How To Unlock iPhone without Passcode and without Losing Data

Kelly Wu
Last updated: Aug 15, 2024

This article will discuss how to unlock your iPhone without a passcode and without losing your iOS data, content, and settings.

Forgetting the passcode on your iPhone can be a stressful experience, especially when you're concerned about losing precious data. We prepared this guide to provide a comprehensive look into the methods you can use to unlock your iPhone while preserving all your data. Whether you've synced with iTunes, backed up to iCloud, or have other devices linked, we'll cover the best practices to regain access to your phone without data loss.

How To Unlock iPhone without Passcode and without Losing Data

Introduction to the Scenario

Imagine this: you've just updated your iPhone's passcode for security reasons, but amidst the busyness of your day, the new code slips your mind. Now, you're staring at the "iPhone Unavailable" or "iPhone is disabled" message. Before you panic about losing photos, contacts, and personal settings, know that there are several ways to unlock your iPhone without erasing its contents.

Before starting, we want to introduce our BuhoUnlocker, a powerful and specialized software tool to help you unlock forgotten screen passcodes, Face ID/Touch ID, MDM, Apple ID, or Screen Time passcodes. Using BuhoUnlocker is the best way to cope with most iPhone lockdown situations, like iPhone Passcode Forgotten, iPhone Unavailable, iPhone Disabled, iPhone Security Lockout, MDM restrictions, Apple ID inability to sign out, etc.

2 Methods to Unlock iPhone Passcode Without Data Loss

In line with Apple's principles, BuhoUnlocker requires erasing all data and content on your iPhone when processing the iPhone passcode unlocking task. But don't worry, if keeping your data intact is your top priority, you can refer methods below to learn how to unlock an iPhone without a passcode and data loss.

It’s important to remember that, you should take one or more methods below before unlocking your iPhone passcode with or without BuhoUnlocker.

Method 1: iTunes Backup and Restore

If you've previously synced your iPhone with iTunes, you have the best chance to get your iPhone unlocked without your passcode or losing your data. If this fits your situation well, seize your opportunity to take action below.

  1. Connect your iPhone to the computer you normally sync with.
  2. Open iTunes on a Windows PC or Finder on a Mac. If iTunes prompts for a passcode, try another computer you’ve synced with, or use recovery mode.
  3. Wait for iTunes to sync your device and make a backup. If it doesn’t, manually initiate the backup process by clicking the Back Up Now option. Remember to check the Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.
Back Up Now
  1. Once the sync and backup are complete, you can move on to unlock your iPhone passcode with BuhoUnlocker. After that, click on Restore iPhone to get your data back.
Restore iPhone
  1. During the restoration process, set up your device from a backup when prompted. Choose the most recent backup from the list.

Method 2: iCloud Backup and Restoration

iCloud Backup is a seamless solution that ensures your data is always protected and easily recoverable after unlocking your forgotten iPhone passcode. Since iCloud Backup perhaps happens automatically every day, the probability is very high to unlock your iPhone passcode without data loss.

  1. Go to another device (iPhone, iPad, computer or whatever device that can use a web browser you have) > sign into iCloud.com.
Log in iCloud
  1. Navigate to "Find My".
Find My
  1. "All Devices" and select your iPhone.
All Devices
  1. Click "Erase iPhone". This will remotely wipe your device but remember, your data is safe in iCloud.
Erase iPhone
  1. After your device has been erased from iCloud, your forgotten iPhone passcode has also been unlocked. Turn it on to set it up as new.

  2. On the Apps & Data screen, select "Restore from iCloud Backup", sign in to iCloud, and choose the relevant backup.

The Bottom Line

Unlocking your iPhone without losing data is feasible with the right preparation and tools. Regular backups via iTunes or iCloud can significantly simplify the process. It’s also a good idea to keep the "Find My iPhone" feature enabled as it provides a last-resort method for recovery and securing your data.

By following these steps, you'll ensure that your data is safe and sound, even if your iPhone’s passcode slips your mind.

Living in Chengdu, Kelly is an Apple technician focused on Mac, iPhone, and iOS repairs. Meanwhile, he's also a columnist at Dr.Buho, with a simple mission to help fix Apple things that are with software or hardware glitches.