Computer literacy, help and repair

What to do if iphone is disabled. The problem of blocking and restoring access

Today, smartphones have firmly entered our lives, and are a storage important information: personal photos, e-mails, access to bank cards and social media accounts. Apple developers have provided enough ways to protect it, but most often they use the one that requires a password to unlock the screen. If you forget it, then unpleasant surprises cannot be avoided. Sometimes you are given time to remember it, but it can also happen that a notification immediately pops up on the screen: "iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes."

Cause of error

It is hardly worth trying to guess the password experimentally. After several attempts, you will receive a temporary warning that the number of requests has been exceeded, followed by a blocking of your device. Naturally, such a system was designed for security, so that attackers could not guess the password in this way. With the advent of new iPhones equipped with a fingerprint scanner, this problem practically does not arise. The user does not need to remember the password and enter it in order to unlock the screen. This happens automatically by fingerprint. But what if there is no such function, but you can’t remember the password, or the device accidentally fell into the hands of children, and they unknowingly brought the phone to a lock state.

Do not despair, there are several ways to solve this problem.

Solution via iTunes

This method can be used when the blocking occurred by chance, and you remember the password. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

  • Download and install the iTunes application on the PC;
  • We connect the gadget to the computer using the original cable and launch iTunes;
  • Sometimes these actions are enough for iOS to allow you to re-enter the password. If this does not happen, then it is worth continuing;
  • In the program window, click on the icon of the displayed device and click "Synchronize";
  • After that, the synchronization process will begin, which should be stopped immediately. To do this, just close the window.

Now that you have restored access to your iPhone, you have received a number of password attempts.

One important circumstance must be taken into account. The method works only when the PC is already linked to the phone. If the connection to the computer occurs for the first time, the program will ask whether it is worth giving access to this device. The action must be confirmed from the iPhone screen, but since it is locked, this will not be possible. Therefore, the problem will have to be solved in a different way.

Unlock via Find My iPhone

If the Find My iPhone service is activated on your device, then you can get rid of the message "iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes" and remember the password using a remote reset. This feature allows you to not only track the gadget, but also delete information from it.

In this case, you can reset the password on the iPhone from any device connected to the Internet. To do this, just go to cloud storage iCloud and log in using the identifier to which the link was made.

Not only the inscription “iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes” will disappear, but also all information from the mobile device. However, it is possible to restore an iPhone from a backup or set it up as new.

Restoring from a device backup

If you are in the habit of creating backups, then the task is greatly simplified. In the event of a rollback, most of the information is preserved. You can restore iPhone using the function Reserve copy. To do this, connect the mobile device to the PC via a USB cable and launch iTunes. If you are asked to enter a password for this service, you must do this.

Now you should go to the "Overview" tab. Scroll through its contents to the item "Backups" and click on it.

We create a backup copy and save it in the computer's memory.

Disconnect the iPhone from the computer and turn off the power. Close the iTunes program.

Now you need to reconnect to your computer and run the application.

On the mobile device simultaneously hold down the power button and the "Home" button and hold them for 10 s.

Release the "Home" key. Now iTunes should detect your device that was connected in recovery mode. After that, the "Restore" button will appear on the computer screen.

The operation may take a long time. It depends on the performance of both devices, settings and limited internal memory.

When the procedure is completed, we launch the iPhone in normal mode with iTunes turned on, and select the last saved copy in the program menu and download it. Keep in mind that this will also take a lot of time.

Latest iOS versions in a locked state, they cannot create backups, and only the saved copy will have to be used for restoration.

Therefore, just in case, create backups.

iTunes does not recognize iPhone

Sometimes when you connect an iPhone to a computer, iTunes does not recognize it, and Windows issues an error code, which may be accompanied by text information. This happens most often when the iOS firmware does not match the version of iTunes. Looks like the app is outdated Last update has not been established. You should check for updates and download the latest version.

In addition, you need to force restart Athos to eliminate internal errors software. Then you can try to restore again.

Reset device

If none of the methods gave a result, then the iFunbox utility will help reduce losses from data loss. With its help, you can throw off photos and video files, even if access to the device is lost. Therefore, save everything that you can save, and then you need to perform the following actions:

We launch iTunes. Since there is no access to the iPhone, it will not be possible to reset information through it. Therefore, we connect it to a PC and find it in the program window. Then click "Restore iPhone". The recovery process will begin, after which the device will be returned to factory settings and all personal data will be deleted.

In order not to complicate your life and get rid of such problems in the future, there are a few simple rules that should be followed:

Such locks are created specifically for your safety, so do not rely on your memory, even if it seems that the password is simple, and write it down.

Do not give the phone to strangers and children. The iPhone is not a toy and is quite expensive, and blocking it is not the worst thing that can happen due to negligence.

Do not be lazy and constantly create backups, this will save you from many problems in the future.

Sync iPhone with your computer even if you don't need to. In case of blocking, you will have more chances to regain access.

If you follow simple rules, then the message that the iPhone is disabled and you need to connect to iTunes will seem like a minor nuisance to you and will not develop into a big problem.

Apple technology, despite all its reputation, can also fail, confusing the user. Moreover, at the same time, show tips that your iPhone is locked, connect to iTunes: we will analyze how to unlock it and prevent similar situations in this article.

Causes of the error: “iPhone is locked, connect to iTunes”

Before deciding what to do next, you need to figure out the reason for the message that the iPhone is disabled, so connect to iTunes. This situation can easily arise as a result of repeatedly entering the wrong password, for example, if:

  • you yourself forgot it or changed it;
  • someone from your family or friends mixed up the smartphone and tried to unlock it with their password;
  • someone outsider wanted to access the device in your absence.

To prevent the device from being blocked, you need to try to enter the password correctly and not exceed the limit of attempts. And of course, do not give it to strangers and children who may accidentally block access.

Accordingly, the options for solving the problem of how to unlock it, if the software stuffing says that the iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes, depend on knowing the current password. It also matters if you performed a backup before the problem occurred. If in both cases the answer is negative, then you can say goodbye to the data on the smartphone - using the method recommended by the manufacturer will completely erase the contents of the device's memory. This was done for security reasons so that random persons could not view personal information on an arbitrary device.

A more gentle option on how to unlock the iPhone if it is disabled and says, they say, connect to iTunes, is available if available. In this case, you can recover important data.

Resetting the attempt counter

In some cases, when the device tells you to connect to iTunes to unlock your iPhone, just follow this advice. If simply connecting to a computer with iTunes is not enough, try starting the synchronization procedure. It is not necessary to bring this process to the end; you can stop it with a cross or an arrow, if one appears. After that, try entering the device password again.

Important! Before connecting to iTunes, if the iPhone is locked, make sure that this is the same PC from which the connection was already made. Otherwise, the program will ask for confirmation from the device.

Restoring from a backup

If the copying process was carried out, you can connect to iTunes through the computer as usual, and then restore the data and access to the mobile phone itself (you need the same PC).

Connect the devices with a cable and turn on iTunes. The program will display the smartphone icon. If automatic synchronization has been configured, then wait until the application copies the data. You can also start the process manually by clicking on the desired item in the device menu and then clicking the "Synchronize" button.


Next, you need to use a special button to restore. The program may warn you about an outdated OS version - in this case, you need to update iOS to continue. Then you need to choose to restore from a copy.


Select the appropriate copy by date or size. If you used a password to save encrypted, you will need to enter it to decrypt the previously saved copy.

On the device itself, you will also need to specify recovery from iTunes.


After that, wait for the process to finish. The password will be erased and you can use the device again.

How to unlock via hard reset iPhone

If the iPhone is locked and does not connect to iTunes - for example, synchronization was not performed or was performed on another PC that is not accessible - the option remains with full reset. The password will be destroyed along with other information.

First you need to connect your smartphone to the computer, as for the previous method. You can use any PC or laptop with iTunes.

After that, force restart the machine. In new versions (8, X and later), you need to quickly press the volume up and release, then just as quickly press the volume down once, then hold and hold the side button. Recovery mode should turn on.


For 7 and its Plus version, you need to hold down the volume down and the side key.


Finally, in earlier versions, you should press the side / top key and "home".

After that, a selection of options should appear.


You need to click on "Restore" and wait for the procedure to complete. Then set up your iPhone as if it were a new device.

Keep in mind that 15 minutes are allocated for all actions in this mode. If the program does not meet the allotted time, you will need to force restart the smartphone again.

Finally, there is another way to unlock an iPhone without iTunes - contact service center. The procedure will be the same as in the options described above, the only difference is that you do not need your own computer, plus a consultant will help you.

Important! Sometimes third-party applications are advised to unlock. However, in this case, there is no guarantee that the device will work at all. Support claims that the only way out is to use iTunes one way or another.


Possible problems

If the iPhone is turned off, it says connect to iTunes, but when connected to a PC, it only vibrates 3 or more times - you probably have problems with the cable or computer. Check it on another PC, with another cord, or try restarting your smartphone. If these measures do not help, you should contact the service.

If you cannot connect to the iTunes Store, check the connection, service operation, date and time, and follow other instructions according to the article https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201400 .

Many users often encounter problems with . Message "iPhone disabled" appears if, for example, the child repeatedly made incorrect input or the user himself tritely forgot the digital code after a long period of using another device - the situations are different. But, there may be only a few solutions, consider the most relevant of them.

In contact with

“iPhone (iFpad) is disabled. Connect to iTunes": How to unlock iPhone (iPad) after repeatedly entering the wrong lock screen password

Naturally, the lock screen passcode, like any other security feature, limits the number of attempts to gain access to the device. Depending on the version operating system iOS installed on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, after a number of attempts to enter the wrong code, the message “ iPhone is disabled. Repeat after one minute», « iPhone is disabled. Repeat after 60 minutes», « iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes" etc. So, we will conditionally divide the solution of the problem into two methods - selection and reset of the password.

How to Unlock an iPhone or iPad with a Lock Screen Password

The main feature of this method is that when it is used, all information is saved on the device, which is especially useful in the absence of. There is also a significant drawback - from time to time you will have to reset the number of attempts in the program iTunes so that the system does not block the device.

To do this is quite simple, you need to connect your smartphone or tablet to a computer with installed program iTunes(you can download it at the bottom). Resetting the timeout specified on the iOS device will occur automatically, however, it is important that this device previously connected to this computer. Otherwise, iTunes will ask for permission to access the device.

By pressing the button " Continue”, the system will wait for a response from a smartphone or tablet, which, for obvious reasons, you cannot perform.

In other words, reset the counter to iPhone screen or iPad is only possible on a computer, with which this iOS device was previously synced.

Many users set a password on their Apple device to protect the files on it. But if you forget the unlock password and enter it incorrectly several times, then device protection will apply security measures and block access to activate your phone or tablet for a while.

Why does the error "Apple device is disabled or blocked, please connect to iTunes" appear

If you use an inaccurate unlock password three times in a row, you will receive a notification that your phone or tablet is disabled, and you will not be able to retry the password until after one minute.

The next time you try to enter an incorrect password, a similar restriction will be imposed, but the time until you get a new opportunity to enter a password will constantly increase. Things can get to the point that you have to wait 1-2 hours to try entering the password again.

When the invalid input limit is finally exceeded, you will see a message asking you to connect your device to iTunes. That is, the error "Apple device is disabled or locked, connect to iTunes" is activated if the device was tried to unlock with the wrong password too many times. This situation can arise if you forget the correct password, or the children get to the phone and, while playing, exceed the limit for entering incorrect passwords.

What to do to get rid of the error and unlock iPhone

If you have not previously created a backup copy of the data stored on the device through iTunes, then you have only one way out - to select the password manually until you remember the correct one. In order not to wait each time for the device to give access to enter a password after the next lock, you can reset the attempt counter using a computer and the iTunes program installed on it.

Resetting the retries counter as a way to reconnect

To reset the input attempts counter, you will need iTunes with which you have previously synced your device, otherwise the following will happen:

So, if the above problem does not concern you, then follow these steps:


How to connect after restoring from backup or factory reset

If you backed up all your device data beforehand, you can restore it using iTunes. But remember that your backup is also encrypted, meaning you will need a password to use it. If you do not have a backup, then you can also use this method, but all data stored on the device will be irretrievably lost, as settings and content will be reset.

  1. We turn off the device, this is necessary in order to put it into recovery mode in the following steps.
  2. We connect the USB cable to the computer, but we do not connect it to the device yet.
  3. We take the switched off device in our hands and hold down the "Home" button for 10-15 seconds.
  4. Without releasing the Home button, connect the USB cable to the device.
  5. The device should display the iTunes logo and USB plug, which means that it has been successfully put into recovery mode.
  6. Open the iTunes application.
  7. We agree with the notification, which says that a device was found in recovery mode.
  8. Click the "Restore iPhone, iPad, iPod touch" button.
  9. In the notification that appears, select the "Check" option, as the second option, "Cancel", will simply end the entire operation.
  10. Confirm updating and restoring the device by clicking the appropriate button.
  11. We go through the process of activating and configuring the device.
  12. Done, password reset. You will be prompted to set a new password, since it is now missing on the device, decide for yourself: is it worth it.

How to avoid this problem in the future

There are a few simple rules, following which you can avoid similar problems in the future:

  • Set a memorable password so it's hard to forget, or write it down in a safe place so that no one else can find the entry.
  • Synchronize your device with iTunes and create a backup, which is recommended to keep updated so as not to lose anything of value. By doing this, you can restore the device at any time by resetting the password and without losing important data.
  • If you have a more recent Apple device, then start using the Touch ID feature, as it secures access to the device using your unique fingerprints that will never be forgotten.

If you've forgotten your Apple phone or tablet passcode, you'll see the message "This device is disabled or locked, please connect to iTunes" after several attempts to enter it. There are two ways out of this situation - reset the attempt counter and try to remember the password or reset all settings and device content, and then restore them using a backup copy. There is simply no other way to bypass the Apple protection system.

Today, we store in smartphones a lot of not just important, but often confidential information - from bank card data to photos that we don’t want to show to everyone. That is why, protecting the device with a password is an absolutely necessary measure in the modern world. And, of course, in iOS, the ability to set a secret cipher is supported.

However, the trouble is that sometimes the user himself forgets the screen lock password. What to do in such a situation? Unfortunately, the brute-force technique will not work here, or rather it will work, but there will not be so many attempts, and when you reach the limit, the device will “please” you with this unpleasant inscription “iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes”. Of course, such a message cannot but frighten. However, do not worry and do not write to technical support, we will help you restore access to your smartphone!

So, we have already mentioned that the iPhone will be locked after a certain number of incorrect password attempts, but, for sure, you are interested in a specific number. Well, we inform you that you have the right to make a mistake 9 times, with 10 wrong attempts, the same ill-fated inscription awaits you - “iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes”.

However, not everything is so simple. Before finally blocking, the smartphone will give you time to think. After 6 wrong attempts, the iPhone will be blocked for a minute, after 7 - for 5 minutes and then incrementally, and after 10 - the smartphone writes that it is tired of your torment and sends it to iTunes for help.

Unpredictable iOS

Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict how the situation with the locked iPhone will be resolved. In some cases, the inscription that the smartphone is turned off is eliminated by a normal reboot without the help of iTunes, and sometimes even connecting to this program causes problems and the only chance for salvation is restoring the device, which completely erases all information, including the ill-fated forgotten password.

So generally speaking, if you have set a password on your device, the next best thing to do is back up your data using iCloud or iTunes.

If you didn’t, then before you start sorting through possible ciphers, connect to iTunes and create a backup copy - fortunately, the program does not require any passwords.

To make a backup:


Ready! Now you can with peace of mind try to remember the password by brute force - maybe you'll be lucky and you will unlock the gadget without any hassle.

Unlucky and the iPhone is still blocked? Well, we begin to reanimate the gadget. First of all, we perform the most ordinary reboot - we hold down the Home and Power buttons at the same time and wait for the Apple logo to appear on the screen, after which we release it.

Important! For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, instead of Power, hold down the volume down button!

After the reboot, you still see the inscription: "iPhone is disabled - connect to iTunes", then we figure out what to do next. As a matter of fact, the next step is to directly connect the device to the PC. How to connect iPhone to iTunes to unlock? Yes, there are no special rules here - just take the cord and connect the gadget in the standard way. After the "docking" is done:


Ready! This operation will reset the password counter, but not the password itself. That is, the specified procedure should be carried out only if you are sure that a few more attempts will lead you to success, otherwise, we immediately proceed directly to resetting the password.

Important! Synchronization must be carried out from a PC to which the device has already been connected at least once. When you connect for the first time, iTunes will ask for permission to access data and you will need to respond to your iPhone, which, we hasten to remind you, is blocked, which means that you simply won’t be able to “issue” permission to a new computer.

How to reset password?

Well, we answer the main question - how to reset the password. Above, however, there was already a spoiler - to perform this procedure, you just need to restore the device. To do this, if you are able to connect to iTunes, with which you have already synchronized at least once, you will need:


That's all - after recovery - the program will perform this procedure automatically, you will get a clean device without a password. To download data from a backup copy to it during the initial setup (it will be loaded automatically), select the “Restore from backup…” item.

How to reset the password on a new computer?

In the same situation, if you do not have the opportunity to connect to iTunes, with which the device was previously synchronized, or if your smartphone has never connected with this program before, then follow these instructions:


By the way, this instruction can also be used in the situation if, when connecting a locked iPhone to iTunes, with which the connection was previously made, the program gives an error.

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