Introduction

The iPhone is well known for the security it provides to the consumer. One of the best security features of the iPhone is that a thief or an over-curious stranger has practically no way of accessing your data unless they know your passcode. If anyone enters the wrong passcodes a few times, the iPhone will be disabled permanently. But imagine if you forget your passcode and manage to disable the iPhone.  Another situation; what if a kid somehow got his hands on your phone and got your iPhone disabled? Now, the phone asks you to connect to iTunes and the question arises how to unlock disabled iPhone or How to unlock a disabled iPhone without iTunes.

After your iPhone is disabled you have no choice but to restore it to factory settings. If you don’t want it, continue reading to find out how to unlock a disabled iPhone.

Part 1: Use a PC to fix iPhone Disabled issue

If you don’t have a backup this trick, won’t do you any good. Because, when the iPhone is disabled, you will have to reset the iPhone to its factory settings using iTunes. However, if you have a backup, here is what you need to do.

Step 1: Turn off your iPhone andstart your computer.

Step 2: Open iTunes and connect your iPhone with the help of an authentic cable.

Step 3: Now follow the instructions according to your device to put it in recovery mode.

On the iPhone 8, iPhone x, iPhone 11, iPhone 12:

Press the Power button for long while the device is connected to the PC. Now, release the button once the recovery menu appears.

On the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 plus:

Long press the Volume Down button and keep doing it until you see the recovery mode screen.

On the iPhone 6s and earlier:

Hold the home button until the recovery mode activates.

Step 4: Now, on iTunes, select your iPhone and click on “Restore”. Confirm the actions.

Now, iTunes will start downloading the necessary iOS version for your device. After that is done, set up your device as new.

This is how you can unlock a disabled iPhone with iTunes

Part 2: What Makes the issue “iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes” Appear?

This is not an issue but a part of the security features of the iPhone to protect your data.

If wrong passcodes have been entered 6 times your iPhone will be disabled for 1 minute. If continued and the wrong passcode attempts have been made 7 times, your iPhone will be disabled for 5 minutes. Similarly, 8 failed attempts lead to disabled iPhone for 15 minutes and 60 minutes for 9 failed attempts. However, if the wrong passcode has been attempted for the 10th time, your iPhone will show an “iPhone is disabled connect to iTunes” message, and your device will be disabled.

Part 3: Use a Secure Unlock tool to Unlock Disabled iPhone

Now, if you aren’t satisfied with the above method to unlock a disabled iPhone, this is what you need to read. Introducing Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS) which is a complete screen unlock solution for iOS users. Whether you forget your Apple ID or iCloud password and are unable to unlock your iPhone, this tool understands your situation and works for unlocking the screen in one click. It can remove any kind of lock and even bypass the iCloud activation lock.

Follow the tips below to easily unlock your disabled iPhone using Dr.fone – Screen Unlock:

Step 1: Download and launch Dr.fone on your computer and select “Screen Unlock” on the main screen.

Now, connect your iPhone to your computer device using a USB cable and click “unlock iOS screen” on the program.

Step 2: Follow the instructions and put your iPhone in recovery mode.

Step 3: After putting your device in recovery mode, the tool will display the device information. If the info isn’t correct, you can always correct it from the dropdown lists. Now, click “download” to download the firmware for your device

Step 4: Unlock the iPhone by clicking “Unlock Now”

And just like that, in a matter of seconds, your phone will be unlocked successfully and very easily.

Closing Words

Now, I hope the very troubling and distressing questions like “how to fix a disabled iPhone?” or “how to unlock a disabled iPhone without iTunes?” have been answered. The security feature of your iPhone can sometimes turn against you and become the cause of your problem but if you have a backup, there is nothing to worry about. And here is a good time to remind you that you should always have a backup for your iPhone device.

Although, there are multiple ways to unlock a disabled iPhone, by far the best option seems to be Dr.fone as it is super fast and very easy to use.