My iPhone 15 Plus was working normally all day yesterday, and the passcode worked several times. It was charging overnight, apparently installed an iOS 26 update, and now it says the same passcode is incorrect. I have only ever used two possible passcodes, but repeated attempts are causing longer lockout timers. Face ID is also unavailable because the phone requires the passcode after restarting. I don't have a confirmed backup, and the Apple Account connected to the phone uses an old hacked email address that I can't access. Is there anything I can try before the phone has to be erased, and is there any way to recover the data?
3 Answers
Contact Apple again or visit an Apple Store, but be prepared for them to confirm that the device must be erased. They can explain the recovery steps and help with account recovery, though proof of ownership and access to the Apple Account may be needed for activation afterward. Avoid third-party “unlock” tools or services, since they cannot legitimately bypass the iPhone’s encryption and may put your data or account at risk.
Unfortunately, an iPhone’s data is protected by the passcode. Apple cannot remove or reveal it without erasing the device. If the reset option does not work, the official recovery process is to erase the phone through its lock screen or with a computer in recovery mode, then set it up again. Any data that was syncing to iCloud or another service may come back afterward, but anything stored only on the phone will be lost.
Stop trying random combinations for now, because each failed attempt increases the lockout time. A restart is safe to try, but it normally will not bypass the passcode requirement. If the phone displays “Forgot Passcode?” after enough attempts, iOS may offer a passcode-reset option, including using a previous passcode if the code was changed recently. This generally requires the phone to be connected and signed in to the Apple Account.
I haven’t intentionally changed the passcode, and I’m worried the Apple Account is inaccessible because its old email was hacked. I only have the two codes I’ve used for years, so I’m not sure what else could be happening.
Before erasing it, check whether you had automatic iCloud Backup, iCloud Photos, or syncing for contacts and messages enabled. You may have a backup even if you don’t remember setting one up, but restoring it will require recovering access to the Apple Account.