How to Unlock Your iPhone With or Without iTunes Quickly

Samuel Spenser Published on September 16, 2026Unlock iOS3-min reading

"I forgot my iPhone 16 passcode, and it says iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes. How can I unlock my iPhone?" If you see the message on your iPhone screen, it means that your iOS device has been locked and disabled due to too many wrong passcode attempts. As the message says, you can unlock your iPhone with iTunes in Recovery Mode using a computer.

In this article:

Part 1: How to Unlock iPhone with iTunes
Part 2: How to Unlock iPhone Without iTunes
Part 3: How to Unlock iPhone Without iTunes or Password

Part 1: How to Unlock iPhone with iTunes

According to Apple, an iPhone will become disabled and show Connect to iTunes after 10 incorrect passcode attempts. To unlock an iPhone disabled, connect it to iTunes, following the steps below:

Step 1

Plug your iPhone into a computer with a USB cable.

Step 2

Open the latest version of iTunes. If you are using macOS Catalina or later, run Finder.

Step 3

Put your iPhone in Recovery Mode:

For iPhone 6s or earlier

Hold down the Sleep/Wake + Home buttons together.

Release the buttons until your iPhone enters Recovery Mode.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus

Press and hold the Volume Down + Side buttons simultaneously.

Once your device enters Recovery Mode, let the buttons go.

For iPhone 8 or later

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.

Do the same thing to the Volume Down button.

Long-press the Side button until your iPhone enters Recovery Mode.

Step 4

A dialog will appear in iTunes after it detects your iPhone in Recovery Mode.

Step 5

Click the Restore button to unlock the iPhone through iTunes.

Note:

The process will erase all data on your device.

Part 2: How to Unlock iPhone Without iTunes

You can unlock an iPhone without iTunes when your device is locked or disabled. We'll show you the methods and detailed steps. Bear in mind that all your data will be deleted, so you’d better back up your iPhone.

Way 1: Unlock iPhone Without iTunes Using Find My

Preconditions:

1.You have enabled Find My iPhone.
2.You have another Apple device.
3.Your locked iPhone is currently online.

Step 1

Open the Find My app on another iPhone.

Step 2

Tap Help a Friend, and log in with your Apple Account and password.

Step 3

Go to the Devices tab and choose your locked iPhone.

Step 4

Choose Erase or Erase This Device.

Step 5

Follow the on-screen instructions to unlock your iPhone without iTunes.

Way 2: Unlock iPhone Without iTunes on iCloud

Preconditions:

1.You have turned on Find My iPhone.
2.Your locked device connects to the internet.
3.The Apple Account is linked to your iPhone.

Step 1

Step 2

Choose your iPhone from the All Devices list.

Step 3

Then, click the Erase or Erase This Device button.

Step 4

Authenticate with your Apple Account password again.

Step 5

Finally, confirm unlocking your iPhone without iTunes.

Way 3: Unlock iPhone Without iTunes by Erasing iPhone

Preconditions:

1.Your iPhone runs iOS 15.2 or above.
2.You remember your Apple Account password.

On iOS 17 and later

Step 1

Tap the Forgot Passcode button on the iPhone Unavailable screen.

Step 2

Choose Start iPhone Reset.

Step 3

Input your Apple Account password.

Step 4

When it is done, unlock your iPhone without iTunes.

On iOS 15.2 and later

Step 1

Tap the Erase iPhone button on the iPhone Unavailable screen.

Step 2

Press the Erase iPhone button again.

Step 3

Type in your Apple Account password.

Step 4

Tap Erase iPhone to begin unlocking your iPhone.

Note:

Erasing iPhone will eliminate all data on your device. If you have ever backed up your iPhone to iTunes or Mac, you can restore the iTunes Backup to the iPhone.

Part 3: How to Unlock iPhone Without iTunes or Password

Another way to unlock a disabled iPhone without iTunes is imyPass iPassGo. It can remove all types of screen locks from iOS devices without any restrictions. Furthermore, it comes with a user-friendly interface.

imyPass iPassGo

4,000,000+ Downloads

Unlock an iPhone without iTunes in three steps.

Remove digit passcodes, Face IDs, and Touch IDs.

Work for locked, disabled, and frozen iPhones.

Include bonus features, like Apple ID removal.

Available for the latest versions of iOS and iPadOS.

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How to Unlock Your iPhone Without iTunes

Step 1

Connect to your iPhone

Run the iPhone unlock software after installing it on your PC. There is another version for Mac. Choose the Unlock iOS Screen mode. Connect your iPhone to your PC with a Lightning cable.

Step 2

Download the firmware

Once the software detects your iPhone, check the device information. Click the Start Now button to begin downloading the firmware.

Step 3

Unlock iPhone without iTunes

After downloading, click the Start Removing button. Next, click Confirm Again to initiate unlocking your iPhone immediately.

Conclusion

This guide demonstrated how to unlock an iPhone with iTunes when you forgot your passcode. Moreover, we shared more ways to regain access to a locked or disabled iPhone without iTunes. You can pick the right way according to your situation. imyPass iPassGo is a quick way to unlock any iPhone without a password.

Samuel Spenser

Samuel specializes in password security and digital privacy. He used to work as a cybersecurity consultant for small businesses to protect digital assets. With certifications in Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking, he turns complex security topics into easy-to-follow advice. He also enjoys sharing password tips to help users protect their accounts more confidently.