If you encounter the message “iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes” it’s usually due to numerous incorrect passcode attempts. Occasionally, this can occur unknowingly, especially if the phone is in your pocket or bag. The “iPhone is disabled. The “iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes” error prevents you from unlocking the device until certain steps are completed.
To remove the lock and passcode, you’ll need to erase your device and then sync it with iTunes. Find out how to resolve this problem here.
Why does the message “iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes” appear?
Understanding the reason behind “iPhone is disabled connect to iTunes” is essential for effectively addressing the issue. This message typically appears when your iPhone becomes locked due to multiple consecutive incorrect passcode entries. It serves as an Apple security measure designed to protect your data from unauthorized access.
Typically, the duration of the “iPhone is disabled” prompt increases with the number of consecutive incorrect passwords entered. In other words, the more times you attempt to enter the wrong password, the longer you must wait before your next attempt. This progression is as follows:
- 6 consecutive incorrect passcode entries: “iPhone is disabled. Try again in 1 minute.”
- 7 consecutive incorrect passcode entries: “iPhone is disabled. Try again in 5 minutes.”
- 8 consecutive incorrect passcode entries: “iPhone is disabled. Try again in 15 minutes.”
- 9 consecutive incorrect passcode entries: “iPhone is disabled. Try again in 60 minutes.”
- 10 consecutive incorrect passcode entries: “iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes.”
Using iTunes to Resolve a Disabled iPhone
iTunes provides a well-established method for restoring your disabled iPhone. To regain access to your device, you can follow these steps:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer: Start by connecting your disabled iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Launch iTunes: Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer, then open the application. Note: If iTunes requests a passcode or indicates it cannot communicate with your iPhone, you may proceed to the Recovery Mode solution.
- Select the iPhone icon: Locate and click on the iPhone icon situated in the upper-left corner of the iTunes window.
- Click on “Restore iPhone”: To begin the restoration process, click on “Restore iPhone” located in the upper-right section of the page. If your iPhone has the Find My iPhone feature enabled, you will be prompted to deactivate it before proceeding. Since deactivating Find My iPhone is not feasible when your iPhone is already disabled, you may consider using iCloud to erase your iPhone as an alternative method.
- Confirm the restoration: Click on “Restore” when prompted. Then, allow some time for the restoration process to complete.
- Restore from a backup if necessary.
2: Using iCloud
Before proceeding with this method, ensure that the Find My iPhone feature is enabled. If Find My iPhone is disabled, you may explore other three methods.
Below are the step-by-step instructions for using iCloud to address a disabled iPhone:
- Visit the iCloud website and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Navigate to “All Devices” and choose your disabled iPhone.
- Select “Erase iPhone” to clear your device and eliminate the passcode.
- Proceed to set up your iPhone as a new device or restore from a backup.
3. Utilizing Recovery Mode to Enable a Disabled iPhone
If you haven’t synced your iPhone with iTunes or configured Find My iPhone, you can employ Recovery Mode to unlock your device:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch iTunes.
- Place your iPhone into Recovery Mode:
- – For iPhone 8 and later: Swiftly press and release the Volume Up button, followed by the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
- – For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Simultaneously press and hold the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake (Top) buttons until the recovery mode screen appears.
- – For iPhone 6s and earlier: Simultaneously press and hold the Home and Sleep/Wake (Top) buttons until the recovery mode screen appears.
- In iTunes, select “Restore” to erase your device and install the latest iOS version. Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the process.
4. Using Find My iPhone
Here’s how to unlock a disabled iPhone/iPad without a computer using Find My iPhone:
- On another iPhone you have, access the App Store, and download the Find My iPhone app. It’s available for free on the official App Store.
- Sign in to your iCloud account within the app to utilize the Find My iPhone feature.
- After signing in, you’ll see all your Apple devices linked to the same iCloud account. Tap on your disabled iPhone from the list.
- On the subsequent screen, tap on “Actions” at the bottom.
- You’ll encounter three options. Select the last one, labeled “Erase iPhone.”
- Your disabled iPhone/iPad will be erased, removing the passcode from the device. You can then set up the device anew and choose “Restore from iCloud Backup” to restore an iCloud backup onto your device.
5. Using Third-Party App’s
There are several third-party app’s you can use to resolve the “iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes”-problem. Here are a few:
- EaseUS MobiUnlock
- LockWiper
- AnyUnlock
- iPhone Unlocker
How to connect to iTunes when iPhone is disabled without a computer?
If you don’t have access to a computer, but you do have a trusted iPhone or iPad linked to the Apple ID associated with the disabled iPhone, you can utilize the Find My app following these steps:
- Open the Find My Iphone app on the iPhone or iPad and tap on “Devices.” From there, choose the disabled iPhone and select “Erase This Device.”
- Confirm by pressing “Continue” on the subsequent screen and input the Apple ID password to initiate the process.
Another option if you don’t have access to a computer nearby, could be to reset the iPhone using iCloud, which you can access from another phone or tablet.
How can I prevent my iPhone from becoming disabled in the future?
To avoid forgetting your passcode and being unable to access your iPhone in the future, consider the following measures:
- Choose a more memorable screen passcode that you can easily recall. If necessary, jot down hints or clues about your password (such as the first digit) on paper or in your notes.
- Another option is to enable additional Touch ID or Face ID features, which streamline the process of unlocking your iPhone without entering a 4-digit/6-digit passcode. You can do this by navigating to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode (or Face ID & Passcode for newer models) and following the on-screen instructions to set it up.
- Additionally, remember to regularly back up your data. Even if you forget your passcode and receive the “iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes” message, you can reset the device and restore your data.