Phone issue with clearing phone

Sorry this is a lot of information,

1. My iPhone 8 phone had some damage to the screen (the the touch) so i cannot get into my phone via the password because that number on the screen isn't working so i'm locked out
2. So i decided that as i know apple doesn't unlock phones or help in this matter (which is fine) that ill loose all my photos
3. next after me not being able to clear my phone (as by making my phone go back to display mode i can use my phone and ill just not put a password on it
4. but next now my phone says it is disabled and needs to connect to iTunes which it wont let me as i cant unlock it to reset it

What do you recommend i do as i am using my old phone now that has a cracked screen and i would love to be able to use my old phone thats safe to use (as you can tell i'm not having a lot of luck)

thank you,