iPhone Passcode Not Working after iOS 18 Update: 7 Easy Fixes

Some users have reported that their iPhone keeps asking for the passcode after the iOS 18 update. If you're one of them and are seeking a solution, you've come to the right place. This guide will explain why your iPhone passcode is not working and provide you with some troubleshooting tips.

Let's get started.

Why Isn't My iPhone Passcode Working After iOS 18 Update?

Here are the possible reasons why your iPhone passcode is not working after the iOS 18 update.

• Software glitches.
• Incorrect screen passcode.
• Failed iOS update.
• Locked by Find My iPhone.
• Corrupted password file.
• Not enough power.
• iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout.

How to Fix the "iPhone Passcode Not Working after iOS 18 Update" Issue

Since you already have a general understanding of why your iPhone passcode is not working after the update, let’s move on to the troubleshooting methods. 7 methods will be introduced in detail. Simply select one according to your actual needs.

It's important to note that some of the methods below may delete all of your iPhone data. Once deleted, the data cannot be restored unless you have a backup. So back up your iPhone before proceeding to the unlocking steps.

1. Fix iPhone Passcode Not Working via a Restart

Rebooting your iPhone is the first method you should try. It is easy to do and will not cause data loss.

When your iPhone restarts, re-enter your correct passcode. If the issue persists, move on to the next step.

2. Fix iPhone Passcode Not Working via BuhoUnlocker

Alternatively, you can try BuhoUnlocker, a professional iPhone unlocker. With the help of this tool, you can unlock your locked iPhone and iPad without passcode. No iOS skills are required.

Here's how it works:

1. Download, install, and launch BuhoUnlocker on your PC or Mac.
2. Click Unlock Screen Passcode > Unlock Now.

   

3. Connect your iPhone to your computer, then put it into Recovery mode as requested.

   

4. Once BuhoUnlocker detects it, click the Download Now button to download the latest firmware for your iPhone.

   

5. After that, click Unlock Now and wait for the unlocking process to complete.

   

6. When your iPhone restarts, it means your iPhone can be set up as new.

3. Fix iPhone Passcode Not Working via iTunes/Finder

iTunes can help you remove the iPhone passcode by restoring the iPhone. Maybe you want to have a try.

• In the case that you trusted and synced your iPhone with your computer before, you can connect to iTunes/Finder directly.

• In the case that you never trusted or synced your iPhone with your computer, connecting to iTunes requires you to enter the Recovery mode.

If you enable Show this iPhone when on Wi-Fi, then when your Mac and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi network, your iPhone can connect to your Mac and sync automatically over Wi-Fi.

Follow the steps below to fix the iPhone passcode not working issue on iPhone via iTunes/Finder:

• For the case that you trusted and synced your iPhone with your computer before:

1. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Open iTunes/Finder.
3. Click your iPhone’s icon＞Restore iPhone.

   

4. Wait for the restore process to complete, then set up your iPhone normally.

• For the case that you never trust and sync your iPhone with your computer:

1. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Put your iPhone into recovery mode. (The way varies from iPhone models.)
3. When iTunes detects your iPhone, click Restore.
4. Wait for the restore process to complete. When finished, set up your iPhone.

4. Fix iPhone Passcode Not Working via iCloud

iCloud is other than store and backup photos, videos, messages, etc. It can also help you remove the iPhone passcode and reset it. This method requires your Apple ID account and password. Just go to icloud.com and then follow the steps below to fix the passcode not working on your iPhone:

1. Click Sign In＞Enter your Apple ID.
2. You may receive a two-factor authentication pop-up, you can skip it and click Find Devices below.
3. Click All Devices, and then click your disabled iPhone icon.
4. Click Erase iPhone.

   

5. Set up your iPhone.

5. Fix iPhone Passcode Not Working via the Find My App

Find My is a built-in app for Apple. And using the Find My app to fix the iPhone passcode not working is quite easy. Find My can not only locate your iPhone but also erase your iPhone.

It is especially convenient if you have another iOS device. Of course, you can also borrow one from your friends or family. This is a good choice for users who don’t have a computer and iTunes/Finder.

Already got one? Follow the steps below:

Open Find My app on your iOS device＞Sign in with your Apple ID＞Devices＞Click your disabled iPhone’s icon＞Erase This Device.

6. Fix iPhone Passcode Not Working via "Erase iPhone"

In the case that your iPhone is running iOS 15.2 and later, you can erase and set up your iPhone directly on your iPhone. After 7 times wrong attempts, you will see the Erase iPhone option on your screen.

So just follow the on-screen instructions to erase your iPhone. This process requires you to enter your Apple ID. Also, the network connection is a must.

7. Fix iPhone Passcode Not Working via Third-Party Repair Software

Sometimes, "iPhone passcode not working" and "iPhone won't accept correct passcode" may be caused by a system glitch. If the iPhone does not accept the passcode after updating, you can use third-party repair software that allows you to downgrade your iOS system.

There are many professional iPhone repair software that can help you fix the iPhone system issue. Just choose the best one you like. When choosing one, take what is listed below as a reference:

• Price
• Time-consuming
• Success Rate
• Security
• Data Loss
• Ease of Use

Tips for iPhone Not Accepting Correct Passcode

Now that you know the possible reasons and solutions to fix the iPhone passcode not working issue. It’s time to pick some preventions in case you get into this problem again.

Avoid setting the iPhone screen passcode as the only way to access your iPhone. Face ID/Touch ID is also a common way to get access to your iPhone. Here we list three helpful suggestions on "iPhone won’t accept correct passcode":

• Turn off the iPhone screen passcode via Settings.
• Enable Face ID/Touch ID.
• Back up your iPhone regularly so that even if you encounter this problem, you can remove the iPhone screen passcode with no worries.

Conclusion

In this post, 7 practical ways are introduced in detail for fixing your iPhone passcode not working after the iOS 17 update issue. Those methods can be divided into two main parts: unlock the passcode and repair the system error.

No hesitating to rescue your iPhone using the above methods, as you can do nothing with a disabled iPhone. Hope these methods help you a lot!