How do I unlock an iPhone that will not accept the passcode?
Answer
If the passcode is rejected, stop guessing after a few tries. Power the iPhone off and on once, then enter the code carefully. If it stays locked, use Apple’s official recovery path with a computer and the Apple ID that owns the device.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Restoring an iPhone that you cannot unlock usually erases apps and data that were not backed up.
- Never share your Apple ID password or verification codes with unexpected callers claiming to help unlock the phone.
Follow these steps
Restart and try once carefully
Hold the side button and a volume button until the power-off slider appears, slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, turn the iPhone back on, then enter the passcode slowly.
You should see: The phone unlocks, or you still see a clear lockout or Unavailable message.
Wait out any timed lockout
If the screen shows a try-again timer, leave the phone alone until the timer ends. Do not keep trying wrong codes.
You should see: The passcode keypad becomes available again.
Put the iPhone in recovery mode
Connect the iPhone to a computer with a cable. On a Mac with recent macOS open Finder; on Windows open the Apple Devices or iTunes app. Follow Apple’s recovery-mode button sequence for your model, then choose Update if offered.
You should see: The computer detects an iPhone in recovery mode and offers Update or Restore.
Restore and sign in with the correct Apple ID
If Update fails, choose Restore. After the erase finishes, set up the iPhone and sign in with the Apple ID that owns Activation Lock.
You should see: The iPhone activates and reaches the Home Screen, or Activation Lock clearly asks for the owner’s Apple ID.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
0 of 5 checked
Extra tips
What to look for: Whether the screen shows “iPhone Unavailable,” a timed lockout countdown, or simply rejects the passcode with no other message.
Before you change anything: Confirm you know the Apple ID email and password for this iPhone. Check whether you have a recent backup in iCloud or on a computer. Do not keep guessing passcodes—repeated failures increase lockout time. Never give your Apple ID password to someone who calls you unexpectedly.
Need a little more help?
Tell us what’s happening. Your saved expert chat will open beside this article.
Free to use. Don’t include passwords or personal details.