iPhone Is Disabled, Connect to iTunes? Ways to Unlock it

The message "iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes" is a distressing sight for any iPhone user. This issue occurs when you enter the wrong passcode multiple times, leading to your device becoming temporarily or permanently disabled. However, there's no need to panic.

In this article, we'll guide you through different methods to resolve this situation and unlock your iPhone. It is likely that you will lose everything from iPhone after unlocking it. Therefore, it’s suggested to fully backup your iPhone first.

Part 1. How to fix “iPhone is disabled connect to iTunes” with iTunes

As the error message says, connecting your iPhone to iTunes is a potential solution. However, before attempting either of the following methods, ensure that your iTunes is updated to its latest version.

Depending on whether your iPhone has been previously synced with iTunes, you can opt to either restore it via iTunes or put it into recovery mode.

Way 1. Restore iPhone via iTunes

iTunes can help you restore your iPhone if you have backed up your iPhone using it recently. Follow the steps below to backup and restore your iPhone to get out of the issue.

Step 1. Launch the newest version of iTunes on your computer > Connect to iTunes.

Step 2. Click the phone icon at the upper-left of the screen > Summary > Click Back Up Now.

Step 3. Click Restore iPhone... to start resetting. It will take a few minutes to complete. When it is over, click Done, and then restart your iPhone.

Way 2. Put your iPhone into recovery mode

The other way to unlock the disabled iPhone is to put your iPhone into recovery mode and restore it using iTunes. The followings are detailed steps, telling you how to unlock.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to computer. Put your iPhone into recovery mode. The steps are slight different depending on the model of iPhone you’re using:
>> For an iPhone 8 or later : Press the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons, then briefly hold down the Side (or Top) button until the recovery mode screen appears.
>> For iPhone 7/7P: Simultaneously press and hold the Side (or Top) and Volume Down buttons.
>> For iPhone6, SE, and older: Hold down the Side (or Top) and Home buttons together until the recovery mode screen is shown.

Step 2. Open iTunes > Click the phone icon in the upper-left corner > When a prompt appears, click Restore and wait for the process to finish.

When it is finished, you can set up your iPhone as if it was new. After going through these setup processes, you’ll be offered the option to restore from a backup.

Part 2. How to fix “iPhone is disabled connect to iTunes” without computer

Wondering “iPhone is disabled connect to iTunes” how to unlock without computer? The exclusive approach to resolve the "iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes" error without a computer involves utilizing iCloud.

However, this method is only applicable if you've previously enabled the Find My iPhone feature. If this isn't the case, try alternative methods outlined in this guide. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Step 1. Open a web browser and go to www.icloud.com/find > Log in your iCloud ID > Click Find My icon.

Step 2. Click All Devices at the top of your screen > Select your iPhone SE from the list.

Step 3. Click on Erase iPhone and wait for your iPhone to be unlocked.

Bonus: Backup and restore iPhone without data loss by FoneTool

Even if you've backed up your iPhone using iTunes or iCloud before trying to fix any issues, there's still a chance you might lose some data from your iPhone. To help reduce the risk of data loss, you can use a more advanced backup tool called FoneTool.

Unlike iTunes and iCloud, FoneTool lets you backup your iPhone in a way that suits your needs, whether you want to backup everything or just specific data files. Plus, you won't be limited by how much space you have available.

Click the icon below to get FoneTool, which makes it easy to regularly backup your iPhone to your computer in just three simple steps.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to computer using USB > Launch FoneTool, and click Phone Backup from the left pane > Click Get Started under Full Backup.  You can also choose Selective Backup to selectively backup iPhone.

Step 2. Switch on Enable Backup Encryption if needed > When asked, enter and verify your password to encrypt iPhone backup > Click OK to continue. Please keep your password in mind, since it will be used to access the backup files in the future.

Step 3. Modify the backup storage path if needed. Finally, click Start Backup to begin the backup process.

When you need to restore the encrypt backup for iPhone from FoneTool, just get to the Backup History page > locate the backup files > Click the restore icon > Enter your backup password to restore it.

Conclusion

Facing the "iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes" message can be distressing, but with the methods outlined in this article, you can regain access to your device. Whether you have access to a computer or need to rely on iCloud, the step-by-step instructions provided will guide you through the process of unlocking your iPhone.

Besides, for those looking for a comprehensive solution to manage their iPhone data, FoneTool's backup and restore feature offers a bonus advantage. With this tool, you can backup and restore your iPhone without losing valuable data.