How to Bypass iPhone Passcode If iPhone Is Locked [7 Ways]

Updated by Brian Davis on Aug 19, 2025 • Category: Unlock iOS
6 mins read

Touch ID and Face ID make unlocking an iPhone quick and easy, but what if they fail and you're locked out? This can become an issue in various situations. For instance, if you have recently changed your passcode and quickly forgotten it, accessing your iPhone can become tricky. Moreover, a broken or unresponsive screen can prevent you from entering the passcode altogether.

Such scenarios can be frustrating, but there is no need to worry. In this post, we will introduce how to bypass iPhone lock screen easily with various methods and more tips to reduce the unlocking frequency. Let's dive in.

bypass iphone lock screen

Part 1. Overview of All Methods - Find Your Best Way Quickly

To save you time, here's a quick comparison table of all the available methods. This overview will help you choose the most suitable solution based on your situation.

Method Requirement Data Loss? Success rate Speed Difficulty
1. iOS Unlocker Mac or Windows computer Yes Super high Very Fast Very Easy
2. iTunes Mac or Windows compute;
Disabled Find My iPhone;
Apple ID password
Yes High Normal Easy
3. Erase iPhone on Locked Screen Apple ID password;
iOS 15.2+
Yes High Fast Very Easy
4. Erase iPhone via iCloud Enabled Find My iPhone;
Apple ID password
Yes High Normal Easy
5. Use Previous Passcode Apple ID password;
Current passcode is changed within 72 hours;
iOS 17+
No High Fast Very Easy
6. Use Siri Trick iOS 8-10.3 No Low Slow Hard
7. Use Emergency Call Trick iOS 6.1 No Low Slow Hard

Part 2. How to Bypass iPhone Passcode If You Forgetten

If you're completely locked out of your iPhone, the only way to regain access is usually by erasing the device and its passcode. This is due to Apple's strict security measures that protect user data. While this does mean data loss, you can restore everything later if you have a recent backup.

Fortunately, there are several effective methods to bypass iPhone lock screen by erasing your device. Some are free but come with strict requirements, while others are simpler and more flexible. Below, we'll start with the easiest and most reliable option.

Method 1. How to Bypass Screen Lock on iPhone with TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

The fastest and most user-friendly way to bypass iPhone lock screen is by using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. This powerful tool works on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, allowing you to remove the passcode quickly without needing your Apple ID or iTunes.

TunesKit iPhone Unlocker comes with an intuitive on-screen interface, so you don't need advanced technical knowledge. The process is straightforward - the only waiting time is during the firmware download. Plus, it's compatible with both macOS and Windows.

Beyond removing screen passcodes, TunesKit can also:

  • Unlock Apple ID without a password
  • Bypass MDM (Mobile Device Management) restrictions
  • Remove Screen Time passcodes

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Let's see how to bypass screen lock on iPhone without knowing the passcode via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.

Step 1Download and Install the Program on Computer

The initial step is to download and install Tuneskit iPhone Unlocker on your computer. You do not need many computer skills to use this program. Now, open the tool on your computer and connect the locked iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. Select Unlock iOS Screen and click on Start.

select unlock screen

Step 2Put iPhone into DFU Mode

After the program detects your iPhone, it will prompt you to put your phone into DFU mode. Simply follow the on-screen instruction. When you put your iPhone into Recovery mode successfully, click on the Next button for the further step.

put iphone into dfu mode

Step 3Download Firmware Package

In this step, the program will ask for basic information regarding your device and version. Then click on Download to download the firmware package for your phone. If the onscreen information is anything woring, please correct it manually.

download firmware package

Step 4Bypass Screen Lock on iPhone

Once the firmware package is downloaded, click the Unlock button to bypass screen lock on iPhone. After a few minutes, it will successfully bypass screen lock on your iPhone.

start to bypass iphone lock screen

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Method 2. Restore iPhone via iTunes to Bypass iPhone Passcode

Another common way to bypass lock screen on iPhone is by using iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later). These tools are designed to manage iPhones from a computer, allowing you to sync files, create backups, and restore devices.

Depending on your iPhone's status, there will be 2 cases to bypass iPhone passcode via iTunes or Finder. In both cases, your iPhone will be erased, and all the data on it will be lost, but you can always restore data from a backup later if there is one.

Case 1. You've connect your iPhone to this computer

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to the computer, and open up iTunes or access the iPhone in the Finder.
Step 2: After the iPhone is detected, choose your device in the sidebar and click on Restore iPhone.

how to bypass iphone lock screen via itunes

Case 2. You have never connected the iPhone to a computer before

This case is more complicated than the Case 1, as you can't tap the "Allow" option to trust this computer on your iPhone. In this case, you'll need to put your iPhone into Recovery Mode before bypassing iPhone passcode via iTunes or Finder.

Here's how to bypass iPhone passcode in Recovery Mode with iTunes/Finder:

Step 1: Power off your iPhone and connect it to computer.
Step 2: Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode following the steps for each models below:

  • For iPhone 8 or later, press and hold the Side button and a Volume button, then move the power slider to turn off your device. Connect the iPhone to your computer then press and hold the Side button until you are notified it is in Recovery mode.
  • For the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, turn off the iPhone by keeping holding the Side button, followed by dragging the slider. Connect the iPhone to the computer, and holds the Volume Down button, until you are told it is in Recovery mode.
  • For earlier models, hold the Side or Top button, then use the Power slider. Connect the iPhone and press and hold down the Home button until you are in Recovery mode.

Step 3: When a notification advising "There is a problem with the iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored." shows on your iTunes or Finder. Select Restore.

how to bypass lock screen on iphone via finder

Method 3. Bypass iPhone Passcode on Locked Screen

Starting with iOS 15.2, you can use the brand-new Erase iPhone option on locked screen to wipe your iPhone without computer or any additional software. This is very effective when you can't remember screen lock passcode but know the Apple ID passcode.

However, this feature requires that your iPhone is on a network connection and that you also enter your Apple ID and password. If your phone meets this condition, please refer to the following steps to bypass screen lock on your iPhone.

Step 1. Wake up your iPhone.
Step 2. Keep entering the wrong Apple ID until your iPhone is disabled or unavailable.
Step 3. When your iPhone is disabled, you will see an Erase iPhone option. Click on it.
Step 4. Enter your Apple ID and passcode to bypass screen lock on iPhone.

bypass iphone screen lock via ios 15.2 feature

Method 4. Erase iPhone via iCloud to Bypass iPhone Lock Screen

If Find My iPhone is enabled on your device, you can also erase it remotely through iCloud. This is a great option if you don't have your iPhone physically in hand or if the screen is unresponsive.

Here's how to bypass iPhone passcode by erasing iPhone from iCloud.

Step 1: Go to iCloud.com with a browser and sign in. In the bottom-right corner, click on Find My.
Step 2: At the top, you should see Click All Devices, then select the iPhone.
Step 3: Choose Erase iPhone then click Erase in the pop-up warning. The account will then need to be re-authenticated before it can be wiped.

bypass screen lock iphone via icloud

Part 3. How to Bypass iPhone Lock Screen [Tricks without Losing Data]

While erasing iPhone is convenient to bypass iPhone passcode, many of you might still wonder how to bypass iPhone lock screen without losing data.

The truth is, most official methods require erasing your device. If you have an iCloud or iTunes backup, the problem is easy to solve. But if you don't have a backup, luckily, there is one legitimate method introduced in iOS 17, plus a few old tricks you might see online (but that no longer work). Let's break them down.

#1. Bypass iPhone Passcode via Previous Passcode [iOS 17+]

This is currently the only official Apple-approved method that lets you reset your passcode without erasing data. If your iPhone is running iOS 17 or later and you changed your passcode within the last 72 hours, you can unlock your device using your old passcode.

Step 1: From the "iPhone Unavailable" screen, tap "Forgot Passcode?".
Step 2: Select the option to "Enter Previous Passcode."
Step 3: Enter your old passcode correctly.
Step 4: You'll then be prompted to set a new passcode, and you'll instantly regain access to your iPhone without losing data.

bypass iphone passcode without losing data

tipsPro-tip:

If you often forget your new passcodes, write them down temporarily in a safe place or use iCloud Keychain to manage them securely.

#2. Bypass iPhone Lock Screen with Siri

You may come across online guides showing a Siri trick to bypass lock screen on iPhone. This old method involved asking Siri "What time is it?", opening the Clock app, and manipulating the sharing feature to gain access to contacts or even the home screen.

In fact, this was a bug in iOS 8 to iOS 10.1. Apple patched it years ago, so it no longer works on modern iPhones. But if your iPhone still running the old system versions, you can try it with luck.

bypass iphone passcode without losing data

#3. Bypass iPhone Lock Screen Using Emergency Call

Another old trick you might see online involved manipulating the Emergency Call screen - dialing numbers, canceling calls, and trying to glitch into the home screen.

However, like the Siri bug, this was a security vulnerability in early iOS versions (around iOS 6.1) and has long since been patched. It does not work on modern iPhones.

bypass lock screen on iphone via emergency call bug

Part 4. More Tips to Skip Frequent Passcode Verification on Lock Screen

If you find it tedious to keep typing your passcode every time your iPhone locks, there are several settings you can adjust to make unlocking more convenient. These tips won't help if you've forgotten your passcode, but they will make everyday use smoother.

#1. Bypass Screen Lock via Apple Watch/Face ID/Touch ID

Apple's built-in biometric and proximity features are the simplest way to minimize passcode entry:

  • Face ID / Touch ID: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and make sure these are set up. With Face ID, you can unlock your iPhone at a glance; with Touch ID, just a quick fingerprint scan does the job.
  • Unlock with Apple Watch: If you own an Apple Watch, you can allow it to automatically unlock your iPhone when it's on your wrist and nearby. Enable this option under Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
tipsPro-tip:

You can unlock iPhone with Voice Control feature to avoid frequent typing passcode when you're not convenient.

#2. Set Longer Require Passcode Time on iPhone

If you prefer fewer interruptions, you can adjust how quickly your iPhone asks for your passcode after locking.

Step 1: Open Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode).
Step 2: Tap "Require Passcode."
Step 3: Change the setting from Immediately to a longer duration, such as 15 minutes or 1 hour.

set longer require passcode time

This way, if you unlock your iPhone frequently, you won't have to re-enter your passcode every single time.

#3. Downgrade iOS 18 to Earlier Versions

With iOS 18, Apple introduced stricter security rules: your iPhone now requires you to re-enter your passcode at least once every 8 hours, even if you usually rely on Face ID, Touch ID, or an Apple Watch.

While this improves security, some users find it inconvenient - especially in the morning when Face ID doesn’t work right away. If this constant verification is frustrating, you could consider downgrading to an earlier iOS version where the requirement is less strict.

⚠️ Note: Downgrading iOS has risks (such as data loss or app incompatibility), so proceed with caution and back up your device first.

Part 5. FAQs on Bypassing Passcode on iPhone

  • 1. How to Bypass iPhone Locked to Owner Screen?

    The "Locked to Owner" screen is part of Activation Lock, not the passcode lock screen. It appears if your device was erased while Find My iPhone was enabled. Officially, you cannot bypass this screen without the original Apple ID and password.
    ▪ If you've forgotten your Apple ID, you can contact Apple Support and provide proof of purchase to regain access.
    ▪ Alternatively, you can use the Remove Activation Lock feature in TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, which helps bypass this screen with a 1-click jailbreaking process.

  • 2. How to Bypass iPhone Lock Screen without Computer?

    You can bypass lock screen on iPhone without a computer using two methods: the "Erase iPhone" feature on the lock screen (requires iOS 15.2+) or the iCloud "Find My" feature on another device's web browser.

  • 3. How to Bypass iPhone Passcode without Restore?

    Currently, the only way to bypass an iPhone passcode without restoring (erasing) the device is by using the Previous Passcode feature on iOS 17+. If you changed your passcode within the last 72 hours, you can unlock your iPhone using the old passcode.

Part 6. Conclusion

By now, you've learned how to bypass iPhone lock screen using different methods - from Apple's official features to third-party tools. Whether your iPhone is locked, disabled, or stuck on the passcode screen, there's always a way to regain access.

If you need a faster, more flexible solution, especially when Apple methods don't apply, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is your best choice. It works on almost all iPhone/iPad models, offers a high success rate, and makes the process simple - even for beginners. Whether it's for yourself or helping family and friends who often forget their passcodes, it is a reliable tool to have on hand.

Hopefully, you will also get relief from this issue after implementing a few of the methods we listed above. However, there's no need to feel blue if you can't, just contact our expert to get effective fixes and continue using your iPhone like before.

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