How to reset iPhone in Security Lockout mode
Want to reset your iPhone that is in security lockout mode without passcode? Here are all the steps you should take. This article also applies for reset unavailable or disabled mode.
Alex Griffith Updated on Mar 28, 2025 6:10 PM
If you're looking for a quick way to reset security lockout mode on iPhone to regain access, you can't miss the solid and reliable iPhone Unlocker. There are many useful tools included in this software that makes it brilliant from the easy-to-use suite to easily remove various of screen locks on iPhones and iPads, regardless of the software version.
Resetting iPhone security lockout mode means that everything on the device will be permanently deleted.
Setting a lock screen with passcode does a lot to keep your iPhone safe from unauthorized access. Sometimes, though, it can be frustrating when your iPhone is on Security Lockout mode all of a sudden and won't let you enter a passcode to get in.
Let's say you had your iPhone in the pocket and was unaware that it made too many passcode attempts, you then pulled it out only to see the security lockout error on the phone. Why is it happening when you have it in pocket or while sleeping. Relax. In this article, we'll explain the causes of security lockout mode and walk you through the ways to reset an iPhone security lockout mode so you can use the phone as soon as quickly.
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Tip: To avoid accidental passcode attempt in your pocket that may results in security lockout mode on your iPhone, it's advised to position the phone with the screen facing outwards.
When does iPhone security lockout mode appear?
The Security Lockout mode screen is only accessible when your iPhone is connected to an active Wi-Fi or cellular data, and you have enabled Find My iPhone previously on your device. You can do this by going to Settings > [Your name] > Find My > Find My iPhone.
When you enter a wrong passcode, the iPhone briefly flashes and asks you to try again; after 5 times wrong attempts in a row, you will see security lockout screen with a timer, indicating how many minutes or hours to wait before it disappears.
Also: How to reset iPad without passcode
What can I do after my iPhone is in security lockout mode
The iPhone's security lockout mode is a protective measure that occurs after too many wrong passcode entries in a row, meaning to protect your data and iPhone from unauthorized access.
If you forgot your passcode and subsequently get iPhone security lockout mode with a timer, it's worth waiting until the temporary lock-out is over. You then can enter the right passcode to unlock iPhone. The more wrong attempts you do, the longer you have to wait. However, if you don't have passcode, Apple only lets you reset the security lockout iPhone and erase all data and settings, allowing setting the iPhone again and using it.
Depending on your iPhone's settings, 10 failed password attempts will either trigger an automatic data erase or display the Security Lockout screen without a timer.
Reset iPhone security lockout mode by using Forgot Passcode
The easiest way to reset the security lockout mode and get back into your iPhone desktop is to use the Forgot Passcode option hid in the screen. This is especially true if you don't have a computer at this time or don't want to go through a tedious procedure.
You must remember the Apple ID account credentials which will be entered to verify that it's the account used on the iPhone, the device is connected to a network, and has an iOS 15.2 software version and later.
Follow these steps on your iPhone to reset security lockout mode. Once done, all you apps, data, settings, media, and personal information will be erased permanently.
Step 1. On iPhone screen that says security lockout, tap Forgot Passcode at the bottom right. If your device is running between iOS 15.2 and iOS 16, and you're connected to cellular or Wi-Fi network, the Erase iPhone option will be there instead.
Step 2. Read the prompts in iPhone Reset screen, and then tap Start iPhone Reset.
Step 3. Enter your Apple Account password to log out of iCloud.
Step 4. Select Keep eSIM and Erase Data, if you want to keep your eSIM.
Step 5. Wait for iPhone to reset completely. Once it completes, set up your phone and use it.
During setup, you will be required to use your Apple ID and password reactivate the device.
Also: How to transfer pictures from Windows 10 to iPhone
How can you reset iPhone that is in security lockout when the Forgot Passcode button is missing? Another way to handle this issue is use a computer and a dedicated screen unlocking utility, something like iPhone Unlocker.
Just like its name suggests, the software app is dedicated to unlocking everything from lock screen to Activation Lock and remote management (MDM) on iPhone and iPad. The interface is clear and intuitive, make it incredibly to get the task done without any difficulty.
No matter your iPhone goes into security lockout mode, says disabled, or display unavailable screen, you can remove it quickly from your device and regain control of it.
Resetting iPhone in security lockout mode is straightforward and easy: connect your iPhone to the program, confirm your model information, and let the program do its business.
Step 1: Select "Wipe Passcode"
To get started, launch iPhone Unlocker on your computer after installation. From its interface, choose "Wipe Passcode" to proceed. This feature also works in fixing security lockout iPad.
Plug the security lockout iPhone into the computer and wait it to appear. If not, click "Device connected but not recognized" link to fix it.
Step 2: Review your iPhone information
After connection, check the value of corresponding field to see if everything is right for your phone model. In most cases, you can leave them untouched and go to the next step.
Step 3: Download firmware package
Click "Start" to begin downloading appropriate firmware package that is suitable for your iPhone. If you have a strong and stable network, it should be finished within minutes.
Step 4: Unlock and reset iPhone security lockout mode
Go ahead and click "Unlock" on the interface. A dialog will pop up confirming that your current content and settings will be permanently erased if you proceed. If you're sure what you're doing, type in "0000" and then press "Unlock" button to confirm that you want to reset your iPhone.
Also: How to unlock pattern on Android phone
Your iPhone will then begin the process of removing all of your data and resetting it to factory condition and will restart. You may see a progress bar on the software's interface.
Once the reset is complete, you'll see the Hello screen, indicating that you've reset the iPhone with security lockout mode to factory settings and can now be set up. you can follow the Setup Assistant to begin the setup process and restore data from a backup.
Reset iPhone security lockout mode with iTunes or Finder application
While iTunes and Finder are not the dedicated troubleshooting tool, but both can help restore your iPhone to factory settings or update its software when it's suffering from serious issues. Even if your iPhone is in security lockout mode, you may connect it to your computer and enter recovery mode to reset the iPhone security lockout mode.
Note, if you have a Windows PC or old Mac running macOS 10.14 or earlier, use iTunes, and ensure it's up to date; For a Mac with macOS 10.15 and later version, open Finder app.
To reset a locked iPhone that's in security lockout, you'll need to enter it to recovery mode first. Here's how.
1. Turn off the iPhone completely and then Put the iPhone in recovery mode. The method you use to activate recovery mode will differ depending on the kind of iPhone you have.
2. Plug the phone into computer and open iTunes on PC, or Finder on Mac.
3. With your phone now in Recovery Mode, click Restore in the popup.
4. If the popup doesn't appear, select your iPhone from iTunes window, or from the sidebar under Location in Finder app. Then select Restore iPhone.
Also: How to spoof location on iPhone
FAQs
Can I turn off security lockout mode on iPhone?
Security Lockout mode is a protective measure used for secure an iPhone when iOS detects too many passcode attempts. The only way to disable iPhone security lockout mode is to factory reset the device.
How do I remove security lockout on iPhone without erasing all contents and settings?
Unless you remember your passcode, Apple needs you to reset the iPhone to erase security lockout screen, which means all your data, apps, settings, media, documents that haven't backed with iCloud or computer will be deleted permanently.
Why can't I see Forgot Passcode option on Security Lockout iPhone screen?
Make sure your iPhone has an active network. If you restart your iPhone when it's in Security Lockout mode, you'll lose Wi-Fi connection and access to Forgot Passcode option until it's unlocked through other ways.
