How to do a hardware unlock Hardware unlocking is when you get a dealer to open up your iPhone and make some changes to the internal workings to ‘get around’ the lock. This involves using a soldering iron to modify the internals. They normally add a new chip that runs some code that stops the iPhone from being linked to a single carrier.
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Your iPhone is locked when you see on the lock screen this message: iPhone is disabled. In some cases, the message says: 'iPhone is disabled, try again in 1/5/15/60 minutes.' And some people even see the crazy 'iPhone is disabled for 24 million minutes'! And in other cases, you see 'iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes.' So why is your iPhone disabled? And how to unlock disabled iPhone X/8/7/6/5/4 so that you can access to your phone again. Here are the answers.
Unlocking iOS 6 or older. If you have a pre-2013 device it likely to be running iOS 6. IPhone activation is handled by servers at Apple. The server tells the device which activation policy it is supposed to have. This policy then tells the device which carrier’s SIM cards should be supported by the device and which ones shouldn’t.
Why My iPhone is Disabled?
Your iPhone is disabled because of too many wrong passcode entries. Normally, if you enter 5 incorrect passcodes in a row, the iPhone will be disabled for 1 minute. And for 7 incorrect entries, 5 minutes; 8 incorrect entries, 15 minutes; 9 incorrect entries, 60 minutes. And for 10 incorrect passcode entries at a time, iPhone is disabled and asks you to connect to iTunes.
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Tips: If you have enabled Erase Data in Touch ID & Passcode, it will delete all data on the iPhone after entering the wrong passcode for 10 times.
There are many situations that your iPhone has been tried with wrong passcodes and disabled. For example:
- You forget the iPhone passcode and enter different incorrect passcodes up to 6 times.
- You leave your iPhone to your kid and she/he pushes the buttons of the locked screen randomly for lots of times.
- Someone tries to guess your iPhone passcode and unlock your phone.
Solution 1: iPhone is Disabled, Try Again in XX Minutes?
When you see iPhone is disabled, try again in 5, 15, 60 minutes, you can simply wait for 5/15/60 minutes and then unlock your iPhone with correct passcode or Touch ID. If you have forgotten the passcode, you can bypass the locked iPhone with the following methods.
In those extreme cases when iPhone is disabled for 23/24/25 million minutes, the iPhone usually had a broken screen or had been jailbreak. You can fix it with Solution 2 and Solution 3.
Solution 2: iPhone is Disabled; Connect to iTunes, How to Bypass?
If iPhone X, 8/8 Plus, 7/7 Plus, SE/6s/6/5s says: iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes, you should connect the iPhone to iTunes and restore the device. A restore will erase everything on the iPhone, including its passcode. Since restoring iPhone with iTunes will delete all data, you should connect the phone to a Mac or PC that you have previously synced your iPhone with and make a backup before the restore.
Step 1 Connect the device to the computer (the one you've previously synced the device too). Then, open iTunes.
Step 2 Click your iPhone icon, then tap 'Summary' at the left pane and click Back Up Now to create an iTunes backup.
Step 3 Click 'Restore iPhone'. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process.
Step 4After restoring, your device will be wiped clean and restored as a new device. When the iOS Setup Assistant asks to set up your iPhone, choose 'Restore from iTunes backup.' Just select your device in iTunes and choose the most recent backup of your iPhone.
If you've never synced your iPhone with iTunes, you're going to see some errors: 'iTunes can't connect to the device because it has a passcode applied. Enter the passcode before it can connect to iTunes'. If so, you can bypass the disabled screen with iTunes in these steps.
Step 1 Turn off the iPhone.
Step 2 Connect the USB cable to the iPhone but don't connect it to the computer. Launch iTunes.
Step 3 Then put the disabled iPhone in recovery mode: press and hold the Power + Home buttons while plugging iDevice back into the computer (make sure iTunes is open).
Step 4 Release the power button and keep holding the home button until you see the 'Connect to iTunes' screen like this:
Step 5 When you see the option to Restore or Update, choose Restore.
Solution 3: iPhone is Disabled, How to Fix Without iTunes?
If you can't use iTunes to unlock iPhone, you can use iOS System Recovery to fix your iPhone/iPad's disabled error.
Note: This method works for those who don't need the data anymore since it may erase your phone contents.
1. Get iOS System Recovery on PC/Mac
Click the following button to get the program on your PC/Mac and move to the 'iOS System Recovery' interface.
Click the following button to get the program on your PC/Mac and move to the 'iOS System Recovery' interface.
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2. Detect iPhone/iPad
When you connect the device into the PC, the program will detect it with ease. Thus, click 'Advanced mode' to fix the disabled iPhone.
When you connect the device into the PC, the program will detect it with ease. Thus, click 'Advanced mode' to fix the disabled iPhone.
3. Put Your Device into DFU Mode
To get started in this way, it is in need to get your iPhone into DFU mode so that the program will go on fixing your case.
To get started in this way, it is in need to get your iPhone into DFU mode so that the program will go on fixing your case.
4. Select Device's Info
After detecting, the program will show your device information. Double-check the details and confirm whether it is correct. Once it shows any wrong info, please select it manually.
After detecting, the program will show your device information. Double-check the details and confirm whether it is correct. Once it shows any wrong info, please select it manually.
Tip: There is a guide for you to check the model details if you click the question mark next to the 'Device model'.
5. Fixing Your iPhone Back to Normal Status.
In this step, you have to keep the mobile connected to the computer. The screen will display the repairing process. As 'Repair completed' comes, you can now access your iPhone
In this step, you have to keep the mobile connected to the computer. The screen will display the repairing process. As 'Repair completed' comes, you can now access your iPhone
Tip: If your device is set with an iCloud activation lock, this guide cannot deal with this but you could refer to How to Bypass iCloud Activation Lock.
Solution 4: Unlock Disabled iPhone in a Fast Way
If you want an easy and fast way to get into the disabled iPhone, Fone Paw iOS Unlocker is also a good way to try. It is a new program that focuses on wiping the locked iPhone passcode, removing Apple ID, and retrieving Screen Time passcode.
It helps you unlock the disabled iPhone so quickly and safely that you will be surprised at how convenient it is.
First, download FonePaw iOS Unlocker on your computer.
Second, enable the program and you will see three options on the homepage.
Wipe Screen helps you get into the disabled iPhone quickly.
Remove Apple allows you to reset the Apple ID or log in with a new account.
Screen Time enables you to retrieve the Screen Time and Restrictions passcode.
Third, tap Wipe Passcode and connect your iPhone to the computer. Check if the information of your device is correct and click Start to continue.
It will begin downloading a firmware package for your device.
Fourth, when the firmware package is downloaded, a prompt will ask you to enter '0000' to confirm the unlocking.
Enter it and click Unlock to continue. When the progress goes to 20%, you will need to put your phone into Recovery Mode to continue.
The program will show you detailed instructions to teach you how to do. So you don't need to worry about the process.
Finally, when your phone enters Recovery mode, the process will go on. Wait till it finishes and your disabled iPhone will be unlocked successfully.
Notice:
Although FonePaw iOS Unlocker is a fast way to unlock the disabled iPhone, there are several things that you should keep in mind before using it:
1. You will need to register before unlocking.
2. Removing the lock screen will erase the data and settings on your device as well.
3. You'd better turn off Find My iPhone before unlocking. If it is enabled, you will need to enter the iCloud password to reset your device after the unlocking.
4. Your device will be updated to the latest iOS version after the unlocking.
Solution 5: How to Unlock the Disabled iPhone without Computer
If you have 'Find My iPhone' enabled on your iPhone, you can use 'Remote Wipe' to erase the contents and passcode of your device. Then you can unlock the iPhone.
Step 1. Go to icloud.com with your Apple ID and passcode (the one you use with iCloud rather than your iPhone passcode that you do not remember).
Step 2. Click 'Find My iPhone', then 'All Devices' at the top of your browser window. Then, select the device you want to erase.
Step 3. Click 'Erase iPhone' to remote wipe the device and its password.
Step 4. When iOS Setup Assistant on your iPhone asks to set up your iPhone, choose 'Restore from iCloud backup' or 'Restore from iTunes backup.'
Note: If you tend to recover data on disabled iPhone 6/6s/7, you are allowed to use iPhone Data Recovery to regain the deleted data and existing files from iCloud/iTunes backups.
iPhone is Enabled!
Now the iPhone is unlocked. Nevertheless, if you don't want your iPhone to get disabled after you forgot the iPhone passcode, you should either 1)enable Touch ID on your iPhone 8/8 Plus/7/7 Plus/SE/6s/6/5s; 2) be sure backup your iPhone with iTunes or iCloud.
If you want to change the network provider in your iPhone, or you are considering selling your iPhone, you may want to unlock your iPhone. And this post shows you how to unlock iPhone step by step.
Method 1: Unlock your iPhone if you have a SIM card that is not your current carrier SIM card
If you want to change your iPhone carrier to a new one, and you already have the SIM card of that carrier, the simplest way is to insert the new SIM card into your iPhone, and unlock it.
Here’s what you need to do:
1) Shut down your iPhone.
2) If you have the SIM card of your current carrier, you should remove your SIM card first. Just find the SIM tray on the right side of your iPhone, insert a SIM-eject tool or paper clip into the hole beside the tray, then you can remove your SIM card out from the tray.
3) Put the SIM card of that carrier you change to, onto the SIM card holder, and push the SIM card holder into the tray.
4) Start your iPhone by pressing the side button.
5) Follow the on-screen instructions to update your carrier service.
Kindly note that Apple can not unlock your iPhone. If you don’t have the SIM card you want to change to, you should head to your carrier to unlock your iPhone. So move to the next method.
Method 2: Unlock your iPhone via carrier
Usually most carriers offer the service to unlock mobile phones for customers, and some carriers would help unlock smartphones for those who are not their current customers. So you can check the service from the official website of that carrier.
If you want to change your carrier service provider, you can
Below shows you examples on how to unlock your iPhone via the top 3 carriers.
1. AT&T
AT&T helps you unlock your iPhone whether you have AT&T service or not, but your iPhone needs to be active for at least 60 days, has a competed contract, and has no past or unpaid balance.
If your device meets the above requirements, you’re good to go.
Note: You may need to use IMEI number for your iPhone during the process. If you don’t know your IMEI number, dial *#06# on your device to find it.
1) Open this page in your browser, and choose Unlock your device.
2) When it comes to the second step, you’ll need to choose whether your iPhone has the active AT&T mobile number or not.
- If your iPhone has an active AT&T mobile number, select Yes and enter your AT&T number.
- Verify that you’re not a robot, and you’ll be guided to the next page.
- Enter your information on the page and click Submit.
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- If your iPhone has an active mobile number for other carrier, select No, and enter your IMEI.
- Make sure the detected Make and Model is correct.
- Check the box next to I am not a robot, and you’ll be guided to the next page.
- Verify the picture and click VERIFY.
- Click Next.
- Enter your information on the page, including your first name and email address. Then click Submit.
3) Once complete and submit your information, At&T will send you a link to confirm your request.
Note that you should confirm the request in your email inbox in 24 hours, or AT&T will cancel your request after 24 hours.
4) Confirm the email by following the instructions in your email.
5) Then just wait for emails and notifications from AT&T, and follow what AT&T tells you to do.
2. Verizon
Usually Verizon doesn’t lock most of its phones. But if it locks your iPhone, it’s easy to unlock your iPhone as well.
If you’re using an iPhone from Verizon, and you want to transfer to another carrier, it depends on whether your network is CDMA or GSM. If you’re using CDMA, you can trasnfer to Verizon and Sprint. If you’re using GSM, you can transfer to AT&T and T-mobile.
To unlock your Verizon device,
1) Open the process menu provided in your phone’s user guide.
2) Try one of the codes below to unlock your iPhone:
000000
123456
123456
3) Then follow the provided instructions to finish the process.
If there is any problem in unlocking your device, call *611 from your Verizon phone or call 800.922.0204 for assistance for further assistance.
For more details of unlocking Verizon phones, please check Verizon Device Unlocking Policies.
3. T-Mobile
T-Mobile provides service to unlock iPhones that use T-Mobile service. So if your iPhone is a non-T-Mobile device, consult your device carrier.
Before getting started, you should check and make sure your iPhone meets the eligibility requirements.
- Your iPhone should be a T-Mobile device.
- Your iPhone must be paid in full.
- Account balance should be zero if your account has been canceled.
- The device must be active on the account for at least one year.
For more details of the requirements, please check T-Mobile SIM unlock policy.
Usually T-Mobile devices have a T-Mobile Device Unlock application pre-installed in your device.
1) Call *#06# on your device to have your device IMEI number.
2) Open the Mobile Device Unlock app in your iPhone. You may need your T-Mobile account to log in.
3) Request an unlock from T-Mobile.
4) Once approved, T-Mobile will send you instructions to unlock your iPhone.
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Or you can directly call T-Mobile customer service at 1-877-746-0909 and they will guide you to do.
After unlocking your device,
1) Shut down your iPhone.
2) Remove your previous SIM card using a SIM-card tool or paper clip.
3) Put your new SIM card into the SIM tray.
4) Power on your iPhone and follow the on-screen instructions to update carrier service in your iPhone.
Method 3: Unlock your iPhone with software
There used to be many software services that help unlock iPhone. But now with the changing policies from iPhone and carriers, only a few software services will work.
You can search on the Internet for software to unlock iPhone. Be sure to choose the one with great reviews. If you don’t know which one to use, try DoctorUnlock.net.
Just choose your iPhone model, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
So that’s it. Hope this post helps in unlocking your iPhone. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave us a comment below.