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How to Unlock “iPhone Is Disabled. Connect to iTunes”

time 5 minutes read

Are you restricted to only making emergency calls because of the “iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes” error? Instead of frustrating, it’s important to identify that this alert is guiding you to regain access to your device. But if you are confused about the suitable method, this article is the ultimate solution.

Here, you will learn the reasons for your iPhone getting disabled with the 4 fantastic ways to make your iPhone functional. Continue reading for the details!

Why My iPhone Is Disabled?

Multiple situations come up with the “iPhone is disabled connect to iTunes” alert on your screen. However, it mainly happens due to consecutive wrong passcode attempts. This security feature by Apple protects your device from unauthorized access.

It can be intentional. For example, if someone is trying to access your iPhone, you forget the passcode or just a screen conflict. In another case, you may put your iPhone in your pocket or give it to a kid, which leads to accidentally entering the passcode and causing it to be locked permanently.

iPhone allows entering the passcode a total of ten times in a row. After the 6th incorrect passcode attempt, your iPhone gets disabled temporarily. Here are the alerts based on your wrong attempts:

  • Wrong passcode 6 times consecutively: iPhone is disabled. Try again in 1 minute.
  • Wrong passcode 7 times consecutively: iPhone is disabled. Try again in 5 minutes.
  • Wrong passcode 8 times consecutively: iPhone is disabled. Try again in 15 minutes.
  • Wrong passcode 9 times consecutively: iPhone is disabled. Try again in 60 minutes.
  • Wrong passcode 10 times consecutively: iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes.
iphone is disabled connect to itunes

4 Ways to Fix “iPhone Is Disabled. Connect to iTunes”

According to the alert, “iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes,” waiting or restarting the iPhone won’t fix anything. It will be locked forever until you connect it to iTunes. But don’t you have a computer nearby? Or is your iPhone not connecting to iTunes? Don’t worry; explore the four ways to unlock your disabled iPhone.

Way 1. Unlock the Disabled iPhone with iTunes

The official method to unlock your disabled iPhone is through iTunes. This helps you put your iPhone into recovery mode via a computer. It erases the iPhone, assisting you to get back its access. However, you need your Apple credentials to set it up again and the backup to restore your data and settings. Here is how to unlock the disabled iPhone using iTunes:

Step 1. The first step is to arrange a system running macOS or Windows 10/later with iTunes. Turn off your iPhone based on its mode.

  • Press & hold the Top button for iPhone SE 1st generation, 5, 5S, or earlier.
  • However, keep pressing and holding the Side buttons for iPhone 6, 6S, 7, and 7 Plus.
  • Hold on to the Volume Down and the Side buttons for iPhone SE 2nd or 3rd generation, 8, 8 Plus, X, or later.

When the power off slider appears, drag it to turn the iPhone off. Wait for a minute to ensure it shuts down completely.

Step 2. Now, press and hold the “Correct” button while immediately connecting your iPhone to the system using a compatible cable. Continue holding this button even when the Apple logo appears until the screen shows a computer with a cable. If you see the passcode screen, start it all again.

  • The “Correct” button for iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, SE 2nd/3rd generation, or later is the Side button.
  • It is the Volume Down button for iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 6, and 6S.
  • For the iPhone SE 1st generation, 5S, 5, or earlier is the Home button.

Step 3. Open “Finder” or “iTunes” to locate your iPhone. Select the “Restore and Update” option to let your system download the software for your PC. Once the process is finished, your iPhone will restart automatically. So, disconnect the iPhone.

unlock disabled iphone with itunes

Way 2. What If My iPhone Is Disabled and Won’t Connect to iTunes?

Some users also receive the alert “To allow access, please respond to your iPhone” on connecting their disabled iPhones to iTunes. In this scenario, the FonesGo iPhone Unlocker program should be your way.

This powerful software helps you unlock the iPhone’s screen in different scenarios, including your disabled iPhone with several incorrect attempts, unavailable and no erase option, broken or unresponsive screen, etc.

  • You can remove the 6/4 digit passcode, custom numeric code, custom alphanumeric code, Face ID, or Touch ID.
  • It lets you bypass the MDM lock and reset the Screen Time passcode without any data loss.
  • You can remove the iCloud Activation Lock and sign out the current Apple ID without password.
  • It supports the latest iPhone 15 and iOS 17.

Let’s follow the steps to unlock your disabled iPhone with FonesGo iPhone Unlocker:

  1. Step 1 Ensure the connection between your iPhone and the computer through a USB cable. Launch this software and choose “Unlock Screen Passcode.” If your device isn’t detected, put it into the DFU or recovery mode.
  2. unlock disabled iphone
  3. Step 2 You need to download a compatible firmware package to unlock the screen passcode. Since it takes some time, wait patiently for its completion.
  4. download firmware package
  5. Step 3 Press the “Unlock Now” button to let the program continue for the password removal. Once done, your device will restart automatically. Set up your device and create a new passcode.
  6. unlock iphone passcode successfully

Way 3. Unlock “iPhone Disabled. Connect to iTunes” without Computer

Don’t you have a computer nearby for connecting your iPhone to iTunes? Or do you want to bypass your disabled iPhone without iTunes? Whatever the reason, the most feasible method is using the Find My iPhone feature by iCloud. Below is the tutorial on how you can do this:

Step 1. Log in to your iCloud account through its website on a mobile phone. Tap the “Find iPhone” button.

Step 2. Now, expand “All Devices” to choose the iPhone you need to erase and hit “Erase iPhone.”

unlock disabled iphone via icloud

Step 3. Once the iPhone is wiped and restarted, you can set it up and restore it using the last backup.

Way 4. Unlock “iPhone Disabled. Connect to iTunes” without Losing Data

Do you know Siri can also help you unlock your disabled iPhone without losing data? This loophole lets you use this virtual personal assistant to unlock an iPhone with iOS 8.0 to iOS 10.1 having an internet connection. To do this:

Step 1. Activate “Siri” and ask, “What’s the time now.?” to open the clock.

Step 2. Click the clock and choose the “+” icon to add a new clock.

Step 3. The new interface will require you to select a city, and then you can type anything.

Step 4. Double-click on the written text and press “Select All.” Choose “Share” from the available option and tap the “Message” icon.

Step 5. Type something in the “To” section and hit “Return” from the keyboard.

Step 6. Click the “+” icon, choose “Create New Contact.”

Step 7. Tap “Add photo”> “Choose Photo.” It will open the Photos app. Now you can press the “Home” button. Your iPhone will be unlocked automatically.

Tip 1: What to Do If the Disabled iPhone Won’t Connect to iTunes?

In this situation, update your iTunes to its latest version. Shut it down & put it in recovery mode, and don’t connect your iPhone to your computer until it’s in the Recovery Mode. Moreover, try another USB cable; it can be defective. If all fail, try FonesGo iPhone Unlocker.

Tip 2: How to Avoid Your iPhone Being Disabled in the Future?

Set a memorable passcode and try writing it down or the clues. You may set up the Face ID or Touch ID for easy access. Also, turn on the “Erase Data” feature to protect your data. Adjust settings to minimize the pocket-disabled situation. Lastly, remember to back up your data regularly.

Final Thoughts

Although the “iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes” error is troublesome, you can fix it using the right approaches. All the above ways can help you unlock the disabled iPhone, depending on your situation. You can use iTunes, iCloud, and Siri; however, the most recommended one is FonesGo iPhone Unlocker. Download it now!

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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