is no backup and the physical iPhone 13 mini cannot be unlocked, continue using the new iPhone as a fresh device and re-download purchases signed in with the same Apple ID where possible.
You should see: You understand which data can return from the Apple ID and which local data from the lost phone is unavailable.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether an iCloud or computer backup exists for the iPhone 13 mini, and whether the lost phone still appears under Find My with the same Apple ID.
Before you change anything: Confirm the Apple ID email used on the lost iPhone 13 mini. Check for iCloud backups before erasing anything on the new phone. Do not pay unexpected fees to “unlock” a lost phone. Never share Apple ID passwords or one-time codes with unexpected callers.