Disable security lockout feature

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Level 4

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Disable security lockout feature

My mother has repeatedly managed to enter the wrong passcode on her iPhone (she was trying to dial my number) - to the point where it said:

“iPhone is locked out - try again in (null) or restore iPhone“

(This is translated from German and from memory, so the actual wording in English may be somewhat different.)

My mother has problems memorizing new things - I don’t think she will remember, even if I tell her over and over again that my phone# is not her passcode. But she does remember her passcode, because it’s a number that has been very familiar to her for a long time.

So in this situation, I would like to disable the security lockout feature on her iPhone, because right now, every few weeks this happens and I need to restore her iPhone from iCloud. Is there any way?

I can see the point of the lockout feature in normal scenarios. But this is different. I would very much like to keep the passcode enabled - I guess having a passcode that you can enter an infinite number of times is better than having no passcode at all. And I don’t want the data on her iPhone to be compromised immediately in case of theft. But I also don’t want to restore her iPhone once every two weeks or so…

Thank you for any suggestions.

iPhone XS

Posted on Jul 28, 2022 10:06 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Kurtosis12

Level 9

67,342 points

Jul 29, 2022 12:46 PM in response to Tim Lorenzen

If she gets confused and thinks your phone number is her passcode, how about just making her passcode your phone number?

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Answer 2

Tim Lorenzen Author

Level 4

2,308 points

Jul 29, 2022 2:01 PM in response to Shannon_DN

Hi Shannon,

Thank you for your reply.

She is using Face ID - but it still periodically requests the passcode and that's when things go wrong.

I will let her try the alphanumeric passcode soon.

When I wrote "restore", I actually meant going through the steps mentioned in the article to remove the passcode - it does involve a restore from iCloud Backup. I agree that it's easier than going through Recovery Mode, but it's still time consuming. Particularly when during FaceID configuration, she does not get why she has to move her head in a circular motion and starts to grimace 😉

Kind regards,

Tim

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Answer 3

Kurtosis12

Level 9

67,342 points

Jul 29, 2022 3:16 PM in response to Tim Lorenzen

You're welcome, good luck Tim!

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Answer 4

Shannon_DN

Community Specialist

Jul 29, 2022 12:36 PM in response to Tim Lorenzen

Hey there, Tim Lorenzen!

Thank you for posting in Apple Support Communities.

The feature that disables the phone after entering the passcode too many times can not be disabled, but there are a few other options that might help.

Depending on they phone, you may be able to turn on Face ID or Touch ID. Then she can use her face or her fingerprint to unlock the phone.

Another option would be to use an alphanumeric passcode instead of a numeric one. This will give her a different keyboard. This may help her remember that she needs to enter something other than a phone number.

A third option would be something you mentioned in your message which is to turn off the passcode completely. This will reduce the security of her device, but will prevent her disabling the phone.

You can learn about all three options here: Use a passcode with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Also, you mentioned that you have to restore the device each time. If she is running iOS 15.2 or above, you may not have to do a complete restore here. You can learn more about that here: How to remove your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch passcode without a computer - Apple Support

Kindest regards.

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Answer 5

Tim Lorenzen Author

Level 4

2,308 points

Jul 29, 2022 2:07 PM in response to Kurtosis12

Hi Kurtosis12,

good idea 🤔😄 I might go down that route in case the alphanumeric keyboard is too small for her.

Thanks,

Tim

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Disable security lockout feature

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