Best Ways to Fix Disabled iPhone with & Without iTunes

iPhone offers passcode security feature that helps you keep intruders away from the phone. Even if your device is stolen, no one can open the device without the passcode and invade your privacy. This is an excellent feature, but it can also put you in a miserable situation. If you have forgotten your newly set password or your kids have entered a wrong password, then your device will get disabled after 10 wrong attempts.

If your iPhone is disabled and you are stuck, we are here to help you out. In this article, we will tell you how to fix a disabled iPhone with or without iTunes. (If you are using iOS 15 or above, the screen will show 'iPhone Unavailable') Let's start the discussion.

Part 1: Things to Know Before Unlocking a Disabled iPhone

Data Loss

When you unlock an unavailable device, all your data will be erased, including images, videos, audio, files, and applications. Therefore, all methods require confirmation before starting the unlock. Your device will be like a new device once you unlock it.

Supported iOS Versions

Not all methods work on all iOS versions. So, you need to make sure what iOS version is on your device and whether you can use it or not. iDelock, iTunes, and iCloud (Find My iPhone) work on all iOS versions.

Prerequisites

Unlocking methods have some prerequisites. You need to check those perquisites before you use the method. For instance, iCloud needs Apple ID and password, and iTunes demands syncing of your device. All these prerequisites should be in your mind before you use the method.

Part 2: How to Fix a Disabled iPhone Without iTunes

Method 1: Fix an Unavailable iPhone with WooTechy iDelock

It would be easy and fast to solve the problem if you try WooTechy iDelock, a secure unlocker. Anyone can use this method, and there are no prerequisites or restrictions. Install the application, and you are good to go.

iDelock only requries a few clicks, and your device will be unlocked. You don't need any help, and you can unlock your device at your home.

Steps to Unlock a Disabled iPhone Using iDelock

Before explaining the steps, note that all your data will be erased.

Step 1: Launch iDelock on your computer. You will see 4 different options because iDelock can be used for various purposes. Click on Unlock Screen Passcode.

Step 2: You need to connect your device to the computer. After connecting it, click on Next. (If iDelock cannot recognize your device, you need to put it into DFU/Recovery mode.)

Step 3: Now, you need to download and extract the firmware as prompted. Wait for a few minutes to complete.

Step 4: After extraction, a confirmation box will appear. To start the unlocking process, you need to enter "000000" to confirm. Afterwards, click on Unlock.

Within a few minutes, your device will be unlocked. Now, you can set up the device and use it without any restrictions.

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Method 2: Fix an Unavailable iPhone with Siri (For Old iOS)

You can unlock your unavailable iPhone using Siri, but this is a temporary method. It will help you reach the home screen without entering the passcode, but it does not remove the passcode from the device.

Note that every time you need to access your phone, the steps are required. This method also has some prerequisites.

Steps to Unlock Disabled Phone Using Siri

Step 1: You need to press and hold the Home button to activate Siri. Siri will be ready for your questions. Ask, "What time is it?"

Step 2: Siri will open a clock on the screen. Open the clock by tapping on it. There will be all the clocks that you have set on your device.

Step 3: You need to add a new clock, so tap on the "+" button. You will see a search bar. Enter the name of any city. Tap on Select All. You will see four options, tap on Share.

Step 4: Once you tap the Share button, you will have different media where you can share. Look for Messages and tap on it.

Step 5: You will be directed to the Messages app. Tap on the " To" field and type anything. Select the word, and you will have options, tap on Create a New Contact.

Step 6: You will see the same screen when you create a contact on your iPhone. But this time, you need to tap on Add Photo. Now, tap on Choose Photo. The Photos application will open so that you can select the image. Now, press the Home button, and you will be on the home screen without any passcode.

Method 3: Fix an Unavailable iPhone Using Find My iPhone (iCloud Password Needed)

This is the most used method that people prefer when they forget their passcode. It works well on all iOS versions because it is an official method. You can use it remotely from anywhere. This is the only method that can be implemented using a computer or iPhone.

How to Fix an Unavailable iPhone Using Find My iPhone

Step 1: Open any browser on your computer and go to  iCloud.com. You need to enter the Apple ID and Password to log in to your account. Go to the Find iPhone section.

Step 1 (Alternate): If you are using another iPhone or iPad, install the Find iPhone app. Open the app, and enter the credentials.

Step 2: There can be many devices linked to a single Apple ID. You need to click on All Devices. This will show you the entire list of connected devices. You need to click on the device that is disabled.

Step 3: After clicking on the device, you will see three different options. Click on Erase iPhone.

Step 4: For confirmation, you need to enter the credentials again. Then, your device will be reset remotely.

Part 2: Fix a Disabled iPhone Using iTunes

Using iTunes is another method you should try because it is also an official method that works on all iOS versions.

Follow the steps below to unlock a disabled iPhone using iTunes

Step 1: Open iTunes on your device and check if it is the newest version. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 2: Afterward, put your iPhone into recovery mode. How you get your iPhone into recovery mode will depend on your iPhone model.

Step 3: Now on your PC iTunes, click on Restore. Then, follow the instructions on the screen, and wait until the process is completed.

Tips: iTunes Not Working Properly? Try These

Quickly Detect iTunes Problems with iDelock

iDelock can help you detect any problem with iTunes. You only need to open iDelock. You will see the iTunes repair icon on the title bar. Click on that icon. This will start the detection of problems with iTunes. If everything is up the mark, you will see a message "Your iTunes doesn't need to be repaired!" Click on Done. If there is any problem with iTunes, you will have a message accordingly.

Put Your Device into DFU Mode

If iTunes is not working, you can try to put your device in DFU mode manually. Then, iTunes may detect your device. The problems that usually appear in the normal mode will not appear in the DFU mode. You can follow the steps below to put your iPhone into DFU mode.

If you are using iPhone 7/7 Plus and eariler, follow the steps:

1. Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button (iPhone 7 and later) or the Home button (iPhone 6s and earlier) for 8 seconds.

2. After 8 seconds, release the Power button and wait until iTunes says, "iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode." At this point, let go of the Volume Down button or Home button.

If you are using iPhone 8 or later, simply follow the steps below to enter DFU mode.

1. Press and release the Volume Up button and then the Volume Down button. Long press the Side button until the iPhone screen turns black.

2. Once your screen turns black, keep holding the Side Button and begin holding down the Volume Down button. Hold both buttons for about 5 seconds.

3. Then, release the Side button but keep holding the Volume Down buttons until your device appears in iTunes.

Fix Apple Mobile Device USB Driver

Sometimes iTunes does not work properly because of the malfunctional Apple Mobile Device Driver. You need to update the driver. On Windows, open Device Manager, you will see the drive under Portable Device. Update the driver. If you are using macOS, you need to install the latest updates.

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