Question
Hi there, my iPhone got disabled but I know the password. The problem is it says "iPhone is disabled connect to iTunes" and not showing any option to enter the passcode. Actually, my little kid was playing with my iPhone and may have unintentionally made several wrong attempts, eventually, making my iPhone disabled but I know the password and I don't want to lose any of my data. So, I was wondering if there is any alternative way to re-enter my password and unlock my iPhone? Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

iPhone is disabled

We do understand that it is a bit awkward situation that your iPhone is disabled with you knowing the password, but you are still unable to unlock it. We have specifically done some tests on such issues in order to help you with your problem and get you device unlocked without losing your data. Let's explore now.

1. About Trust This Computer

Prior to moving on to solutions, this first section of the article will guide you about the 'Trust this Computer' pop up alert which plays a vital role if you wish to save your data from getting wiped off during the fix.

trust this computer

'Trust This Computer' alert or other security alerts that asks you to 'Trust' a device pops up on your iPhone when you connect your device to a computer or other devices for the very first time. The primary reason behind such a precautionary measure is:

  • Only those computers or devices to which you have granted 'Trust' permissions are allowed to establish a connection with your iPhone or other iOS device to carry out sync operations, create backups or access your device's data like photos, contacts, videos, etc.

Note: Once you have trusted a device or computer, their permissions remain unchanged until you completely erase your iOS device or you yourself make amendments to these permissions.

  • If in case, you choose 'Don't Trust' on such security alerts, that implies you block or deny the computer or device access to the data stored on your iPhone. Also, whenever you connect your device to that computer, this security alert will always pop up on your screen to seek your permissions.

How do you know if you have trusted a computer before? If you have synced your iPhone to any computer before, then you must have trusted the computer.

2. If You Have Trusted a Computer Before

In the case, you have already tapped on 'Trust' button on the 'Trust this Computer' security alert before, simply connect your device to the 'Trusted' computer. After connecting your iPhone and the computer, follow the below mentioned solutions, and then you will be able to save your data.The good news is that your iOS device will be recognized successfully and there will be the options like "Update", "Restore iPhone", and "Back Up Now".

Note: It seems Apple changes the security mechanism and for some devices, there are not such options.

Method 1. Try "Update" Option First If There Is the Option

While we were performing some tests to get iPhone out of the disabled situation, we were offered with Update option. Here's how we enable the disabled iPhone without erasing the data.

  • Launch iTunes and wait for it to detect your iPhone and then tap the iPhone icon.
  • Now, hit on the 'Update' button instead of 'Restore iPhone'. Yes, that's correct, you'll now be asked to enter your passcode of your device. iTunes will now start updating your iPhone to the latest iOS 14.
  • Congratulations! iTunes has now updated your device to the iOS 14 and miraculously, the iPhone disabled lock screen has been removed. Moreover, you may also find that all your data is still intact!

update iPhone using iTunes

Method 2. Use iTunes to Backup iPhone & Then Restore Your iPhone

If you cannot see the "Update" option and you can see the "Back Up Now" option, you can just make backup of your iPhone via iTunes and then factory reset it. Later, when your iPhone is enabled, you can restore that backup to your iPhone and retrieve your data back. Here's what you need to do.

  • After connection, launch iTunes and tap on the iPhone icon.
  • Now, hit on 'Back Up Now' button to initiate the backup of your data.
  • After the backup, click "Restore iPhone" and proceed to next step.
  • Once your device restarts like a new iPhone, you can tap the 'Restore Backup' button available under the 'Summary' page to restore your data back into your iPhone.
  • Lastly, select the relevant backup file from the pop up message and hit on 'Restore'.

restore iPhone

3. If You Never Trusted a Computer Before

As discussed in the previous section, you can only gain access to your iPhone's data via your computer when you have tapped on 'Trust' button on the 'Trust this Computer' alert. If in case you haven't granted the Trust permissions, then we're really sad to inform you that there is no other way round to help you and save your device's data yet. The only way to gain access to your iPhone is to restore it via iTunes which will wipe off entire data on your device and then reinstall its compatible iOS 14 firmware. Here are the steps to get this done.

  1. Launch iTunes application on your computer and establish proper connection using a original cable between the computer and iPhone.
  2. Put your iPhone in to DFU mode (follow the instruction in this article) or Recovery mode (follow the instruction here).
  3. iTunes will detect an iPhone in recovery mode and you will be offered with a solution to restore iPhone. Just click the corresponding button.
  4. iTunes will start to download the firmware and soon start to resotre your iPhone. Your iPhone will work as a new iPhone after restoring.

restore disabled iPhone with iTunes

4. Quick Tip: Selectively Restore Your Backup Files

Here's an additional tip for the users who wish to selectively restore their data. As we all know, iTunes just doesn't allows you to restore your data selectively, which is its biggest drawback. We have brought to iMyFone iTransor, the highly trusted and powerful tool to serve the purpose of restoring your backup selectively and securely. Let's discover the steps involved.

Try It FreeTry It Free

Step 1: Get the iMyFone iTransor software from its official website, install it on your computer and launch it. Now, tap the 'Restore Backup to Device' tab from the menu on the left.

choose to restore a backup

Step 2: The software will automatically detect the backups made by you on the computer and load them up on your screen. Select the relevant iTunes backup file from the list and hit 'Next'.

Step 3: Hit on 'Restore Partial Backup' from the next screen and then select the desired data types that you wish to transfer. Click 'Next'.

click restore a partial backup

choose the data type you want to restore

Step 4: Now, the tool will scan the backup and load the selected data on your screen for you preview. Lastly, hit on the Restore button to initiate restoring data back to your iPhone.

preview data in backup