How to Get Into a Locked Phone: Passcode & PIN Recovery
Device Lockout Resolution Wizard
Select your device state below to get a customized, authorized recovery path instantly.
Step 1: What operating system does your device run?
Step 2: What type of lockout are you experiencing?
Step 3: Do you remember the original account credentials?
Step 4: Your Custom Resolution Plan
The Reality of Modern Device Security
Modern mobile platforms—namely Apple's iOS and Google's Android—employ advanced file-based encryption (FBE) tied to physical security hardware (the Secure Enclave on Apple devices, and the Titan M or TEE on Android). Because key components of your lock screen PIN, passcode, or pattern are used to derive the cryptographic keys that unlock the storage, there is no tool, backdoor, or bypass method that can recover your data without knowing the passcode.
Be extremely wary of online software claiming to "Bypass lock screens without data loss." These are almost universally scams or outdated exploits targeting devices running software versions from before 2016. The only legal, secure, and authorized pathways involve resetting the operating system and re-verifying ownership.
Recovering Locked iOS Devices (iPhone & iPad)
If you enter the wrong passcode too many times, your iPhone will notify you that it is disabled or in Security Lockout. If you are running iOS 17 or later, you have up to 72 hours to reset the passcode using your previous passcode if you recently changed it. Otherwise, you must use Recovery Mode.
Apple Recovery Mode Button Combinations ▾
| iPhone Model | Button Combination |
|---|---|
| iPhone 8, X, XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 & SE (2nd/3rd Gen) | Press and release Volume Up. Press and release Volume Down. Press and hold the Side button while connecting to your computer. Keep holding until the recovery screen appears. |
| iPhone 7 & 7 Plus | Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously while connecting to your computer. Keep holding until the recovery screen appears. |
| iPhone 6s and older | Press and hold both the Home and Power buttons simultaneously while connecting to your computer. |
Step-by-Step Restoration Process
- Power down: Turn off your iPhone completely. Disconnect it from any cables.
- Enter Recovery Mode: Press and hold the correct button combination (detailed above) while immediately connecting your device to a Mac or Windows PC. Do not release the button until you see the recovery mode screen (a computer icon and charging cable).
- Locate in Finder/iTunes: Open Finder (on Mac running macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on Windows/older Macs). Select your connected device from the sidebar.
- Perform Restore: A dialog box will appear saying there is a problem with the device. Select Restore. This will erase the iPhone and download the latest version of iOS.
- Bypass Activation Lock: Once the restore completes, the device will reboot to the setup screen. To verify ownership and bypass Activation Lock, input the Apple Account (Apple ID) and password previously associated with the device.
Recovering Locked Android Devices
Android utilizes **Factory Reset Protection (FRP)** to ensure that lost or stolen devices cannot be easily reused by unauthorized parties. If you reset an Android phone, you must input the credentials of the Google Account that was previously active on the device during setup.
Booting Into Android Recovery Menu
To perform a factory reset when locked out, you must boot into the device's bootloader or recovery system using physical button combinations. Note: Samsung devices running Android 11+ require being plugged into a computer via USB to enter recovery mode.
- Samsung: Press and hold Volume Up + Power. Release when the logo appears.
- Google Pixel / Motorola: Press and hold Volume Down + Power until the Fastboot menu appears. Use the volume keys to select "Recovery Mode" and press the Power button. When the "No command" screen shows, press and hold Power, tap Volume Up, then release both.
- OnePlus: Press and hold Volume Down + Power. Select your language when prompted to access the recovery menu.
Step-by-Step Reset Walkthrough
- Use the physical volume buttons to scroll through the Android Recovery menu options and select Wipe data/factory reset.
- Press the Power button to confirm the selection.
- Scroll down to select Factory data reset (or "Yes") and confirm with the Power button.
- Wait for the formatting process to complete, then select Reboot system now.
- FRP Verification: Once the device reboots to the setup wizard, connect to Wi-Fi. You will be prompted to draw your previous pattern/input password, OR click "Use my Google Account instead." Sign in with the Google Account that was linked to the phone to complete setup.
