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Passcode reset

I reset my son’s phone after he set up a new passcode that he IMMEDIATELY forgot, but when I go to log into his iCloud/AppleID, it just asks me for his passcode. What can I do to reset the passcode?

iPhone 6

Posted on Sep 28, 2021 4:40 PM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Sep 29, 2021 6:25 AM

To which passcode are you referring? The link you were provided with tells you what to do to reset a device if you have forgotten a Home screen passcode to log into a device. Restoring from backup does not set the old passcode on the device.


Another kind of passcode is one used for Screen Time. The old way of resetting using a backup did just restore the passcode, but a newer way of doing it does not. If you or a member of your Family Sharing group have a mobile device running iOS or iPad OS 13.4 or later, or a Mac running Catalina 10.15.4 or later, read this support article for instructions on what to do "If you forgot your Screen Time passcode". Click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT211021


Here's a more detailed set of instructions iIf you have a forgotten/unknown device passcode, or have a disabled device. Unfortunately you have no option but to erase the device. However, you can eventually restore the data and settings from a backup you made before the device was disabled. You must have a computer to use the method below. If you don't have a computer, borrow one from a friend, or go to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can also use a PC with iTunes. You will likely also need your Apple ID and password. All Apple mobile devices follow the same general procedure but the link below and other links off it provide model-specific instructions:


If you forgot the passcode on your iPhone", or your iPhone is disabled, click here -->

https://support.apple.com/kb/HT204306


Here is a related video which to me has more complete and clearer instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s8-zLG9ySQ


Steps:

1. With the device disconnected from a computer use the model-specific instructions in the links above to shut down the device.

2. Connect it to a computer with Finder or iTunes (Mojave or earlier, or PC).

3. Restart into recovery mode (black screen with a cable indicating attach to computer).

4. When prompted, click "Restore" to erase data & settings, and update system software. May take some time.

5. Set up your device ( https://support.apple.com/kb/HT202033 ). Partway through you are offered the opportunity to restore your data and settings from a backup, or you can do this at a later stage ( https://support.apple.com/HT204184 ). Even if you have no backup, if you were using some iCloud services to sync items such as Contacts or Photos those may reappear once you sign back into your iCloud account --> Set up iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - https://support.apple.com/HT208681


'If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod' click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT204095


---

On the contingency you are asked for your Apple ID and password AND you have forgotten those:


If you forgot your Apple ID, click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201354 ; your Apple ID password, click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201487 , or to jump directly to the forgotten sign-in information help site, click here --> http://iforgot.apple.com/


What to do after [or before] you change your Apple ID email address or password - https://support.apple.com/HT204071


If you still need help, contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security --> https://support.apple.com/HT204169






3 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Sep 29, 2021 6:25 AM in response to Mykidlockedthemselfout

To which passcode are you referring? The link you were provided with tells you what to do to reset a device if you have forgotten a Home screen passcode to log into a device. Restoring from backup does not set the old passcode on the device.


Another kind of passcode is one used for Screen Time. The old way of resetting using a backup did just restore the passcode, but a newer way of doing it does not. If you or a member of your Family Sharing group have a mobile device running iOS or iPad OS 13.4 or later, or a Mac running Catalina 10.15.4 or later, read this support article for instructions on what to do "If you forgot your Screen Time passcode". Click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT211021


Here's a more detailed set of instructions iIf you have a forgotten/unknown device passcode, or have a disabled device. Unfortunately you have no option but to erase the device. However, you can eventually restore the data and settings from a backup you made before the device was disabled. You must have a computer to use the method below. If you don't have a computer, borrow one from a friend, or go to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can also use a PC with iTunes. You will likely also need your Apple ID and password. All Apple mobile devices follow the same general procedure but the link below and other links off it provide model-specific instructions:


If you forgot the passcode on your iPhone", or your iPhone is disabled, click here -->

https://support.apple.com/kb/HT204306


Here is a related video which to me has more complete and clearer instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s8-zLG9ySQ


Steps:

1. With the device disconnected from a computer use the model-specific instructions in the links above to shut down the device.

2. Connect it to a computer with Finder or iTunes (Mojave or earlier, or PC).

3. Restart into recovery mode (black screen with a cable indicating attach to computer).

4. When prompted, click "Restore" to erase data & settings, and update system software. May take some time.

5. Set up your device ( https://support.apple.com/kb/HT202033 ). Partway through you are offered the opportunity to restore your data and settings from a backup, or you can do this at a later stage ( https://support.apple.com/HT204184 ). Even if you have no backup, if you were using some iCloud services to sync items such as Contacts or Photos those may reappear once you sign back into your iCloud account --> Set up iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - https://support.apple.com/HT208681


'If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod' click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT204095


---

On the contingency you are asked for your Apple ID and password AND you have forgotten those:


If you forgot your Apple ID, click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201354 ; your Apple ID password, click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201487 , or to jump directly to the forgotten sign-in information help site, click here --> http://iforgot.apple.com/


What to do after [or before] you change your Apple ID email address or password - https://support.apple.com/HT204071


If you still need help, contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security --> https://support.apple.com/HT204169






Sep 29, 2021 5:53 AM in response to Eric Root

Thanks for trying. I did start my question stating that I reset the phone, which I did myself as a step 1, and it went fine.

The problem I’m having is that once I log into his AppleID, it restores all of his contacts and settings (like I want it to), but it ALSO reactivates his forgotten passcode, and I can’t seem to remove that without…the passcode.

I’m lost.

Passcode reset

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