How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes

The passcode feature on an iPhone is one of the most essential layers of security for your data. Since we use our mobile phones for practically everything nowadays, it's crucial that you set a passcode that's hard to guess. But not everyone has a great memory, so if your passcode is not that easy to remember, you might forget it yourself. In such a situation, it helps if you know how to unlock your iPhone.

You can easily use iTunes to restore your iPhone, but what if iTunes is showing an error or is unable to detect your device when it's plugged in? iTunes is notorious for this sort of thing, so here are three different ways to unlock your iPhone passcode without having to use iTunes.

Method 1 : How to Unlock iPhone Passcode via iCloud (Data Loss)

If you have Find My iPhone feature enabled on your device, it's easy to wipe the phone and remove the passcode. However, you must have the feature enabled and the phone must be on for this to work. Let's look at the steps involved:

Step 1: Use a desktop, laptop or another device to access iCloud by going to this URL: https://www.icloud.com

Step 2: Login with your Apple ID and password (not your passcode, which you don't know), and then go to the Find iPhone section.

Step 3: Find and click on "All Devices", and search for your device in the list that is displayed.

Step 4: Tap on the name of the locked device and then on "Erase iPhone". Confirm the wipe.

How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes

Once you confirm, your data and custom settings will be removed along with your passcode, and you should be able to access your device normally. If you don't remember your Apple ID password, you won't be able to remove your passcode. In such cases you can try Method 2 below.

Method 2 : How to Remove iPhone Passcode with iOS Unlocker

This is a really powerful desktop utility for iOS devices, and is compatible with iOS 11.4 as well as the latest iOS 12. iOS Unlocker has been developed specifically for the purpose of helping people who have forgotten their passcodes. This could be a four or six-digit passcode, or even Touch ID and Face ID on the newer iPhone models like iPhone X and iPhone 8/8 Plus.

You can bypass iPhone screen passcode being locked or disabled, or even one that has a broken screen. Over 1 million users have downloaded this amazing utility, and the success rate for unlocking an iPhone is extremely high. Also, the software is available for both Windows and Mac PCs.

Step 1: Download and Install

Download the Mac or Windows version of iOS Unlocker on your computer and install it. Launch the application and click on "Start", then connect your device using the original cable that you got with the phone.

How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes

Step 2: Put iPhone into DFU Mode

Put your device into DFU mode (Device Firmware Update) mode. The process is similar to doing a force-restart, but has additional steps. The method is different on the latest iPhones. If you're confused, just follow the clear instructions on the software interface to do this. When in DFU mode, your screen should go black. See screenshot below:

How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes

Step 3: Download iOS Firmware

On the next page, confirm that the details for your device and firmware (iOS version) are correct, then click on the "Download" button. All the help resources can be found on that page. After the download, click on "Start to Verify" to check the downloaded firmware for errors.

How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes

Step 4: Remove iPhone Screen Passcode

Finally, click on "Start Unlock" to remove your passcode and access the device. You will need to confirm this step by entering 000000 (six zeros) as a confirmation code, then click "Confirm" to begin the unlock.

How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes

Method 3 : How to Unlock iPhone with Siri (iOS 10.X and Lower Only)

Siri is Apple's virtual assistant, and can be used for a lot of things. You can get news data, search the web or ask her to do a variety of tasks. You can also use the Siri function to bypass your passcode using this little trick.

Step 1: Long-press the Home button on devices running pre-iOS 11 to activate Siri.

Step 2: Turn off mobile data by saying "Cellular Data" and then turning off connectivity.

Step 3: Press the Home button again and you're in!

Apple blocked this vulnerability with iOS 11, so it only works on devices that still run iOS 10 and lower. But it's a very quick way of tricking Siri into letting you into the device without a passcode.

How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes

Conclusion:

Once the process is complete, your device will sport a brand new operating system firmware, and your passcode will be wiped from the device. At this point, you can use a previous backup file to restore all data to your device. It is also recommended that you set a new passcode and other user authentication methods for your device, for the sake of data security. It is unwise to leave an iPhone openly accessible to anyone. You never know when your data can fall into the wrong hands.

Forgot your iPhone passcode? Learn how to get your iPhone into recovery mode so you can erase it and set it up again.

  • Forgot the passcode on your iPad?
  • Forgot the passcode on your iPod touch?

If you enter the wrong passcode on your iPhone Lock Screen too many times, an alert lets you know that your iPhone is disabled. (Learn what to do if you see "[Device] unavailable" or "Security Lockout" on your iPhone or iPad.)

If you can’t remember your passcode when you try again, use a computer to put your iPhone in recovery mode. Recovery mode allows you to erase the iPhone, giving you access to set it up again.

After you erase your iPhone, you can restore your data and settings from a backup. If you didn't back up your iPhone, you can set it up as a new device and then download any data that you have in iCloud.

How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes
 

This process requires a Mac or PC. If you're using a PC, make sure that it has Windows 10 or later, and that iTunes is installed. You also need the cable that came with your iPhone, or another compatible cable, to connect your iPhone to the computer.

If you don't have a computer and you can't borrow one, you need to go to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for help.

How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes

  1. Unplug your iPhone from the computer if it’s connected.
  2. Turn off your iPhone using the method for your iPhone model:
    • iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X and later, including iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation): Press and hold both the side button and the Volume down button until the power off slider appears.
      How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes
    • iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6: Press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears.
      How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes
    • iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 5s, and earlier: Press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears.

      How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes

  3. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone, then wait a minute to make sure that it turns off completely.

How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes

  1. Get ready by finding the button on your iPhone that you'll need to hold in the next step:
    • iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X and later, including iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) use the side button.
      How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes
    • iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus use the Volume down button.
      How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes
    • iPhone SE (1st generation), and iPhone 6s and earlier use the Home button.
      How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes
  2. Press and hold the correct button for your iPhone while immediately connecting your iPhone to the computer. Don't let go of the button.
  3. Keep holding the button until you see the recovery mode screen on your iPhone, then let go.
    How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes

    If you see the passcode screen, you need to turn off your iPhone and start again.

If you can’t get your iPhone to show the recovery mode screen and you need help, contact Apple Support.

How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes

  1. Locate your iPhone in the Finder or in iTunes on the computer that it’s connected to. (Learn how to find your connected iPhone.)
  2. Choose Restore when you see the option to Restore or Update. Your computer downloads software for your iPhone and begins the restore process. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and your device exits the recovery mode screen, let the download finish, then turn off your iPhone and start again.
    How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes
  3. Wait for the process to finish. 
  4. Disconnect your iPhone from the computer, then set up and use your iPhone. 

How to unlock iphone 5 passcode without itunes

If you can't complete any of these steps, if you're still prompted for a passcode, or if you need any other assistance, contact Apple Support.

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