TOOL HUNTER 
Forgetting your iPhone passcode can feel like a complete nightmare. One moment you’re scrolling through your photos, and the next you’re completely locked out of your own device. It’s a frustrating situation that happens to the best of us. Whether it’s the simple 4-digit screen lock or your more complex Apple ID password, being unable to access your phone can disrupt your entire day.
This comprehensive guide is designed to walk you through every possible method for how to change password on iPhone, even when you’ve completely forgotten what it was. We’ll cover solutions for both screen passcodes and Apple ID passwords, ensuring you can regain access to your device and data.
How to Change iPhone Screen Password When Forgotten
When you find yourself staring at that “iPhone is disabled” message, panic often sets in. Don’t worry—several effective methods can help you change iPhone passcode even when you can’t remember the original one. The approach you choose will depend on your specific situation and what preparation you’ve done beforehand.
Using iMyFone LockWiper to Change iPhone Passcode
For those who want a straightforward, user-friendly solution, iMyFone LockWiper stands out as an excellent choice. This specialized software is designed specifically for situations where you need to change iPhone passcode but can’t remember your current one. It’s particularly useful because it doesn’t require you to remember your old passcode to set up a new one.
Key Features of iMyFone LockWiper:
- Removes all types of screen locks including 4-digit, 6-digit, custom numeric codes, Touch ID, and Face ID
- Unlocks Apple ID and iCloud accounts without requiring the password
- Works with disabled iPhones and devices with broken screens
- Compatible with all iPhone models and iOS versions
- Maintains 100% privacy protection throughout the process
Step-by-Step Process for Changing Passcode with LockWiper:
Step 1: Download and install iMyFone LockWiper on your computer. Launch the program and select the “Unlock Screen Passcode” mode from the main interface. Click “Start” to begin the process and connect your locked iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 2: The software will automatically detect your device model and iOS version. If any information appears incorrect, you can manually adjust it. Once verified, click “Download” to get the appropriate firmware package for your device.
Step 3: After the firmware downloads completely, click “Unlock” to initiate the passcode removal process. Keep your device connected throughout this procedure. The software will begin removing your screen passcode, which typically takes just a few minutes.
Once completed, your iPhone will restart without any passcode protection. You can then set up a new passcode during the device setup process. This method provides the simplest approach to how to change iPhone passcode when you’ve completely forgotten your original one.
iMyFone LockWiper.All-in-One iPhone Unlock Tool.Unlock all types of screen locks, including 4/6 digit passcode, Face ID, Touch ID.Remove iPhone Apple ID within a few minutes without password.Bypass MDM and remove MDM profile without needing credentials.Recover and reset Screen Time passcode without losing data.Support all iPhone models and iOS versions including iPhone 17 & iOS 26.Unlock the device only with user’s permission.
Using Recovery Mode to Change Passcode on iPhone
If you prefer not to use third-party software, Apple’s built-in Recovery Mode offers another way to change iPhone passcode when forgotten. This method involves restoring your device to factory settings, which will erase all data but remove the passcode completely.
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
Step 2: Force your iPhone into Recovery Mode using the appropriate method for your device model:
- iPhone 8 and later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Simultaneously press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
- iPhone 6s and earlier: Simultaneously press and hold both the Home and Top (or Side) buttons until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
Step 3: When the Recovery Mode screen appears (showing a cable pointing to a computer icon), release the buttons. iTunes or Finder will detect a device in Recovery Mode and display a prompt.
Step 4: Select the “Restore” option when prompted. This will erase your device and install the latest iOS version, effectively removing your forgotten passcode.
After the restoration process completes, your iPhone will restart as a new device. You can then set it up with a new passcode. If you have a recent backup, you can restore your data during the setup process.
Important note: This method completely erases all data on your device. Only use this approach if you have a recent backup or don’t mind losing your data.
Changing iPhone Passcode via iCloud
If you’ve previously enabled “Find My” on your iPhone, you can use iCloud to erase your device remotely, which will remove the forgotten passcode. This method requires that your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data and that you know your Apple ID credentials.
Step 1: Using any web browser, go to icloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
Step 2: Click on “Find My” (or “Find iPhone” in some versions) and select “All Devices” at the top of the screen.
Step 3: Choose the iPhone that you want to erase from the list of devices.
Step 4: Click “Erase iPhone” and confirm your decision when prompted. This will remotely wipe your device, including the forgotten passcode.
Once the erasure completes, your iPhone will restart without the passcode lock. You can then set it up as new or restore from a backup. This method is particularly useful if your iPhone is lost or stolen, but it also works when you simply can’t remember your passcode.
Using iTunes to Change Forgotten Passcode
If you’ve previously synced your iPhone with iTunes on a computer, you can use that computer to restore your device and remove the forgotten passcode. This method works even if Find My iPhone is enabled.
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to the computer that you previously synced it with. Keep your device connected throughout the entire process.
Step 2: Open iTunes (or Finder on newer Macs) and wait for it to recognize your device. If prompted for a passcode, try another computer you’ve synced with, or use Recovery Mode as described earlier.
Step 3: When your device appears in iTunes, select it and navigate to the Summary page.
Step 4: Click “Restore iPhone” and confirm your selection when prompted. iTunes will erase your device and install the latest iOS version.
After the restoration completes, you can set up your iPhone as new or restore from a backup. This process will remove the forgotten passcode, allowing you to set a new one during setup.
How to Change Passcode on iPhone When You Remember It
If you still remember your current passcode but want to change it for security reasons or personal preference, the process is much simpler. Changing passcode on iPhone when you know the current one takes just a few moments through your device settings.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and navigate to the passcode settings:
- On iPhone X and later: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode
- On iPhone 8 and earlier with Touch ID: Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode
- On devices without biometric authentication: Go to Settings > Passcode
Step 2: Enter your current passcode when prompted to access the passcode settings.
Step 3: Scroll down and tap on “Change Passcode.”
Step 4: Enter your old passcode once more to verify your identity.
Step 5: Enter your new passcode and verify it by entering it again. You can choose between a custom alphanumeric code, custom numeric code, or the standard 4-digit or 6-digit numeric code.
This simple process allows you to regularly update your passcode for enhanced security. It’s good practice to change your iPhone passcode every few months, especially if you suspect someone might have seen you enter it.
How to Change Apple ID Password If Forgotten
Sometimes the password you’ve forgotten isn’t your screen passcode but your Apple ID password. This can be equally problematic since your Apple ID is essential for accessing iCloud, the App Store, and other Apple services. Here’s how to reset your Apple ID password using different methods.
Resetting Apple ID Password with Two-Factor Authentication
If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Apple ID (which is now the default for most accounts), you can reset your password directly from your iPhone if you still remember your device passcode.
Step 1: Open Settings and tap on your name at the top of the screen.
Step 2: Tap “Password & Security” and then select “Change Password.”
Step 3: Enter your device passcode when prompted, then enter your new Apple ID password twice to confirm.
If you’re not signed into iCloud on any of your devices:
Step 1: Go to Settings and try to sign in to your Apple ID.
Step 2: When prompted for your password, tap “Forgot Password or Don’t Have an Apple ID?” and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password using your trusted phone number.
Resetting Apple ID Password with Two-Step Verification
For older Apple accounts that still use two-step verification (different from two-factor authentication), the password reset process varies slightly.
Step 1: Visit appleid.apple.com and click “Forgot Apple ID or password.”
Step 2: Enter your Apple ID and select the option to reset your password, then click “Continue.”
Step 3: Enter the recovery key you received when you initially set up two-step verification.
Step 4: Choose a trusted device to receive a verification code, then enter that code when prompted.
After completing these steps, you can create a new Apple ID password. This method is less common now since Apple has largely transitioned to two-factor authentication, but it’s still available for older accounts.
Important Tips to Prevent Future Lockouts
Now that you know how to change password on iPhone in various scenarios, it’s worth considering how to prevent similar situations in the future. A little preparation can save you significant time and frustration down the road.
Regular Backups Are Essential:
Always maintain current backups of your iPhone, either through iCloud or iTunes. Regular backups ensure that even if you need to erase your device to remove a forgotten passcode, you won’t lose your important data, photos, and settings. iCloud backups happen automatically when your device is connected to Wi-Fi, plugged in, and locked, making this a relatively hands-off process.
Keep Your iOS Updated:
Regularly updating your iPhone’s operating system ensures you have the latest security features and bug fixes. Updates often include improvements to password recovery options and overall system stability. You can enable automatic updates in Settings > General > Software Update.
Create Memorable Yet Secure Passcodes:
While security is important, your passcode should be something you can remember easily. Consider using a combination that’s meaningful to you but not obvious to others. Avoid simple sequences like “1234” or “0000,” and don’t use easily guessable information like your birthdate. If you struggle to remember complex codes, consider using a password manager that works with iOS.
Use Biometric Authentication When Possible:
Modern iPhones offer Face ID or Touch ID as convenient alternatives to passcodes. While you’ll still need a passcode as backup, using facial recognition or fingerprint scanning reduces how often you need to enter your passcode manually, decreasing the chances that you’ll forget it.
Secure Your Apple ID Recovery Options:
Ensure your Apple ID recovery email and trusted phone numbers are current. These recovery options are essential if you forget your Apple ID password. You can manage them at appleid.apple.com by signing in and checking your account security settings.
iMyFone LockWiper (Android).Android Unlocker forScreen Lock & FRP.Remove all types of Android screen passcodes: PIN, pattern, password, fingerprints, face ID.Bypass FRP & Google account verification for Samsung, Xiaomi, Redmi, and Oneplus without password.Unlock Samsung screen lock without losing data.Factory reset Android Phones & tablets in 5 minutes.Support 6,000+ Android phones, tablets including devices running on Android 15.0.iMyFone LockWiper (Android) is intended for use only with the informed consent of the device’s lawful owner.
Final Thoughts on Changing iPhone Passcodes
Forgetting your iPhone passcode doesn’t have to be a catastrophic event. As we’ve explored, multiple methods exist for how to change iPhone passcode even when you’ve completely forgotten the original. From specialized tools like iMyFone LockWiper to Apple’s built-in recovery options, you have several pathways to regain access to your device.
The method you choose will depend on your specific circumstances. If you want to preserve your data and have a computer available, iMyFone LockWiper offers a straightforward solution for changing passcode on iPhone without data loss. If you have recent backups and don’t mind restoring your device, Apple’s Recovery Mode or iCloud methods will effectively remove the forgotten passcode.
Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Regular backups, updated recovery information, and memorable yet secure passcodes can help you avoid similar situations in the future. Whether you’re changing your passcode proactively or recovering from a forgotten one, these strategies will help you maintain both security and access to your important device.
Some images in this article are sourced from iMyFone.
