How to unlock iPhones

 1) Forgot the iPhone passcode (you can’t get in)

What this does: Erases the device so you can set it up again (you’ll lose local data unless you have a backup).

Two official ways

A. If Find My iPhone is enabled (erase via iCloud)

From any browser go to iCloud.com and sign in with the Apple ID used on the phone.

Open Find iPhone → All Devices → select the iPhone → Erase iPhone.

After it erases, choose Remove from Account (if offered) and then set up the iPhone as new or restore from an iCloud backup.

B. Using recovery mode and a computer

Connect the iPhone to a Mac or PC with a cable.

Put the phone into recovery mode:

iPhone 8 and later (including X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, etc.): Press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the recovery-mode screen appears.

iPhone 7 / 7 Plus: Press and hold Side + Volume Down until recovery-mode screen.

iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold Home + Top/Side until recovery-mode screen.

On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder; on older macOS or Windows open iTunes. The app should detect an iPhone in recovery mode and offer Restore or Update — choose Restore.

After restore finishes, set up the iPhone and restore a backup if you have one.

2) Carrier lock (the phone is tied to a mobile carrier)

What this does: Lets the iPhone accept SIMs from other carriers.

Official steps

Find the iPhone’s IMEI: Settings → General → About (scroll to IMEI).

Contact the carrier that originally sold/activated the phone and request an unlock. Carriers have their own policies (account standing, contract term, device paid off, etc.). Provide IMEI when asked.

When the carrier confirms the unlock, follow their instructions — usually: insert the new carrier’s SIM, connect to Wi-Fi, restart the phone. Sometimes you sign out of iCloud and restore or do a quick backup/restore to apply the unlock.

To check if unlocked: insert a SIM from a different carrier — if you get signal and can make calls/data works, it’s unlocked. Or go to Settings → General → About and look for “No SIM restrictions.”

Avoid third-party “unlock” sites that require payment and IMEI — many are scams or violate terms.

3) Activation Lock / Find My iPhone (device showing “Activation Lock” asking for Apple ID)

What this is: A security feature tied to the Apple ID — only the Apple ID/password that was used on that iPhone or Apple’s support with proof of ownership can remove it.

What you can do

If you are the original owner and remember the Apple ID password, sign in with that Apple ID during setup.

If you bought the device used, contact the previous owner and ask them to remove the device from their Apple ID at iCloud.com → Find iPhone → All Devices → Remove.

If you’re the original owner but don’t have the password, contact Apple Support and be prepared to provide proof of purchase (original receipt showing serial or IMEI). Apple may remove Activation Lock after verifying ownership.

Important: I can’t help with bypassing Activation Lock illegally. Services or tools that claim to remove Activation Lock without owner credentials are usually fraudulent or illegal.

Warnings & tips

Never share passwords or Apple ID details with strangers.

Be cautious about paid “unlock” services — many are scams. Always prefer the carrier or Apple.

Back up important data regularly (iCloud or computer) so you won’t lose it if you must erase a phone.

If the phone was reported lost/stolen, unlocking or using it may be illegal — return it to the owner or hand to authorities.