How to Fix iPhone When It is Disabled? 6 Proven Ways in 2025

Has your iPhone ever been locked out after too many incorrect passcode attempts? Or maybe your device suddenly became unresponsive due to a system crash? If you're wondering how to fix a disabled iPhone, you're in the right place. A disabled iPhone can be a real bummer, especially if you're not sure where to start.

But don't worry—this comprehensive guide will walk you through proven solutions to restore your device. Whether you're hoping to avoid data loss or just get your phone back to normal, we've got the steps you need to get your iPhone working again.

Part 1. Quick Fixes Before Restoring a Disabled iPhone - Simple

Before jumping right into complex recovery methods, there are a few immediate actions you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue with your disabled iPhone.

1 Check if a Disabled iPhone Has Charging Issues

Sometimes, a disabled iPhone may simply be due to a drained battery. It's essential to ensure your phone has enough power before moving forward with any recovery steps. Here’s how to check charging issues on a disabled iPhone:

Step 1: Use a 20W+ USB-C charger or connect the iPhone to a computer via USB for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Test alternate cables or adapters to confirm they’re functional.

Step 3: Clean the charging port gently with a soft brush.

2 Force Restart a Disabled iPhone to Regain Access

If your iPhone is still disabled or frozen on the lock screen after ensuring it's charged, the next step is to perform a force restart. A force restart can fix minor software glitches and get your phone working again without erasing any data. It’s often the first and easiest option to try when dealing with bricked iPhone.

Depending on your iPhone model, the steps of force restarting a disabled iPhone vary slightly:

For iPhone 8 and Later:

Step 1: Press and release the Volume Up button.

Step 2: Press and release the Volume Down button.

Step 3: Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears, then release it.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus:

Step 1: Press and hold both the Side button and the Volume Down button simultaneously.

Step 2: Keep holding until the Apple logo appears, then release both buttons.

For iPhone 6s and Earlier:

Step 1: Press and hold both the Home button and the Side/Top button at the same time.

Step 2: Continue holding until the Apple logo appears, then release both buttons.

Part 2. Software Fixes for a Disabled iPhone - Restore without Data Loss

If your iPhone remains disabled after performing the quick fixes, the it is likely that the problem is software-related. These methods involve connecting your device to a computer to restore or repair the software, which can often resolve issues caused by system errors or software corruption.

1 Use iTunes/Finder for Recovery to Restore Unresponsive iPhone

One of the most effective ways to fix a disabled iPhone is by using iTunes (for Windows or older macOS versions) or Finder (for macOS Catalina and later). This Apple’s official recovery method will allow you to reinstall the iOS operating system, which can resolve iPhone firmware corruption, fix glitches, and restore the iPhone to working order. However, note that this will erase all data on the device, so having a backup is essential.

Once set, follow the guide below to fix an iPhone that is disabled:

Step 1: Get your disabled iPhone into Recovery Mode. Here’s how you can do that, depending on your iPhone model:

iPhone 8 and later: Follow the force restart steps, but keep holding the Side button until the “Connect to iTunes” screen appears.

iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Side + Volume Down until the recovery screen appears.

iPhone 6s and earlier: Hold Home + Side until the recovery screen appears.

Video Guide of How to Enter/Exit Recovery Mode on iPhone

Step 2: Connect the iPhone to the computer and open iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina or later).

Step 3: Click Restore iPhone to reinstall iOS. This erases all data but removes the disabled lock.

Step 4: After restoration, set up the iPhone and restore data from an iCloud or iTunes backup.

2 Fix a Disabled iPhone with WooTechy iPhixer

If you’re locked out of your iPhone due to software glitches (e.g., disabled screen, boot loops, you know the frustration of not knowing where to turn. While Apple’s official methods often force you into a full restore via iTunes or Finder—resulting in unwanted data loss when you don’t have a backup— WooTechy iPhixer offers a middle ground. Unlike Apple’s official methods, iPhixer provides three repair modes to address varying levels of iOS corruption, with some options preserving your data.

Key Features

Standard Mode: Fixes common software issues like iPhone stuck on the Apple logo, black/white screens, or random reboots without erasing data. This is ideal for minor glitches caused by failed updates or app crashes.

Exit Recovery Mode [FREE]: Quickly pulls your iPhone out of a frozen recovery or DFU mode loop—a frustrating scenario where iTunes often fails to help.

Advanced Mode: Acts as a last resort for severe issues (e.g., forgotten passcodes or irreparable system crashes).

How to Use iPhixer to Fix a Disabled iPhone?

Step 1. Launch iPhixer on your computer and click on Standard Mode. Connect your iPhone to your computer and click on the Next button.

Step 2. Download the firmware on your iPhone by clicking the Download button.

Step 3. Click the Start Standard Repair button. iPhixer will start fixing your disabled iPhone. Do not unplug your iPhone or use it when this process is happening, as it could damage your iPhone.

This process will be over shortly, and your iPhone will start once it is done.

Part 3. Advanced Fixes for a Disabled iPhone - No Computer

If your iPhone remains disabled after trying basic recovery methods, you may need advanced recovery techniques to restore it. These methods go beyond standard fixes and are useful for severe software issues, firmware corruption, or when iTunes fails to recognize your iPhone.

1 Diagnose a Disabled iPhone Using Apple Tools (iOS 17+ Only)

For users with iPhones running iOS 17 and above, Apple offers a built-in Diagnostics Tool to check the health of the device’s hardware after software repairs. This tool can be used to check for issues related to components like Face ID, speakers, or camera malfunctions after your device is restored. 

Here is a detailed guide to put your iPhone into diagnostics mode:

After turning off the iPhone, press and hold both the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons at the same time.

While still pressing both volume buttons, plug your iPhone into its charger.

Continue holding both volume buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

After a few seconds, your iPhone will display the Diagnostics & Repair screen.

On this screen, tap Start Session to proceed.

The next prompt will ask you to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Choose your preferred network and enter the Wi-Fi password.

On your other device, open a web browser and go to Apple’s Self Service Diagnostics website.

Scroll down the page and tap or click on Continue.

Choose iPhone as your device.

Enter your iPhone's serial number. If you don’t have it on hand, you can find it by tapping the i icon on the bottom right corner of your iPhone’s screen while in Diagnostics Mode.

After entering the serial number, tap or click Start Session on the secondary device.

This will connect your iPhone to Apple’s servers, allowing the diagnostics process to begin.

Select the diagnostic test you want to perform (such as Face ID, Touch ID, or speaker issues).

Tap or click Begin Diagnostic to start the test.

2 Use Wireless Recovery to Fix A Disabled iPhone without iTunes - (iOS 18+ Only)

Starting with iOS 18, Apple has introduced a new, convenient feature called Wireless Recovery, which allows you to restore a disabled iPhone 16 without computer. This process is useful if your iPhone won't restore in Recovery Mode or you're unable to use a traditional USB cable or don’t have access to a computer, making it an excellent option for quick fixes when you’re on the go.

How to Use Wireless Recovery to Fix a Disabled iPhone without iTunes and Computer?

Put your iPhone 16 into recovery mode and bring it closely to the secondary iPhone, both under same WiFi.

Place the two devices near each other. The assisting device will detect the bricked iPhone and display a “Recover Nearby iPhone” prompt.

Confirm the action and enter a six-digit code displayed on the disabled iPhone to establish a secure connection.

The assisting device downloads the latest iOS firmware and transfers it wirelessly to the bricked iPhone.

The process may take 15–30 minutes, depending on internet speed and file size.

Once restored, the iPhone 16 reboots and returns to the setup screen.

Conclusion

Fixing a disabled iPhone may seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can restore your device and get back to using it quickly. If you are afraid that you would lose your data while fixing the disabled iPhone, WooTechy iPhixer is highly recommended for its high data preservation and efficiency.