How to Fix “iPhone Is Disabled” Error with or Without Connecting to iTunes

iPhone is Disabled, this is one of the deadliest error might face with your iPhone. If you enter the wrong passcode too many times, you’ll see a message that your device is disabled. If you can’t remember your passcode, you’ll need to erase your device, which deletes all of your data and settings, including the passcode.

Also Read: Is There a Fix for iOS 14.7.1 Battery Drain Issue?

Well, nonetheless, if you are facing this issue, that means you will have to sacrifice your data unless if you take backups regularly. Follow the below article in which we have shown you the options that you can do to fix the iPhone is Disabled error in very simple steps.

Why iPhone is Disabled Error?

A locked iPhone requires a passcode or Touch ID to enter and access the device as a security precaution. After the iPhone passcode has been incorrectly entered five times in a row, the iPhone will automatically disable itself for 1 minute, giving the “iPhone is disabled” error message on the screen. And these criteria follow for different scenarios, like 5 incorrect passcode entries in a row, iPhone is disabled, try again in 1 minute, and 7 times – 5 min, 8 times – 15 min, 9 times – 60 min, and finally 10 times – you will have to connect to iTunes or the iPhone wipe itself of all data if self-destruct mode is turned on.

Occasionally, you’ll even get a message that says the iPhone or iPod is disabled for 23 million minutes and to try back later. Obviously, you can’t really wait that long — 23 million minutes is nearly 44 years. You’ll probably need your iPhone before then.

Regardless of which message you’re seeing, the cause is the same: an iPhone, iPad, or iPod is disabled when someone has entered an incorrect passcode too many times.

Precautions to Take so that this doesn’t happen again

Precautions

To prevent this from happening in the future you have a few options. The easiest is to simply not enter the wrong passcode repeatedly, which will prevent the iPhone from locking up and disabling itself.

Set a new passcode that’s easier to remember: If you remember your passcode and don’t have to guess it, you’ll be less likely to enter the wrong passcodes that lead to a disabled iPhone.
Use Touch ID or Face ID: With these options enabled, you won’t need to enter your passcode. Just show your face or scan your finger and your device will unlock.

Steps to Fix iPhone is Disabled Error

There are four options to solve this issue, first is using Finder, second using iTunes, third using iCloud, and fourth using Recovery Mode.

Method 1: Using Finder

If you’re using a Mac updated to macOS Catalina, you’ll use the Finder.

Plug your iPhone into your computer using your USB cord.
If it doesn’t automatically open, launch iTunes.
In iTunes, click on the icon of your device, located near the top and toward the left side of the screen.
This will open all the information about your device and what’s on it.
Tap Summary.
There, you will see the option to Restore iPhone.
Click on that.
If you get an error message that ‘Find My iPhone’ must be turned off, use the iCloud method or Recovery Mode instead.
Follow the on-screen instructions. This will completely erase your iPhone, so it’s important you know you have a recent backup either in iTunes or iCloud.
Once your iPhone has been restored, it will start up as any new iPhone would.
Follow the setup process.
When it’s time to restore from a backup, use either the most recent iTunes or iCloud backup available.

Method 2: Using iTunes

If your Mac isn’t updated to macOS Catalina or you have a PC, you’ll use the iTunes method.

Connect your device to your computer with a USB cable.
Your computer may initiate Trust This Computer or ask for a passcode.
Choose your device from the Finder menu, then choose Restore Backup.
Choose your backup (the most recent before your device locked).
If your backups are encrypted, you’ll need to enter a password.
Keep your device connected to your computer until it restarts and syncs.

Method 3: Using iCloud

If you’re signed in to iCloud and Find My iPhone enabled, use the iCloud method.

On your computer, open a browser and visit icloud.com/find.
Log in with your Apple ID and password.
Select All Devices at the top.
Click on the device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch) of yours that is currently disabled.
Click Erase iPhone, then confirm.
Enter your Apple ID password to authenticate.
Once your device has been wiped, it will power up as any new iPhone would.
Go through the setup process.
When it’s time to restore from a backup, use your most recent backup via either iTunes or iCloud.

Method 4: Using Recovery Mode

If you don’t use iCloud and can’t use the Finder or iTunes, Recovery Mode is for you.

Plug your iPhone into your computer with your USB cable.
If it doesn’t automatically, launch iTunes. If you’ve updated your Mac to Catalina, open the Finder.
From here, you’ll need to force restart your iPhone.
For iPhone 6s or earlier, iPad with a Home Button, or iPod Touch 6th Generation and earlier:
Hold down the Top (or Side) and Home buttons simultaneously.
When you see the Apple logo on your screen, do not let go of the buttons.
Keep holding both until your device enters Recovery Mode.
For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus and iPod Touch 7th Generation:
Hold down your Top (or Side) and Volume Down buttons at the same time.
When you see the Apple logo on your screen, do not let go of the buttons.
Keep holding both until your device enters Recovery Mode.
For iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, or 11 models:
Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, followed by the Volume Down button.
Next press and hold the Side Button until your device enters recovery mode.
For iPads with Face ID:
Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button.
Now, press and hold the Top Button until your device begins to restart, keep holding until your iPad goes into recovery mode.
Once your iPhone or iPad enters recovery mode, find your device in iTunes or the Finder and click on it.
A box asking if you want to Restore or Update your device. Select Restore.
It may take some time for your iPhone to download its restored iOS or iPadOS software.
If your download takes more than fifteen minutes and exits the recovery mode screen, let the download complete, then try over with the force restart and enter recovery mode again.
Once your device has been restored, it will start up like any new iPhone or iPad would.
Follow the setup process.
When it’s time to restore a backup, select the most recent backup you have, either from the Finder, iTunes, or via iCloud.

Contact Apple Support

If after trying the above solutions, nothing helped you to get through this problem then the last solution we can suggest is to visit nearby repair shops or authorized Apple Service Centers. Though third-party services charge a lot less, Apple Support is more reliable. So, if you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars in favor of a trusted solution, contact Apple for help.

Do you own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac and need these types of simple tutorials? Then stay tuned to GetDroidTips’ iPhone Tips & Tricks column.

If you have any queries regarding this, the comment section always available for you.