Solved! How to Unlock iPhone with Apple ID (iOS 26 Supported)
Getting locked out of your iPhone is a stressful experience, especially when you've forgotten your screen passcode. However, if you still remember your Apple ID and password, there is a high chance you can regain access without a professional technician. In this updated 2026 guide, we will explore how to unlock iPhone with Apple ID across different iOS versions, including the latest iOS 26 features.

How to Unlock iPhone with Apple ID
If you are stuck on the lock screen of your iPhone and you remember the Apple ID and password, there are 2 effective solutions to help you unlock your iPhone. Let's see how to do it.
Method 1. How to Unlock iPhone with Apple ID via iOS System Trick
If the iOS system you are now using is from iOS 15.2 to iOS 26, this method would be helpful. With the built-in feature, users can unlock their phones with Apple ID. Follow the following guide to unlock iPhone with Apple ID:
For iOS 15.2 to iOS 16
- Step 1. Wake your iPhone, and keep entering any passcode until your iPhone is disabled.
- Step 2. In this phase, you will see an Erase iPhone option. Click on it, and your iPhone will ask you to enter the Apple ID password. Enter your password and your iPhone will be unlocked with all data loss.

For iOS 17 or later
- Step 1. Enter the wrong passcode multiple times until the screen displays iPhone Unavailable.
- Step 2. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see an option for Forgot Passcode?. Tap it.
- Step 3. Select Start iPhone Reset. This option will guide you through the process of erasing your device.
- Step 4. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted. This step is crucial as it disables Activation Lock, which prevents unauthorized access after the reset.
- Step 5. Tap Erase iPhone. If you're using an eSIM, you'll have the option to save it before erasing the device. Once the reset is complete, you can set up your iPhone as new or restore from an iCloud or computer backup.

Method 2. How to Unlock iPhone with Apple ID via iCloud

- Step 1. Enter the wrong passcode multiple times until the screen displays iPhone Unavailable.
- Step 2. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see an option for Forgot Passcode?. Tap it.
- Step 3. Select Start iPhone Reset. This option will guide you through the process of erasing your device.
- Step 4. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted. This step is crucial as it disables Activation Lock, which prevents unauthorized access after the reset.
- Step 5. Tap Erase iPhone. If you're using an eSIM, you'll have the option to save it before erasing the device. Once the reset is complete, you can set up your iPhone as new or restore from an iCloud or computer backup.

Method 2. How to Unlock iPhone with Apple ID via iCloud
The Find My iPhone feature of iCloud can also unlock iPhone with Apple ID. However, if you want to unlock your iPhone via iCloud, you should first turn on the Find My iPhone feature on your iPhone. If the Find My iPhone feature is disabled on your iPhone, you will not unlock it via this trick. The following is the step-by-step guide.
For those who have 2 Apple devices:
- Step 1. Launch the Find My app on your iOS device. You should log in to the same Apple ID as the locked iPhone.
- Step 2. Click on the device list and find the iPhone that you would like to unlock. Click on it.
- Step 3. In this phase, you can see an Erase This Device option when you select the iPhone. Click on it and there will be an instruction about how to do.

If you don't have another iDevice:
- Step 1. Launch a browser on your computer, and navigate to the iCloud website.
- Step 2. Enter your Apple ID and the corresponding passcode.

- Step 3. Click on the Find My option that you can see in the main interface.
- Step 4. Click on the All Device tab, and find the locked iPhone that you would like to unlock. Click on the Erase iPhone to erase the screen lock on the iPhone.

Part 2. How to Unlock iPhone Without Apple ID via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

- Step 1. Launch a browser on your computer, and navigate to the iCloud website.
- Step 2. Enter your Apple ID and the corresponding passcode.

- Step 3. Click on the Find My option that you can see in the main interface.
- Step 4. Click on the All Device tab, and find the locked iPhone that you would like to unlock. Click on the Erase iPhone to erase the screen lock on the iPhone.

Part 2. How to Unlock iPhone Without Apple ID via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker
It is an assuring choice to unlock iPhone without Apple ID by using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. It is a reliable and well-established iOS unlocking tool, which allows users to unlock iPhone/iPad/iPod touch in any situation like forgetting the passcode, the screen is broken, the Home button is broken, etc. With this one-stop tool, you can unlock your iOS devices within several clicks. Besides, users can use this unlocking tool to factory reset their iPhones without entering the Apple ID.
Why Choose TunesKit iPhone Unlocker?
Unlock iPhone/iPad/iPod without passowrds. Allow users to factory reset iDevices without Apple ID. Supports the latest iOS version and iPhone & iPad models.
Here is the detailed guide about how to unlock iPhone without Apple ID via Tuneskit iPhone Unlocker.
Step 1Connect iPhone to a computer
To begin with, please download and install TunesKit iPhone Unlocker on your computer. Then, connect your iPhone to the computer. Select the Unlock iOS Screen feature and click on the Start button when this tool detects your iPhone.

Step 2Put your iPhone into Recovery mode or DFU mode
In this phase, please follow the instruction to put your iPhone into Recovery mode. Then, click on the Next button for the next step.

Step 3Download firmware package
Click on the Download button to download the firmware package. Before downloading, ensure that all the given information is corresponding to your iPhone.

Step 4Unlock iPhone without Apple ID
After downloading, click the Start button. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to unlock your iPhone. You will be able to enter your iPhone again when the unlocking process is done.

FAQs About Unlocking iPhone with Apple ID
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Will I lose my data after unlocking?
Yes. To protect user privacy, Apple designs all unlocking processes (including official ones) to erase device data. You can restore your data afterward from an iCloud or iTunes backup.
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Can Apple Support unlock my iPhone for me?
Only if you can provide the original purchase receipt. Apple Store technicians can help you restore the device, but they cannot "retrieve" your old passcode.
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What if my iPhone is not connected to the Internet?
If there's no Wi-Fi/Data connection, Method 1 and 2 won't work. You must use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker or iTunes via a computer to perform a hardware-level reset.
The Bottom Line
Unlocking an iPhone with an Apple ID is the fastest official solution. However, due to network issues or forgotten credentials, these methods often hit a dead end. For a 100% reliable bypass, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker remains the most effective alternative to get your device back in working order.