Can't unlock your phone? The six-digit security code no longer seems to work. An error message on the lock screen tells you that your iPhone is disabled. Here are four solutions to correct this problem..
Why is my iPhone disabled?
Your iPhone is blocked and you cannot unlock it? It is certainly the disaster scenario most feared by smartphone owners. No need to panic, however. This is not as serious as it seems. However, the data stored in the memory of your iPhone is not lost.
Note that the iPhone disabled error message is automatically displayed for one minute after six unsuccessful unlock attempts. This mode is activated to protect your phone from a possible hacking attempt..
Your child or one of your colleagues may have had fun with your phone. The system may also have accidentally triggered when your phone was in your pocket. This type of incident is relatively common.
If you find yourself in this, the most obvious solution is to wait 60 seconds and then enter the authentication code of your iPhone. Be careful not to be mistaken when entering your password. Repeated entry of an incorrect unlock code increases the deactivation delay..
- IPhone turns off for 1 minute after 6 incorrect entries
- After 7 wrong passwords, the deactivation delay goes to 5 minutes
- 8 incorrect attempts and the iPhone freezes for 15 minutes
- After 9 incorrect passwords, your phone will remain unusable for more than 60 minutes
But where things get complicated is when you enter the wrong code 10 times. This is the worst scenario that can happen to you. The iPhone freezes completely. You will then have no choice but to connect it to a computer via iTunes software to access it again.
Worse, it is also possible that all the files on your phone will be deleted automatically. The mobile operating system of the iPhone has a security function allowing to delete all personal data after 10 unsuccessful attempts. Hope for you that it is not activated.
If you have forgotten or lost your iPhone password, do not hesitate to consult the following guide: What to do when you have forgotten your iPhone password. It will save you a lot of hassle.
Restore an iPhone by connecting it to iTunes
As explained above, once you have exhausted the number of authorized attempts, your iPhone freezes. You will only be able to access it after performing a full system restore.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer
- Then open iTunes on your Mac or PC
- Wait a few minutes for the software to recognize your smartphone
- Then click on the Restore iPhone button
- Then select the last backup. Note that it is possible to erase the memory of your iPhone and configure it as a new device
If you don't have a backup and can't remember the unlock code, all the data on your iPhone will be lost forever. Unfortunately, there is no way around this security rule.
Put your iPhone in recovery mode
If none of these methods work, then you will have no choice but to use a more radical solution namely the iPhone recovery mode. First of all, remember to turn off your phone.
- Open iTunes on your computer
- Make sure the software is up to date
- On an iPhone 8, 8 Plus, iPhone X and newer versions, keep your finger pressed on the Power button and one of the volume buttons.
- Then move the cursor to turn off the phone
- Then connect the phone to your PC or Mac while keeping your finger pressed on the side button (On / Off)
- Do not release the button until the recovery mode screen is displayed on your mobile screen
- On an iPhone 7 or 7 plus, you will need to turn off your device and then connect it to your computer while keeping the volume button pressed.
- Keep your finger pressed until the recovery window appears
- With an iPhone 6S or older device, you will need to keep the Home button (at the bottom of the screen) pressed while connecting it to your computer
- The software will then offer you to Restore or Update your phone
- Click the Restore button
- You will then be asked to configure a new authentication code
Don't forget to write it down somewhere and put the paper in a safe place away from prying eyes. In case of problems, do not hesitate to leave a message in the comments.
