I don’t want to reset my phone, just unlock it

Unfortunately, you have to first reset the phone to be able to unlock it if you have forgotten your passcode. There are no other options.

Might be a good idea to write down your new passcode and keep it in a safe place......even if you are sure that you will never forget it.

Jtl248 wrote:

I don’t want to reset my phone I just want to unlock it.

The passcode is the the key used to decrypt the data on your iPhone.

No decryption key, no data access.

Which leaves a conflict between what you want and what options you have available.

Re: “… I don’t want to reset my phone I just want to unlock it …”

Then all you have to do is correctly enter it’s passcode.

If you use the phone regularly, it’s the same one iOS prompts you to re-enter at least weekly.