How to unlock from “iPhone is Disabled, Connect to iTunes” screen

Introduction

If you or someone has exhausted all the attempts to unlock your iPhone with the right passcode, eventually it will get permanently locked and display the following message on your screen:

To be more precise, this message will appear after entering the wrong password 10 times in a row. Such a security measure is meant to prevent possible intruders from accessing your iPhone without your consent, in case it got lost and could be at risk of getting viewed by an unknown person. Unfortunately, if you are the owner of an iPhone who simply forgot the password, the only viable solution is to restore your device to factory settings, which implies a full erase of content stored on a device. After restoring, you can use your iCloud or some other backup to recover data that will be erased. Follow our guide below to explore different ways to restore and unlock your phone.

2. Restore iPhone using iTunes

Like in the method above, you will need a Mac or Windows PC and a USB cable from your iPhone. Once again note that this and other steps imply resetting all settings, which will erase data stored on your iPhone as well.

1. Connect your iPhone to Mac or Windows PC. iTunes is already installed on Mac by default. If you are using Windows, make sure to install iTunes via Microsoft Store.
2. Then, you have to enter Recovery mode. To do so, you have to choose your device and perform the steps below.

iPhone 8 or later:

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button (which you use to unlock your screen) and continue holding until you see an icon asking to connect the cable to your computer.

iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch (7th generation):

1. Press and hold the Side (or Top) button and the Volume Down button together at the same time.
2. Likewise in the previous steps, continue holding until you see an icon asking to connect the cable to your computer.

iPad models with a Home button, iPhone 6s or earlier, and iPod touch (6th generation) or earlier:

1. Press and hold both the Side (or Top) button and the Home button until you see an icon asking to connect the cable to your computer.

iPad models without a Home button:

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Then press-hold the Power button until you see an icon asking to connect the cable to your computer.
3. After this, iTunes should automatically display a message offering to Update or Restore your device. Click on Restore. Then confirm by clicking Restore and Update.
4. iTunes will start the restoration process and download the newest iOS version for it.
5. Once done, your device will restart and show the Hello screen.
6. While setting it up from scratch, you will be offered to Restore from iCloud Backup and other backup options.
7. If you choose to use iCloud Backup, log in with Apple ID on the next screen and select the backup that contains most of your data.
8. After that, wait until the recovery ends

3. Restore iPhone using Find My

Alternatively, you can also remove the lock screen by erasing your device via Find My. Find My is an official service used for tracking the location of your iPhone, which might help you find your iPhone in case it got lost. You can use a web version of Find My on iCloud.com or the Find My app if you have another unlocked iPhone or iPad. Choose whichever fits you better. Note that this method will work only if you had the Find My feature enabled on your iPhone before it got locked.

to restore iPhone via Find My web version:

1. Go to iCloud.com website and sign into your account.
2. Click on Find iPhone and choose your iPhone on the map.
3. A pop-up window on the side should appear. Click Erase iPhone.
4. Click Erase to confirm and wait until the restoration ends.
5. Once finished, you will see the Hello screen on your iPhone. While setting up you can choose to Restore from iCloud Backup or other backup options.

to restore iPhone via Find My app:

1. Open the Find My app on another iOS device.
2. Then go to Devices at the bottom and swipe up to see the list of devices.
3. Choose your device, swipe up again, and tap Erase This Device.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and enter your Apple ID when prompted.
5. After that, the selected device will start restoration and boot up to the Hello screen. While setting up you can choose to Restore from iCloud Backup or other backup options.

Summary

Being permanently blocked from using your own iPhone after failing to enter the right password multiple times can be a truly frustrating scenario. And the only solution is really to erase your whole device settings and content in order to unlock it. Where this protection mechanism has benefits in making sure your data does not fall into wrong hands, it certainly doesn’t whenever it comes to your own personal use. Make sure you always remember your passcodes or use Face ID instead. This way you will be less likely to lock your screen again.