iPhone Locked Out? How Many Attempts Before Permanent Lock

Ever found yourself staring at your iPhone screen, completely locked out because you can’t remember your passcode? You’re not alone. We’ve all been there—that moment of panic when you realize you’ve entered the wrong code too many times and now your phone is disabled. But have you ever wondered exactly how many attempts to unlock iPhone you get before it becomes permanently locked?

Understanding iPhone lock out times is crucial for every iPhone user. Whether you’re dealing with a forgotten passcode or just curious about Apple’s security measures, knowing what happens after multiple failed attempts can save you from a lot of frustration. Let’s explore everything you need to know about iPhone locked out times and how to regain access when things go wrong.

Understanding iPhone Security Lockouts

Apple takes security seriously, and that’s why they’ve implemented a system that gradually increases lockout periods after consecutive failed passcode attempts. This isn’t just to frustrate you—it’s designed to protect your personal information from unauthorized access. The system starts with short timeouts and escalates to what could be the longest iPhone lockout time you’ll ever experience.

So how many times can you try to unlock an iPhone before facing consequences? The answer might surprise you. While many people think they have unlimited attempts, the reality is quite different. Apple’s security system is designed to progressively limit access with each incorrect entry, eventually leading to what feels like the longest iPhone lockout time possible.

How Many Attempts to Unlock iPhone Before Lockout?

Let’s break down exactly what happens with each failed attempt. Understanding these iPhone lock out times can help you avoid getting into situations where you’re facing extended lockout periods.

The first five incorrect passcode entries won’t trigger any lockout—your iPhone will simply display “Try Again” and let you continue attempting to enter the correct code. But starting with the sixth wrong attempt, things get serious quickly.

Here’s the complete breakdown of iPhone lock out times:

Failed Attempts	Lockout Duration
1-5 attempts	No lockout – continuous attempts allowed
6th attempt	1-minute lockout
7th attempt	5-minute lockout
8th attempt	15-minute lockout
9th attempt	1-hour lockout
10th attempt	Permanent lockout

When you reach that tenth failed attempt, one of two scenarios plays out. If you have the “Erase Data” feature enabled in your settings, your iPhone will automatically wipe all content and settings. If this feature is turned off, your device becomes permanently locked, displaying the message “iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes.”

This is what constitutes the longest iPhone lockout time—a permanent lock that requires professional intervention to resolve. Understanding how many times can you try to unlock an iPhone helps you gauge when to stop guessing and seek alternative solutions.

Solutions for iPhone Locked Out Times

Finding yourself facing iPhone locked out times can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you need immediate access to your device. The good news is that several methods exist to help you regain access, though they vary in complexity and success rates.

Using iMyFone LockWiper to Clear iPhone Lock Out Times

When you’re dealing with the longest iPhone lockout time or a permanently disabled iPhone, iMyFone LockWiper offers one of the most reliable solutions. This specialized software is designed specifically to handle iPhone lock out times without requiring previous iTunes sync or iCloud backups.

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.

Check More Details | Download Now! | Check All Deals

What makes LockWiper particularly useful is its ability to handle what could be the longest iPhone lockout time scenarios. Whether you’re facing a 1-minute wait or a permanent disablement, this tool can clear iPhone lock out times efficiently.

The process is straightforward and typically completes within five minutes. You don’t need to worry about how many times can you try to unlock an iPhone beforehand—LockWiper handles devices regardless of their lockout status.

Step-by-Step Guide Using LockWiper:

Step 1: Download and install iMyFone LockWiper on your computer. Launch the program and select “Unlock Screen Passcode” from the main interface.

Step 2: Connect your disabled iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. The software should detect your device automatically. Click “Start” to begin the process, then download the required firmware package when prompted.

Step 3: Once the firmware is downloaded, click “Start Unlock.” You’ll need to enter “000000” to confirm you want to proceed with unlocking your device.

Step 4: The software will now begin removing the screen lock and clearing iPhone lock out times. This process typically takes less than five minutes to complete.

The advantage of using LockWiper is that it works even if you’ve never synced your iPhone with iTunes or don’t have iCloud backups. It’s particularly valuable when dealing with the longest iPhone lockout time situations where other methods fail.

Using iTunes to Handle iPhone Lock Out Times

If you’ve previously synced your iPhone with iTunes, you might be able to use it to clear iPhone lock out times. This method works whether you have backups or not, though the approaches differ slightly.

Important Requirements for iTunes Method:

• Latest version of iTunes installed
• Previous synchronization with iTunes
• Find My iPhone must be disabled

Method A: Without Available Backups

Step 1: Open the latest version of iTunes on your computer.

Step 2: Connect your locked iPhone using a USB cable. Wait for iTunes to recognize your device.

Step 3: When your iPhone appears in iTunes, select it and choose “Set up as new iPhone” rather than restoring from a backup.

Step 4: Click “Restore” after selecting the setup option.

Step 5: If iTunes begins backing up your device, cancel this process immediately by clicking the “x” in the status window.

Step 6: Similarly, cancel any sync attempts that iTunes initiates.

After these steps, your iPhone lock out times should be cleared, and you can set up your device as new. However, this method only works if you meet all the prerequisites mentioned above.

Method B: With Available Backups

If you have existing iTunes backups, the process is somewhat simpler:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to the computer with iTunes open.

Step 2: Select your device and navigate to the “Summary” tab.

Step 3: Click “Restore iPhone” and wait for the process to complete.

Step 4: After restoration, choose to restore from your iTunes backup to recover your data.

While iTunes can be effective, it doesn’t always recognize disabled devices, which is why many users prefer dedicated tools like LockWiper for handling iPhone locked out times.

Recovery Mode for iPhone Lock Out Times

Recovery mode offers another alternative for dealing with iPhone lock out times, though it requires specific conditions to work successfully.

Recovery Mode Requirements:

• Updated iTunes version
• Previous iPhone synchronization with iTunes
• Find My iPhone disabled

Step 1: Ensure you have the latest iTunes version installed on your computer, then connect your iPhone via USB cable.

Step 2: Put your iPhone into recovery mode. The method varies by model:

• iPhone 6S or earlier: Press and hold both the Home and Side buttons simultaneously
• iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Side and Volume Down buttons together
• iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button

Step 3: iTunes should detect your iPhone in recovery mode and prompt you to restore or update. Choose “Restore” to reset your device to factory settings, which will clear the iPhone lock out times.

The recovery process can take over 30 minutes, and there’s a risk of your iPhone getting stuck in recovery mode. If this happens, you’ll need to manually exit recovery mode and repeat the process.

iCloud Method for iPhone Locked Out Times

If you have Find My iPhone enabled and know your Apple ID credentials, iCloud provides another option for addressing iPhone locked out times.

iCloud Method Requirements:

• Active Find My iPhone feature
• Apple ID and password
• iPhone connected to a network

Step 1: Using a computer or another device, navigate to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.

Step 2: Click “All Devices” at the top of the screen and select your locked iPhone from the list.

Step 3: Choose “Erase iPhone” to remotely wipe your device. This action will clear all data and passcodes, including iPhone lock out times.

After the remote erase completes, you can restore your data from an iCloud backup. However, this method is only viable if you had Find My iPhone active before the lockout occurred.

Preventing Data Loss During iPhone Lock Out Times

One of the biggest concerns when dealing with iPhone lock out times is potential data loss. Apple’s security system includes an option to automatically erase all data after ten failed passcode attempts. While this protects your information from unauthorized access, it can be disastrous if triggered accidentally.

Fortunately, you can disable this feature to prevent data loss while still maintaining security. Here’s how to ensure your data remains safe regardless of how many times can you try to unlock an iPhone:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone (when accessible).

Step 2: Scroll down and select “Touch ID & Passcode” (or “Face ID & Passcode” on newer models).

Step 3: Enter your current passcode when prompted.

Step 4: Scroll to the bottom of the menu and locate the “Erase Data” option.

Step 5: Toggle off the “Erase Data” feature.

With this setting disabled, your iPhone will still enforce iPhone lock out times after multiple failed attempts, but it won’t automatically erase your data. This gives you peace of mind while you work on regaining access to your device.

Comprehensive Solutions for Different Scenarios

When facing iPhone locked out times, the best solution often depends on your specific circumstances. Understanding which method to use in different situations can save you time and frustration.

For recent iPhones without backups: iMyFone LockWiper is typically your best option since it doesn’t require previous synchronization and works with the latest iPhone models and iOS versions.

For older iPhones with iTunes sync: The iTunes method might suffice, especially if you have recent backups available.

For devices with Find My iPhone active: The iCloud method can be effective if you remember your Apple ID credentials.

For situations where you want to avoid data loss: Disabling the “Erase Data” feature proactively is crucial, and using tools like LockWiper that can sometimes preserve data during the unlock process.

Remember that regardless of which method you choose, the goal is to clear iPhone lock out times and regain access to your device. The longest iPhone lockout time doesn’t have to mean permanent loss of your device if you have the right tools and knowledge.

Additional Tools: Android Solutions

While this guide focuses on iPhone lock out times, it’s worth noting that similar solutions exist for Android devices. iMyFone offers tools for Android users facing comparable lockout situations.

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.

Check More Details | Download Now! | Check All Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

How many attempts to unlock iPhone are allowed before permanent lockout? Apple allows nine failed passcode attempts before permanently locking your device on the tenth failed try. This is when you’ll encounter the longest iPhone lockout time scenario.

Is there any way to get unlimited passcode attempts on iPhone? No, Apple’s security system is designed to progressively increase iPhone lock out times with each failed attempt, eventually leading to permanent disablement. There are no unlimited attempts available.

What exactly is the longest iPhone lockout time? The longest iPhone lockout time is actually a permanent disablement that occurs after ten failed passcode attempts. At this point, your iPhone displays “iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes” and requires computer intervention to restore functionality.

Can I prevent my iPhone from wiping data after too many wrong passcode attempts? Yes, you can disable the “Erase Data” feature in your Touch ID/Face ID & Passcode settings. This will prevent automatic data wiping while still enforcing iPhone lock out times for security.

Do iPhone lock out times reset after successful unlocking? Yes, once you successfully enter your passcode, the failed attempt counter resets to zero. However, if you’re already in a lockout period, you must wait for it to expire before attempting your passcode again.

How many times can you try to unlock an iPhone before the first lockout? You get five consecutive failed attempts before the first lockout period begins on the sixth wrong try. This initial iPhone lock out time is just one minute.

Final Thoughts on iPhone Lock Out Times

Dealing with iPhone locked out times can be stressful, especially when you’re facing what seems like the longest iPhone lockout time imaginable. Whether you’re dealing with a temporary disablement or a permanent lockout, understanding your options is key to regaining access to your device.

From dedicated software solutions like iMyFone LockWiper to traditional methods using iTunes and iCloud, multiple pathways exist to clear iPhone lock out times. The best approach depends on your specific situation, including whether you have backups available and which security features were enabled before the lockout occurred.

Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Taking simple steps like disabling the “Erase Data” feature and remembering to regularly back up your device can save you from significant stress down the line. And if you do find yourself wondering how many times can you try to unlock an iPhone before permanent disablement, now you know the answer and what to do about it.

No matter how severe your iPhone lock out times situation might seem, solutions are available. With the right tools and knowledge, you can overcome even the longest iPhone lockout time and get back to using your device normally.

Some images in this article are sourced from iMyFone.