Unlock support.apple.com/passcode Screen on iPhone
If you see a message on your iPhone stating "iPhone Unavailable" with a direct link to support.apple.com/passcode, it means the device has been disabled because the incorrect passcode was entered too many times.
This can feel stressful, especially if you don't remember your passcode. But don't worry. In this guide, we'll explain what this screen means, walk through 5 proven solutions, and answer the most common questions users have.
Part 1. What Does support.apple.com/passcode Mean?
When you enter the wrong passcode too many times in a row, your iPhone automatically locks itself to protect your data. Apple calls this Security Lockout (on iOS 17 or later), iPhone Unavailable (on iOS 15.2 and iOS 16), or iPhone is Disabled (on iOS 15 and earlier).
At this point, you'll see a link to support.apple.com/passcode (originally "support.apple.com/iphone/passcode"), Apple's official help page for forgotten passcodes. This is not an error code—it's Apple directing you to the recovery instructions.
Part 2. Remove 'support.apple.com/passcode' Message in 5 Ways
Apple offers support through the message support.apple.com/passcode, which links to helpful instructions. At the same time, an option appears at the bottom of the lock screen — either "Erase iPhone" or "Forgot Passcode?" depending on your iOS version. Follow the on-screen steps to remove the passcode directly or use other methods to erase your device effectively.
Method | Supported iOS | Needs Computer? | Needs Apple ID? | Needs Network Connection? | Other Requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1️⃣ Erase iPhone | iOS 15.2- iOS 16 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | / |
2️⃣ Forgot Passcode | iOS 17 or later | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | / |
3️⃣ iCloud | All iOS versions | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | "Find My" feature is turned on. |
4️⃣ TunesKit | All iOS versions | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | / |
5️⃣ iTunes | All iOS versions | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | You need sync your iPhone with a computer before. |
Note
Unlocking a forgotten passcode always requires erasing your device. If you don't have a backup, your data cannot be recovered. After erasing, you can restore from iCloud, a computer backup, or set up as new.
Way 1. Use Erase iPhone Option (iOS 15.2- iOS 16)
iPhones running iOS 15.2 to iOS 16 with Find My enabled show an "Erase iPhone" option on the lock screen. To use it, connect to Wi-Fi or cellular data and have your Apple ID and password ready. Then follow the quick steps below to remove support.apple.com/passcode on screen.
Step 1. On the locked screen of your iPhone, navigate to the bottom right corner and select Erase iPhone.
Step 2. On the Erase All Content & Settings screen, tap Erase iPhone again.
Step 3. The display will prompt you for the password associated with your Apple ID.
Step 4. Once you input the correct Apple ID password, press "Erase iPhone" to initiate the device reset and unlock procedure.
- Quick and easy to operate.
- No computer needed.
- Requires Wi-Fi/data and Apple ID credentials.
- Only works on iOS 15.2 to iOS 16.
Way 2. Use Forgot Passcode Option (iOS 17 or Later)
Apple has updated the lock screen feature, substituting the "Erase iPhone" option with "Forgot Passcode" in the same spot. This new option offers expanded capabilities. Firstly, it provides you 72-hour to input an old passcode if you've forgotten the new one, allowing access to your iPhone. Secondly, it allows you to perform a factory reset on your iPhone and remove the screen passcode.
Reset your iPhone passcode:
Step 1. Tap on the Forgot Passcode? option located at the bottom of your iPhone's screen.
Step 2. You'll receive a notification that your passcode has been changed, but the previous one can still be used to unlock your device. Simply tap Enter Previous Passcode to proceed with your old passcode.
Step 3. Then follow the on-screen prompts to create and verify a new passcode. In this way, you can use the new passcode to unlock iPhone.
Factory reset iPhone:
Step 1. Tap on Forgot Passcode? on iPhone lock screen.
Step 2. Simply tap iPhone Reset followed by Start iPhone Reset.
Step 3. Enter your Apple ID password, then your iPhone will undergo an erasure and reset process to remove the screen passcode.
- No computer needed.
- Possibly unlock disabled iPhone without losing data.
- Requires network connection and Apple ID password.
- Not works on iOS 16 or earlier.
Way 3. Use iCloud Find My Feature (All iOS Versions)
If the "Find My" feature is turned on your iPhone, iCloud can help you bypass the 'support.apple.com/passcode' screen. And iCloud is available to erase all iOS versions of the iPhone.
Step 1. Visit iCloud.com in any browser on another device, and log in with your Apple ID and password on your iPhone.
Step 2. Move to Find My iPhone section, select your device and then click on Erase iPhone.
Step 3. Enter your Apple ID password to verify the action.
Step 4. Tap Erase iPhone once more and be patient as the iPhone reset process completes. Afterward, you'll be able to bypass the "support.apple.com/iphone/passcode" screen.
- Remote erasure, no cable needed.
- Requires Find My enabled.
- Your disabled device must be online.
Way 4. Use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to Unlock iPhoneHOT
Not everyone is so lucky to bypass the 'support.apple.com/passcode' prompt on their iPhone straight away. If you can't fulfill some of the prerequisites, such as no internet connection and no corresponding options displayed, you should resort to more advanced solutions such as reliable third-party software named TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.
This program is designed for users who have forgotten their iPhone passcode and are looking for a way to easily bypass the lock screen without a passcode. It also offers the ability to remove Apple ID, Screen Time Passcode and MDM screen, all without a passcode.
Here's how to unlock support.apple.com/iphone/passcode screen without passcode using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.
Step 1Launch software and link iPhone
Download and install the latest version of TunesKit Unlocker on your computer. Once installed and launched, connect your iPhone to the computer. In the main interface, select Unlock iOS Screen and then click the Start button to proceed.
Step 2Download the firmware package matching your iPhone
Once TunesKit successfully identifies your iOS device model, you can verify details like the model version and iOS version. After confirming this info, choose the appropriate firmware version and click on the Download button to continue.
Step 3Unlock support.apple.com/passcode screen with ease
Allow some time for the firmware package to download completely. Once it's finished, hit the Unlock button to start the process of unlocking the passcode on your iPhone. After a short period, the screen lock on your iOS device will be successfully removed.
- Unlock disabled iPhone without passcode or Apple ID.
- Easy to use and 100% working.
- You need to unlock it on a computer.
Way 5. Restore iPhone in Recovery Mode via iTunes
If your iPhone displays a security lockout/iPhone unavailable message and you can't remember the passcode, iTunes can be used to perform a factory reset on the device. Following this restoration, the "support.apple.com/iphone/passcode" screen on the iPhone will be cleared.
Step 1. Ensure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your PC, put your iPhone into recovery mode, and then connect it to your computer.
Step 2. Select the Restore option in the pop-up window that appears.
Step 3. Keep your iPhone connected throughout the process and adhere to the instructions displayed on the screen to complete the restoration. This action will remove the screen lock along with the displayed message.
- Restore your iPhone when you have no other choice.
- It only works on an older Windows PC.
- Sometimes, it's not woking.
Part 3. FAQs Related to support.apple.com/passcode
Here are answers to some of the most common questions users have when facing this issue.
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1. Can I unlock my iPhone without erasing data?
No. The passcode protects your data. To regain access, you must erase all the data, including the passcode.
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2. Can the Apple Store unlock my device for me?
No, an Apple Store employee cannot bypass your passcode. They will use the exact same restore process that you can perform at home.
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3. How many wrong tries before my iPhone is disabled?
After 6 incorrect attempts, your iPhone will be disabled for 1 minute. The lockout time increases with each subsequent wrong guess. After about 10 failed attempts, the device will be permanently disabled, requiring a full restore.
Part 4. Conclusion
There's no need to worry if you see the 'support.apple.com/passcode' message on your iPhone's lock screen. For devices with iOS 15.2 or later, unlocking your iPhone is simple using the "Erase iPhone" or "Forgot Passcode?" option.
If that doesn't work, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker stands as an optimal substitute for iOS unlocking. It offers a simpler and faster solution compared to traditional unlocking methods. Whichever method you choose, I hope you regain access quickly and smoothly.