What can you do when an iPhone shows no unlock options and the Apple ID password fails?
Answer
Recover the Apple ID first at iforgot.apple.com on another device, then erase the iPhone using the lock-screen Erase iPhone / Forgot Passcode option after failed attempts, or use a computer in recovery mode. Without Apple ID recovery, Activation Lock will block setup after erase.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Erasing or restoring the iPhone deletes on-device data that was not already in iCloud or another backup.
- Services that promise to remove Activation Lock without the Apple ID are commonly scams.
Follow these steps
Recover the Apple ID on another device
Open iforgot.apple.com, enter the Apple ID, and use a phone number you can receive texts on plus the recovery email inbox (check spam). Reset the Apple ID password only on Apple’s site.
You should see: The Apple ID password is reset, or Apple shows how long an account recovery request will take.
Use lock-screen erase if shown
On the iPhone, keep following on-screen passcode attempts until Forgot Passcode or Erase iPhone appears in the corner, then erase using Apple’s prompts. Stay connected to a network if asked.
You should see: The iPhone erases and returns to the Hello setup screen.
Use a computer recovery mode if needed
If no erase option appears, turn the iPhone off, connect it to a Mac or PC, enter recovery mode with Apple’s button sequence for your model, and choose Restore in Finder or Apple Devices / iTunes.
You should see: The computer restores the iPhone to factory setup.
Sign in past Activation Lock
During setup, sign in with the recovered Apple ID and new password when Activation Lock asks for the previous owner’s credentials.
You should see: Setup completes and a new passcode can be created.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Forgot Passcode or Erase iPhone in a lock-screen corner after several failed attempts, and Apple ID recovery choices on iforgot.apple.com.
Before you change anything: Start Apple ID recovery on a computer before erasing the iPhone. Assume photos not in iCloud will be lost if the phone is erased. Use a phone number and email you can access right now. Never give passcodes or Apple codes to unexpected callers.
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