How Do I Reset My Passcode on My Iphone?

If you enter the wrong passcode too many times on your iPhone's lock screen, your iPhone will be disabled until you can enter the correct passcode. If you can't remember it, you may think your only option is to reset the passcode. Unfortunately, there is no passcode reset option on the iPhone if you don't know it. To regain access to your phone and set a new passcode, you're going to have to put your iPhone into recovery mode, erase it, and set it up again with a new passcode.

Important Note

Please be aware that your passcode is what appears on the iPhone lock screen. This is not the same thing as your Apple password, which you use to sign into your Apple account.

How to Put Your iPhone into Recovery Mode and Set a New Passcode

To make this solution work, you're going to either need a Mac or a PC with Windows 10 or better installed, as well as iTunes. If you don't have the right computer, you're going to need to go to an Apple store for help. If you do, follow these instructions:

1. Make sure your iPhone is not plugged into your computer.
2. Turn your iPhone off.
3. Locate the button you need to push to get the phone into recovery mode. On the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, and 2nd and 3rd generation SEs, it's the side button. On the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, it's the volume down button. On 1st generation SEs, and on the iPhone 6 and earlier, it's the Home button.
4. Press the button you identified in the previous step and hold it down while you connect your iPhone to your computer.
5. Wait until you see the recovery mode screen and then release the button. If you get the passcode screen instead, turn off the phone and start again.
6. Open up iTunes on your computer.
7. Click on Restore.
8. Wait for your computer to download the software it needs. If it takes more than 15 minutes to do this and your iPhone leaves the recovery screen, you need to let the download finish, turn off the phone, and start the process again.
9. Disconnect your phone from the computer.
10. Turn your iPhone off.
11. Turn your iPhone on.
12. Follow the instructions on the screen to start the setup process.
13. After you connect your iPhone to your cellular network, you will have the opportunity to enter a new passcode. Make a note of the passcode so you don't forget it again.
14. If you had previously made a backup of your phone on your computer or with iCloud, you will have an opportunity to restore from the backup.
15. Sign in with your password and Apple ID.
16. Set up any features and services you want.

Contacting Apple

If you need any help, you can get it from an Apple representative on the Apple help forum or by phone.