all of a sudden there is a passcode on my phone i didnt put there

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Level 1

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all of a sudden there is a passcode on my phone i didnt put there

all of a sudden my old phone that my son is using has a passcode on it, that he didnt program. How do i unlock the phone to get him back on and using it?

iPhone XS

Posted on Feb 21, 2021 9:50 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Chris0107

Level 9

52,161 points

Feb 21, 2021 9:52 AM in response to jayme181

How did he get into his phone previously? Face ID or Touch ID?

If so, there was always a passcode. You can't use Face ID or Touch ID without a passcode.

If you forgot the passcode on your iPhone, or your iPhone is disabled - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Chris0107

Level 9

52,161 points

Feb 21, 2021 10:21 AM in response to jayme181

Out of curiosity, are you using a Mac or a Windows computer?

In either case, see if this support article helps.

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support

particularly this part of that article...

Update to the latest version of iTunes - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Chris0107

Level 9

52,161 points

Feb 21, 2021 10:27 AM in response to jayme181

yes! it sounds like you are on the right track.

Hopefully that completes without any issues.

When it is done, I believe you'll want to set the phone up as a new phone.

Make sure that the kids are using their own unique Apple IDs

I have no idea how old your children are.. or if you are already using family sharing..

but here is a support article on that subject if you need it. Should allow you to share content, etc

Family Sharing and Apple ID for your child - Apple Support

and also this article talks about restrictions too

Help your child set up an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

I don't have any kids myself, so other than pointing you to the articles I won't be much help with that part of it 😁

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Answer 4

jayme181 Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 21, 2021 10:05 AM in response to Chris0107

So my husband and I just recently upgraded to iPhone 12s and gave our kids the iPhone 10s - they use them when connected to WiFi like tablets (they do not have phone numbers connected)

ive tried my husbands old passcode - doesn’t work - I guess I can try the Face ID etc - but I doubt he set up any of this (he is on the autism spectrum and to my knowledge, doesn’t know how to do any of this)

Neither do I - hahaha

ive followed that video you attached above - so far - nothing

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Answer 5

jayme181 Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 21, 2021 10:16 AM in response to Chris0107

I plugged it in and the computer (and yes I am signed into itunes) it isn’t recognizing the phone so I’m not able to factory reset - or anything

what am I doing wrong ?

as an aside I completely understand that this is me and not the phone - and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you responding to me

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Answer 6

jayme181 Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 21, 2021 10:22 AM in response to Chris0107

I am using windows

I just redid all the steps and finally iTunes window popped up asking to restore

right now it says it’s in recovery mode and iTunes is downloading software and will restore when download is complete

so I’m on my way correct ??

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Answer 7

jayme181 Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 21, 2021 10:34 AM in response to Chris0107

You have been a huge help so far! Thank you

one thing that is happening is that same window keeps popping up to ask me to update or restore the iPhone

the little arrow in the top right has the circle going - but it has asked me 4-5 times already to click restore or update

how come it keeps asking me that?? Will the phone just restart when it’s “done”

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Answer 8

Chris0107

Level 9

52,161 points

Feb 21, 2021 10:46 AM in response to jayme181

Well I'm certainly glad to be of help! So no problem..

I am not sure why it would keep popping up with the prompt to update or restore. If it continues to do that and doesn't seem to be making any progress, you may want to disconnect the iPhone (assuming the iPhone is not displaying an apple logo and a progress bar) and try restarting your computer.. initiating the process all over again.

If it continues to be a problem, you may need to reach out to Apple support directly. Get Support

here are a couple more support articles that may help

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If you see an error when you update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support

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