If you’re seeing a similar message as shown in the image above on your iPhone, iPad or iPod, which says that your “iPhone is disabled”, it is probably because you or someone else entered the wrong passcode on your iPhone, iPad or iPod multiple times. You can either try entering your passcode again after the time specified on your screen, but beware that if you enter the wrong passcode again, the time on the retry timer will increase.

If you can’t seem to remember the passcode, the only other way to unlock your iPhone is by erasing the device and restoring a backup from your iCloud account or PC via iTunes. If you hadn’t created a backup of your iPhone, iPad or iPod earlier, you’ll have to start afresh.

Once you erase the iPhone, all of the data and settings, including your current passcode, will be removed. As mentioned above, you can proceed with restoring the data once your iPhone is erased and reset.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of unlocking your disabled iPhone 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, XS Max, XS, X, XR, 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus, SE (1st and 2nd-gen), iPhone 6s and earlier; iPad and iPod. Before we begin, see the image below to understand the button layout on your iPhone.

Note that you’ll need a laptop or desktop to unlock a disabled iPhone. If you don’t have one with you, you can visit an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider.

Also read: How to turn off the location on your iPhone?

Unlocking disabled iPhone X, XR, XS, XS Max, 8, 8 Plus, SE (2nd-gen) and iPad (with Face ID)

Don’t connect your iPhone to the computer yet. Follow the steps mentioned below to unlock your disabled iPhone 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, X, XR, XS, XS Max, 8, 8 Plus, SE (2nd-gen) and iPad (with Face ID).

• Press and hold one of the Volume buttons and the Side button until the Power Off slider appears at the top of the screen.
• Then drag the slider and turn off your iPhone.
• Press and hold the Side button and connect your iPhone to a computer.
• Don’t release the side button until you see a Recovery Mode screen.

All of your iPhone and iPad data will be erased and you can restore any backup you might’ve on your computer or iCloud.

You can use the same method to unlock a disabled iPad that has Face ID and no home button.

Also read: How to backup contacts on your iPhone?

Unlocking disabled iPhone 7, 7 Plus and iPod Touch (7th-gen)

Don’t connect your iPhone to the computer yet. Follow the steps mentioned below to unlock your disabled iPhone 7 or 7 Plus and iPod Touch (7th-gen).

• Press and hold the Side button until the Power Off slider appears at the top of the screen.
• Then drag the slider and turn off your iPhone.
• Press and hold the Volume Down button and connect your iPhone to a computer.
• Don’t release the Volume Down button until you see a Recovery Mode screen.

All of your iPhone and iPod data will be erased and you can restore any backup you might’ve on your computer or iCloud.

You can use the same method to unlock a disabled iPod Touch (7th-gen); just replace the Side button with the Top button in the guide above.

Also read: How to take Screenshots on your iPhone, iPad or iPod?

Unlocking disabled iPhone SE (1st-gen), 6s and earlier; and iPad, iPod Touch (6th-gen or earlier)

Don’t connect your iPhone to the computer yet. Follow the steps mentioned below to unlock your disabled iPhone SE (1st-gen), iPhone 6s and earlier iPhone models; and also iPad (with home button) and iPod Touch (6th-gen or earlier)

• Press and hold the Top or Side button until the Power Off slider appears at the top of the screen.
• Then drag the slider and turn off your iPhone.
• Press and hold the Home button and connect your iPhone to a computer.
• Don’t release the Home button until you see a Recovery Mode screen.

All of your iPhone, iPad and iPod data will be erased and you can restore any backup you might’ve on your computer or iCloud.

You can use the same method to unlock a disabled iPad that has a home button and iPod Touch (6th-gen or earlier).

Also read: How to turn on the Hotspot of your iPhone?