HT204306: If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your device is disabled

Learn about If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your device is disabled
ashley.txmodel

Q: Why can't apple unlock your iPhone without deleting everything?

If my iTunes and iCloud is all linked to my account and phone, why is there not a way to get my phone unlocked when the passcode is incorrect without wiping it clean?

iPhone 5s, iOS 9.3.1

Posted on Jun 30, 2016 8:32 PM

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Q: Why can't apple unlock your iPhone without deleting everything?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by KiltedTim,

    KiltedTim KiltedTim Jun 30, 2016 8:33 PM in response to ashley.txmodel
    Level 9 (55,990 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 30, 2016 8:33 PM in response to ashley.txmodel

    No. There isn't. The passcode acts as an encryption key. Apple can't crack the encryption. Without the key, it's garbage. If you backed it up on a regular basis it wouldn't be an issue.

  • by LACAllen,

    LACAllen LACAllen Jul 1, 2016 8:59 AM in response to ashley.txmodel
    Level 5 (5,204 points)
    iCloud
    Jul 1, 2016 8:59 AM in response to ashley.txmodel

    Because that is how your personal data "on the phone" is protected. If it was easy to do, your phone's data would be at risk anytime it is out of your hands. Not everything is on iTunes or in the Cloud. Plus users could possibly keep their iTunes and iCloud passwords and username physically on the phone in a note or txt message. Not to mention their banking IDs and passwords, phone contacts, health data, work information...

     

    *That* is what's being protected by the passcode lock, which you created and forgot.

     

     

    There is only data loss when you don't take the time to back up your data as mentioned.

  • by Courcoul,

    Courcoul Jul 1, 2016 9:29 AM in response to ashley.txmodel
    Level 6 (14,193 points)
    Jul 1, 2016 9:29 AM in response to ashley.txmodel

    That's what makes Apple phones a tad less attractive to outlaws. Plus it makes the phones more evil-government-proof worldwide: you hold the only keys to your data, Apple cannot break in, even if compelled by any government.

  • by Teckid21,

    Teckid21 Teckid21 Jul 1, 2016 9:40 AM in response to ashley.txmodel
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Jul 1, 2016 9:40 AM in response to ashley.txmodel

    It voids their copyright policy preventing any coding done to  the phone