2026 How to Unlock iPhone with 4-Digit Passcode

While newer iPhones default to Face ID and 6-digit codes, the classic 4-digit passcode is still widely used. This setup is incredibly common on older models like the iPhone 6, 7, or 8, or on devices handed down to children and elderly family members. Passcodes on these shared or secondary devices are frequently forgotten or accidentally changed by kids. Regardless of how it happened, you can unlock your iPhone with 4-digit passcode using the methods below.

forgot 4 digit passcode

Solution 1. Restore iPhone via iOS Feature on Your Screen
Solution 2. Restore iPhone via iTunes
Solution 3. Restore iPhone via Recovery Mode
Solution 4. Erase iPhone via iCloud
Solution 5. Unlock iPhone via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker HOT
FAQs on Forgot 4-digit Passcode
Conclusion

Solution 1. Restore iPhone via iOS Feature If You Forgot 4-digit Passcode

If your locked iPhone is running iOS 15.2 or later, you might be able to wipe it directly from the lock screen. This is the fastest method, provided the phone is connected to Wi-Fi and you know the Apple Account password.

Step 1. Enter your incorrect 4-digit passcode until the "Security Lockout" or "iPhone Unavailable" screen appears.
Step 2. Tap the "Erase iPhone" / "Forgot Passcode?" option located in the bottom corner of your display.
Step 3. Enter your Apple Account password to confirm the erasure and wait for the device to reset completely. After you enter the correct password, the iPhone will begin the erasure process. Once complete, it will restart to the factory "Hello" screen, ready for you to set it up again.

Solution 2. Restore iPhone via iTunes If You Forgot 4-digit Passcode

Many older devices relying on 4-digit passcodes do not support the latest iOS versions, meaning you will need a computer to unlock them. iTunes (or Finder on a Mac) is the official Apple route for this process. This method works when you have ever conntected your iPhone to your PC.

Step 1. Download and install iTunes on your computer. Launch iTunes on your computer and keep your iPhone connected to the computer.
Step 2. You will see a little device icon when your iPhone is detected. Click on the little device icon.
Step 3. Hit the Summary option that appears on the left menu.
Step 4. Click on the Restore iPhone button to restore your iPhone and remove the 4-digit passcode from your iPhone

Solution 3. Restore iPhone via Recovery Mode If You Forgot 4-digit Passcode

If your iPhone is never connected to your PC iTunes, you should first make your iPhone enter Recovery Mode. This is the most reliable method. It will work on any iPhone, regardless of the iOS version or its network connection status.

Step 1. Turn off your iPhone completely.
Step 2. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable while putting it into Recovery Mode. This is the crucial step, and the button combination depends on your model:

For iPhone 8 or later (including Face ID models): Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Side (or Top) button and the Volume Down button at the same time. Keep holding them until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
For iPhone SE (1st gen) and iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold the Home button and the Side (or Top) button simultaneously. Keep holding until you see the Recovery Mode screen.

enter recovery mode

Step 3. On your computer, open iTunes. There will be a pop up that appears on your iTunes. Select Restore to unlock your iPhone. Do not disconnect the phone until the process is finished.

Solution 4. Erase iPhone via iCloud When Forgot 4-digit Passcode

Without using a computer, there is another recommended way for iPhone users to unlock an iPhone when you forgot the 4-digit passcode. However, if the Find My iPhone feature is disabled on your iPhone, take another solution will be a better choice. You can follow the below steps to learn how to unlock iPhone if forgot 4-digit passcode on iCloud website.

Step 1. Go to the icloud.com website on a browser. Log into your Apple Account.
Step 2. Select the Find My icon.
Step 3. Hit the All Devices option and find your iPhone in the drop down list. Click on the device.
Step 4. Select the Erase option to erase the screen lock from your iPhone. Enter your Apple Account passcode again if you are prompted.

Solution 5. Unlock iPhone When You Forgot 4-digit Passcode via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

Sometimes, the official Apple methods simply do not work as expected. You might encounter stubborn iTunes error codes, or perhaps the physical Home button on your older iPhone is completely broken, making Recovery Mode impossible to access. In these edge cases, a professional software solution is your best fallback to save the device.

TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is a well-established iOS unlocking tool with 4 effective iOS unlocking features, including unlock iOS screen, unlock Apple Account, remove Screen Time restrictions, and bypass MDM restrictions. With this almighty iOS unlocking tool, you will not need to be worried when you forgot iPhone passcode, or iPhone disabled

Key Features of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

Unlock disabled iPhone without WiFi connection or iTunes. Allow users to factory reset iDevices without Apple Account. Remove screen lock, Apple Account, Screen Time, and MDM with ease.

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Now, let's see how to unlock iPhone when forgot 4-digit passcode without passcode by using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.

Step 1Connect iPhone to Computer

To begin with, please download and install TunesKit iPhone Unlocker on your computer. You can download the program on this page directly. Then, connect your iPhone to the computer and launch TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. Select the Unlock iOS Screen feature option and hit the Start button.

select unlock ios screen on tuneskit iphone unlocker

Step 2Put iPhone into Recovery Mode

Here, please follow the onscreen instructions to put your iPhone into Recovery mode. If you can't put your iPhone into Recovery mode, you can try to put your iPhone into DFU mode. When you put your iPhone into Recovery mode or DFU mode successfully, click on the Next button.

put iphone into dfu mode

Step 3Download Firmware Package

Then, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will download a firmware package to unlock your iPhone without knowing the 4-digit passcode. Before downloading, please correct the onscreen information if there is anything wrong. Click on the Download button to start downloading.

download firmware package for your iphone

Step 4Unlock iPhone When Forgot 4-digit Passcode

Click the Unlock button. The screen lock on your iPhone will be removed after that. If you forgot 4-digit passcode on your iPhone, you can set up a new passcode after removing.

unlock iphone when forgot 4 digit passcode

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FAQs on Forgot 4-digit Passcode

How to change 4-digit passcode to 6-digit passcode on my iPhone?
Step 1. Launch Settings on your compute.
Step 2. Select the Face ID & Passcode option and enter your passcode.
Step 3. Tap on the Change Passcode option and enter your old passcode for the further step.
Step 4. Click on the Passcode Options and select the 6-Digit Numeric Code button to change your 4-digit passcode to 6-digit passcode.
How to set up the 4-digit passcode on iPhone？
Step 1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
Step 2. Select the Face ID & Passcode option.
Step 3. Activate the screen lock on your iPhone and set up the 4-digit passcode on your iPhone.
Will restoring from iTunes or iCloud delete my data?
Yes, unless you restore from a backup. Always back up your data regularly if you want to keep your iPhone data still after removing the 4-digit passcode.
Can I use Touch ID or Face ID with a 4-digit passcode?
Yes, you can use biometric authentication with a 4-digit passcode or 6-digit passcode. The passcode serves as a backup when biometrics fail.

Conclusion

That's all about how to unlock your iPhone with 4-digit passcode. If you can't remember the passcode very well, you can use the above solutions to unlock your iPhone. Using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is the most recommended solution that most users can easily unlock iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with simple steps. If you are still having other questions, please feel free to leave us a comment below.

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