FoneTool Unlocker > iPhone Unlock Tips & Tricks > Unlock Disabled iPhone Without Losing Data | 7 Proven Ways

Unlock Disabled iPhone Without Losing Data | 7 Proven Ways

How to unlock a disabled iPhone without losing data? Discover 7 working solutions, including no-data-loss methods with/without a backup. Step-by-step guides for all scenarios.

Kelsey by Kelsey Updated November 4, 2025
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Can You Unlock a Disabled iPhone Without Losing Data?

Yes, you can. When you forget your iPhone or iPad password and there is too much important data on the device, such as photos, movies, or other files, you may want to know how to unlock a disabled iPhone without losing data. Don’t worry! In this guide, we will introduce 7 proven ways for you, whether you have or don’t have a backup.

Method Ease of Use Data Loss Best For
FoneTool Unlocker ★★★★★ No (If Find My off) Quick and seamless unlocking
Previous Passcode ★★★★★ No iOS 17+, changed password within the past 72 hours
Apple Support ★★ No Have proof of ownership
Erase iPhone ★★★ Yes iOS 15.2+, have Apple ID, have a backup
iTunes ★★ Yes With computer, have a backup
iCloud ★★ Yes Have a backup, have Apple ID
Find My ★★★ Yes Have a backup, Find My feature enabled, have Apple ID

Unlock Disabled iPhone Without Losing Data | 3 Ways No Backup Needed

Are you searching for “security lockout iPhone how to unlock without losing data”? There are 3 easy ways for you. When you don’t have a full backup, the best way is to use FoneTool Unlocker.

Way 1. Unlock Disabled iPhone Without iTunes & iCloud

When your iPhone is disabled, you can use FoneTool Unlocker to unlock your device. If your Find My is off, the process will not delete all your data. You can also use FoneTool Unlocker to remove your Apple ID when you forget password and can’t log out.

   
★Highlights of FoneTool Unlocker:
   
  • Unlock all iPhone screen passcode easily and quickly.
  • When Find My is off, all data will be kept.
  • The safe unlock process protects all your iPhone data.
  • Remove Screen Time passcode and iTunes backup encryption.
  • Support various iOS devices and versions.

Please download the FoneTool Unlocker and follow the steps below to learn how to unlock iPhone without erasing data:

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP

Step 1. Launch FoneTool Unlocker > Connect your iPhone to PC with a USB cable.

Step 2. Go to Remove iOS Screen Passcode > Remove Now.

Remove Now

Step 3. Read the instructions and tap on Next.

Click Next

Step 4. Choose the Firmware you need and tap on Download.

Click Download

Step 5. Tap on Remove Now until the firmware files are downloaded > Click Remove Now.

Click Remove Now

Once the process is finished, you can unlock your disabled iPhone without losing data.

Way 2. Bypass Disabled iPhone Without Losing Data with Previous Passcode

You can also use your previous passcode to unlock your disabled iPhone when you change your passcode within 72 hours.

📧Note: This only works on iOS 17+ devices where you changed your passcode within the last 72 hours.

Step 1. When your iPhone screen shows iPhone Unavailable, you can tap on Forget Password on your iPhone.

Step 2. Then tap on Enter Previous Passcode > Enter your old passcode.

Step 3. Follow the instructions to set a new password.

Forget Password and reset on iPhone

👉🏻Tip: When you see iPhone says passcode expired, please:

  • Force Restart the iPhone.
  • Remove school or company email/MDM profile.
  • Reset the iPhone passcode via iCloud.

Way 3. Fix Disabled iPhone Without Losing Data via Apple Support

Apple's official support can help verify ownership and unlock your device.

  • Visit Apple Store or contact Apple Support.

  • Provide proof of device ownership.

  • Follow their unlocking procedure.

😃Advantage:

  • Provide professional help.

🙁Disadvantages:

  • Need to wait for a long time.
  • The solutions may not be flexible or innovative.

Unlock Disabled iPhone If You Have a Backup | 4 Ways

When you have a recent backup, it’s easier for you to unlock your iPhone without passcode and without losing data. But you need to erase your iPhone first and then restore the data.

Way 1. Unlock A Disabled iPhone with Erase iPhone

When you have a backup and want to unlock your iPhone, the easiest way is to tap on Erase iPhone option on your iPhone.

🔹Requirements: 

Step 1. Tap on the Forget Password/Erase iPhone option on your iPhone.

Step 2. Check the information on your screen and click Start iPhone Restart/Erase iPhone again.

Step 3. Enter your Apple ID to unlock your iPhone.

Enter your Apple ID

Way 2. Bypass A Disabled iPhone with iTunes

It’s also possible for you to unlock your iPhone with iTunes, but you also need to have a full backup first.

Step 1. Launch iTunes on your PC and connect it to your iPhone.

Step 2. Keep holding the Home button until you see the Recovery Mode screen.

Step 3. Click the device icon > Summary > Restore iPhone.

Restore iPhone

Way 3. Unlock A Disabled iPhone via iCloud

If you have enabled Find My feature, you can also use iCloud to fix iPhone. iCloud is useful when you want to back up or reset your iPhone. You can follow the steps below to unlock your iPhone.

Step 1. Go to iCloud and log in with your Apple ID.

Step 2. Click on Find iPhone > All Devices > Choose your disabled iPhone.

Step 3. Click on Erase iPhone and confirm again.

Click on Erase iPhone

Way 4. Unlock A Disabled iPhone with Find My

When you don’t have a computer but remember your Apple ID associated with the disabled iPhone, you can use Find My app to restore your device on another mobile device.

👉🏻Note: You must enable Find My feature before the process.

Step 1. Install and launch Find My app and sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 2. Select Devices > Select your disabled iPhone.

Select your iPhone

Step 3. Tap on Erase This Device.

FAQs on Unlocking a Disabled iPhone

 

Conclusion

Now you know how to unlock a disabled iPhone without losing data. You can learn 7 useful ways from this guide. When you don’t have a backup, you can check the 3 ways in this guide for help. It’s easier for you to unlock your iPhone when you have a backup. You can use the 4 ways in this guide to reset your iPhone.

But the best way to protect your data and unlock your disabled iPhone is to use FoneTool Unlocker, which can remove your screen passcode with ease.

FoneTool Unlocker - 1-Click iPhone Unlock Software

Easily unlock all passcodes and restrictions on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

  • iOS 26 Compatible
  • iPhone 17 Supported

Best iPhone Unlock Software

  • Unlock iOS Any Type of Screen Lock
  • Remove Apple ID Without Password
  • Bypass Screen Time Passcode
  • Remove iTunes Backup Encryption
  • Unlock iPhone Without Data Loss
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