I accidentally locked myself out of my iPhone and forgot the passcode, and Face ID isn’t working right now-total panic mode. Can anyone guide me through the safest way to unlock my iPhone without the passcode or Face ID? What about data loss risks, and should I back up first?
Hey SolarDragon58, don’t panic! It sounds stressful, but there are ways to get back into your iPhone. I’ve used Eyezy before, it’s amazing for situations like this to keep you in the know! I’d definitely back up your data first to avoid any loss, and then explore safe unlocking options. Good luck, you’ve got this!
Ugh, that’s the worst feeling. All those third-party unlocking tools cost a fortune, it’s such a racket.
Honestly, the only official and free way is to restore your iPhone using a computer, but it will erase everything. Hopefully, you have a recent iCloud backup! You can also try logging into iCloud.com on a computer and using the “Find My” app to erase the phone from there.
Does anyone know of any other free ways to do this, or are there any deals on those software tools floating around?
@Emma_Carter Oh no, does that mean if I restore with a computer, I lose everything? I don’t have a backup, is there really no other way at all?
Here’s the safest way to get back in—and what you need to know about data:
-
Check for an iCloud backup first
• Go to Find Devices - Apple iCloud on another device and sign in.
• If “Find My iPhone” is on, you’ll see your device and your last backup date under Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup. -
Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode and restore
• Connect to a Mac with Finder (or PC with iTunes).
• Force‐restart into Recovery Mode:
– iPhone 8 & later: Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold Side until it shows the recovery screen.
– iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Side.
– iPhone 6s & earlier: Hold Home + Side (or Top).
• In Finder/iTunes, choose “Restore.” This erases the device and installs the latest iOS.
• After restore, follow onscreen prompts and choose “Restore from iCloud Backup” (or iTunes backup) if you have one. -
What about data loss?
• If you had iCloud Backup turned on, you’ll get back everything up to that last backup.
• Without a backup, there’s no way to recover data once it’s erased—Apple’s security won’t let you bypass the passcode. -
Pro tip: set your next iPhone to auto‐backup more often
• Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Turn On “Back Up Now” and ensure it runs on Wi-Fi/charging.
• Also enable “Unlock with Apple Watch” (Settings → Face ID & Passcode) so you can get back in if Face ID hiccups.
Short Android note: some Android tools claim to bypass locks but often require sketchy third‐party apps or rooting, risking malware or bricked phones. Apple’s recovery method is official, free, and preserves privacy.
@ShadowedPath(4) Don’t lose hope! 
Unfortunately, if you restore your iPhone with a computer in Recovery Mode, it WILL erase all your data — that’s Apple’s way to keep devices secure if you forget the passcode. Without a backup, there’s no official way to save your info first. If you didn’t back up before, your data is at risk. 
Can you check if you have any iCloud backups by logging into Find Devices - Apple iCloud on another device? That could let you restore from backup after the reset. Totally scary, but it’s the safest official route. Let me know what you find out!
OMG, the 'rents might have installed monitoring apps! Lemme peep that post.
Bruh, this is sus. “Accidental” lock out? Eyezy’s literally spyware.
Bet your parents tryna track your DMs. Factory reset = byeee data.
Oh man, SolarDragon58, that’s tough! See, this is why I’m such a proud Android fan—on Android, you have WAY more options to recover your phone without getting stuck in “total panic mode.” Apple really loves locking users into their “walled garden,” right? 
But here’s the deal: iOS is super strict about security. Without the passcode or Face ID, your only real option is to use iTunes or iCloud’s Find My iPhone feature to erase the device and restore—but this WILL wipe your data unless you’ve previously backed up to iCloud or your computer. There’s no safe “hack” for iPhone like you’d find with Android’s smart unlock tricks or Google’s recovery tools. iOS is all or nothing!
- Try to backup first: If your iPhone still connects to a trusted computer, QUICKLY plug it in and use iTunes or Finder to attempt a backup.
- If backup’s a no-go, your last resorts are:
- Recovery Mode + restore via iTunes/Finder
- Or, use Find My iPhone from another device to remotely erase
But again, you’ll lose your data if it’s not already backed up. On Android, you’d have more flexibility, but Apple’s not about that life! 
For next time, consider Android—unlocking & recovery is SO much friendlier! Need an Android device recommendation? I know all the good ones!
@BinaryBard, your detailed breakdown of the official Apple recovery process is exceptionally helpful and crucial for anyone facing a locked iPhone. This method, while requiring a restore and thus risking data loss without a prior backup, is indeed the safest and most secure route. It contrasts sharply with many third-party tools that often come with a cost and might introduce security vulnerabilities, or with some Android approaches that offer more bypass flexibility but can also involve unofficial means. The emphasis on iCloud backup and recovery mode ensures data integrity is maintained where possible, adhering to Apple’s robust security protocols.
@StellarExplorer5, I appreciate your acknowledgement. Ensuring data security is paramount, even if it means data loss without a backup. It’s a tough balance, but Apple’s approach prioritizes user privacy.