One of the most frustrating things that can happen to an iPhone user is when the device becomes locked and shows the message “iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes”. This error message appears when you enter the wrong passcode repeatedly, rendering your iPhone inaccessible.
But don’t worry, there’s a solution to “iPhone is Disabled” problem, and in this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to get your iPhone back and running.
What Causes the “iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes” Error?
The “iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes” error message occurs when you enter the wrong passcode multiple times. By default, after six (6) incorrect attempts, your iPhone will be disabled for one (1) minute. With each subsequent incorrect attempt, the disabling time increases until the tenth (10) try when your iPhone becomes permanently locked/disabled.
The only way to unlock your Disabled iPhone at this point is to restore it to its original factory settings using iTunes and to restore your data from iCloud or from iTunes backup.
How to Unlock a Locked iPhone – “iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes”
Requirements: To fix the “iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes” error you will need a PC or MAC computer with iTunes installed, and the cable that came with your iPhone (to connect it with the iTunes PC or MAC).
Step 1. Turn Off iPhone.
1. Disconnect iPhone from computer.
2. Force Turn off your iPhone, by doing the following:
- iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X and later, including iPhone SE: Press and hold down both the Side button and the Volume down button until the power off slider appears and then drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
- iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6: Press and hold the Side button until the power off slider appears and then drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
- iPhone SE, iPhone 5s, and earlier: Press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears and then drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
Step 2. Put iPhone to Recovery Mode and Connect it to iTunes.
Now proceed to put your iPhone in Recovery Mode, after pressing the corresponding “Recovery Mode” button on your iPhone, and then connect it to the iTunes PC or MAC with the cable that came with your iPhone.
1. Connect the iPhone cable to the iTunes PC or MAC. (but don’t connect it to your iPhone yet).
2. Now according your iPhone model, press the mentioned button bellow (aka “Recovery button) on your device, to put it in Recovery Mode.
- iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X and later, including iPhone SE: Press and hold the Side button to put your iPhone in Recovery Mode and immediately connect the cable to the iTunes PC/MAC.
- iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6: Press and hold the Volume down button to put your iPhone in Recovery Mode and immediately connect the cable to the iTunes PC/MAC..
- iPhone SE, iPhone 5s, and earlier: Press and Hold the Home button to put your iPhone in Recovery Mode and immediately connect the cable to the iTunes PC/MAC..
3. When you see the recovery mode screen, let the Recovery button. *
* Note: If you don’t see the recovery mode screen, then turn off your iPhone and start the process again.
Step 3. FIX “iPhone is Disabled” – Restore/Reset iPhone with iTunes.
Finally, proceed to unlock your iPhone by restoring it to its factory settings using iTunes, as instructed below:*
* ATTENTION: Restoring your iPhone to its original factory settings will erase all of your data, including photos, videos, contacts, and more. So, before proceeding below, ensure that you have a recent backup of your iPhone data in iCloud or in iTunes. If you have never synced with iCloud or backed up your data with iTunes, then all your data will be lost forever.**
** Note: If you have already set iPhone to erase your Data after 10 failed password attempts, then your Data are already deleted from your device.
1. Open iTunes on the computer.
2. Wait for iTunes to recognize your iPhone.
3. When this done, click the Restore iPhone option on iTunes and then follow the on-screen instructions to reset your iPhone to its original factory settings.
4. When the restore is complete, you’ll be prompted on your iPhone device to setup it as new device or to restore it from iCloud backup or from iTunes backup. Select the restore option you want to restore your iPhone data and settings. (If you haven’t synchronized before to iCloud or to iTunes then setup your iPhone as a new device.)
Conclusion.
The “iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes” error can be a frustrating experience, but with the right steps, it’s a problem that can be easily fixed. Just remember to connect your iPhone to a computer running iTunes and follow the above steps to restore your iPhone to its original factory settings. And if you can, make sure to back up your iPhone before restoring it to avoid losing any important data.
That’s all folks! Did it work for you?
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