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How to Fix iPhone Asking for Passcode I Never Set

Richard Foreman
September 19, 2024
Unlock iPhone
time 5 minutes read

Are you sometimes confused by your iPhone asking for a 6-digit passcode you never set, particularly after an iOS upgrade? You are not alone. In this rather unexpected and frustrating scenario, many users find themselves feeling all tied up in knots, wondering about their device’s security and reliability. The move by Apple to increase the passcode numbers from a 4-digit one in iOS 9 upped security greatly, but also left room for some unexpected bugs. If you are experiencing this confusing problem, there is no need to be worried. In this post, we are going to help you navigate several practical solutions that can resolve the “iPhone asking for passcode I never set” problem. So, kick back and unwind as you read on to get access to your iPhone without any hassle.

iphone asking for passcode i never set

Part 1: Why iPhone Asking for Passcode I Never Set?

Being able to witness your iPhone requesting a 6-digit passcode that you did not set is an amazingly troublesome and perplexing phenomenon. This is more of an issue among users who have recently upgraded their devices to iOS 17. But why does this happen? Let’s explore the potential causes behind this unexpected security prompt:

Accidental Passcode Setup: Maybe, during the first installation or later usage of it, a passcode was unintentionally set without you knowing.

iOS Update Quirks: After updates, bugs have arisen even in the 6-digit passcode requests rather than the usual 4 digits.

Incomplete Factory Reset: There are instances when the factory reset process is not complete successfully or with underlying glitches, your iPhone may again prompt you to give a passcode.

Part 2: What If Your New iPhone Asking for Passcode Never Set?

Nobody wants to receive a request for the passcode when unboxing a brand-new iPhone, especially if that code has not been set yet. This kind of event can be very puzzling and worrisome as well. Normally, when you first set up a new iPhone, it should not ask for your passcode. So, what should you do in this case?

If you find yourself facing a passcode prompt on a new iPhone:

Return to the Seller: The simplest thing to do is return the iPhone to the seller. It could very well be that the device has been tampered with or is not as “new” as advertised.

Contact Apple Support: If you bought the iPhone from Apple or a certified retailer and this problem arises, you need to contact Apple Support. They may offer additional advice, and if appropriate they can arrange for exchange or warranty repair.

Part 3: How to Fix iPhone Asking for Passcode I Never Set?

It is very unsettling to meet an issue when your iPhone requests a passcode you never set. Luckily, there are a number of approaches you can implement in order to deal with this issue. Ranging from simple fixes to more technical approaches, these methods will ensure that you can regain access to your iPhone with as little hassle. Let’s explore these solutions.

Fix 1. Try Default iPhone Passcode

Sometimes, your iPhone could set a default passcode. As a rule, this situation arises after an iOS update or during some bugs. Here’s what you can do:

Use Common Default Codes: Attempt it with passcodes, such as “123456” or “0000.”” These are regular default settings that possibly do the trick.

Caution: Do it once only, otherwise, your device will get disabled. If this succeeds, then please reset or delete the passcode for security reasons.

Fix 2. Force Restart iPhone

Force restart can solve some problems like iPhone frozen. If your iPhone keeps asking for a passcode you never set, you can try to force restart your iPhone. Similar to soft restart, it won’t delete any data on your iPhone. So, let’s fix this issue with these easy steps, tailored for different iPhone models:

For iPhone 8, SE (2nd and 3rd gen), X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15:

  • Start by pressing and immediately releasing the Volume Up button. Repeat this with the Volume Down button.
  • Next, press and hold the Power button.
  • Don’t let go until you see the Apple logo; this signals that your iPhone is restarting.
force restart iphone 8 or later

For iPhone 7:

  • Simultaneously press and hold both the Power and Volume Down buttons.
  • Keep holding until the Apple logo graces the screen.
force restart iphone 7

For iPhone SE (1st gen), 6, or Earlier:

  • Press and hold the Power button and the Home button together.
  • Continue holding both until the Apple logo appears.
force restart iphone 6

Force restarting your iPhone is like giving it a quick refresh and can often fix minor glitches efficiently. Just follow these steps for your specific model, and you should be good to go!

Fix 3. Remove iPhone Passcode in 1 Click

If you have tried the above 2 methods but the iPhone still asks for a passcode you never set, you can try to remove it from your iPhone. FonesGo iPhone Unlocker – iPhone screen unlocker is quite a quick and effective solution. This friendly tool is designed in a way that would allow you to bypass various lock screen passcodes and access your device. The following are the major features of FonesGo iPhone Unlocker and how to unlock your screen passcode.

  • Remove Various Screen Locks: 4/6 digit passcode, custom numeric or alphanumeric codes, Face ID, and Touch ID.
  • Bypass iCloud Activation Lock: Perfect for second-hand iPhones with an iCloud lock, so you can go around the activation lock without having to use a password from the original owner.
  • Apple ID Removal: It removes Apple ID from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch without a password and completely disassociates your prior accounts.
  • MDM Lock Bypass: Bypasses MDM (Mobile Device Management) locks and rests Screen Time passcode efficiently without causing data loss.
  • Up-to-date Compatibility: Compatible with the latest iOS 17 and supports new iPhone models like iPhone 15.

Steps to unlock iPhone screen passcode

  1. Step 1 First, connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. Open the FonesGo iPhone Unlocker tool. Choose the “Unlock Screen Passcode” option.
  2. unlock screen passcode
  3. Step 2 Make sure your device is recognized by the PC. Before unlocking, the software needs to download a firmware package that corresponds with your device. This might take some time; wait a while.
  4. download firmware package
  5. Step 3 After downloading the firmware, click “Unlock Now.” The software will initiate the process to unlock your device. Connect the device throughout this procedure.
  6. unlock iphone passcode successfully

After finishing the unlocking process, your device will boot up automatically. You can then go ahead and set up your iPhone as new and create a new passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID.

Fix 4. Restore iPhone via iTunes

Restoring your iPhone via iTunes is an effective way to fix the issue of a sudden passcode prompt. This method fully restores the iOS, thus clearing all content and configurations, including the mysterious passcode. But make sure you have a copy of your data before taking that step. Here’s how to do it:

  • Plug your iPhone into a computer using the original USB cable.
  • Launch your iPhone and based on the model, go into recovery mode. For newer models, press and quickly release the volume up button, then the down one, and lastly side buttons need to be pressed until the recovery mode screen is reached.
  • Launch iTunes, select your device from the computer.
  • If asked whether to restore or update select “Restore.” iTunes will install the software for your device.
restore iphone via itunes

Wait for the download. Then your iPhone will be restore to factory settings.

Fix 5. Erase iPhone via iCloud

If you turn on the Find My iPhone feature and the device is connected online, erasing your iPhone through iCloud is also an efficient solution. This method is ideal if you don’t have a computer with iTunes installed. Here’s how to proceed:

  • Go to iCloud.com using a web browser and sign into your Apple ID account.
  • Select “Find iPhone” from iCloud services.
  • Click “All Devices” at the top and choose your iPhone.
  • Click on “Erase iPhone.” To confirm the action, follow onscreen instructions.
erase iphone via icloud

Fix 6. Contact Apple Support

Alternatively, if everything else fails or you are too afraid to try the options above, contact Apple Support is an intelligent option. From a software glitch to a hardware problem, Apple Support is there – guiding you through the required steps or making arrangements for professional service if necessary. Remember to consult official channels for the safety and integrity of your device.

Conclusion

Navigating the dilemma of your iPhone unexpectedly asking for a passcode you never set can be quite challenging. However, armed with several solutions presented in this guide, from defaulting on passcodes to using tools such as FonesGo iPhone Unlocker, you should be ready to deal with this problem. If you ever feel swamped – Apple Support has always been a safe catch. The key is to take the situation calmly and select a solution that best fits your comfort level and technical skills. With these tools in hand, restoring access to your iPhone is a matter of moments

Richard Foreman is one of the chief editors of FonesGo website. He has more than 10 years of writing experience in tech. He has a wide range of interests in resolving Android & iOS issues and sharing his thoughts.
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