[Solved] How to Fix "iPhone is Disabled, Connect to iTunes" on iPhone 7/8/X

Applies to: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6s

When you enter the wrong passcode on your iPhone too many times in a row, you'll see an "iPhone is Disabled" error message. The amount of time you have to wait depends on how many attempts you've made. If you're in the unfortunate position of having tried 10 times and still haven't gotten it right, you'll see the message "iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes." If that's the case, and you don't want to use third-party software, your only options for unlocking a disabled iPhone are restoring from an iTunes or iCloud backup, or erasing the iPhone to delete all data, including the passcode. Like it or not, those are your three options when your iPhone displays "iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes."

Important

You can't resolve the "iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes" issue without losing data unless you have a backup.

"iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes - How to Fix"

Tip 1: How to Unlock an iPhone That's Disabled with iTunes

If you remember your passcode and have previously synced your iPhone with iTunes, you can restore your iPhone from a backup by connecting it to the computer you last synced it with and using iTunes. Here's how to unlock your iPhone through iTunes. (If you still can't remember your passcode or haven't synced with iTunes, you'll need to use one of the other methods in this article.)

Step 1: Update iTunes on your computer to the latest version.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone to the computer. If iTunes doesn't open automatically, launch it manually.

Step 3: Wait for iTunes to sync your iPhone and create a backup.

Step 4: Once that's done, click “Restore iPhone.” You'll then see the setup screen. (You can refer to our guide on how to set up the iPhone X for more help.)

Step 5: During setup, you'll see an option to "Restore from iTunes Backup." Connect your iPhone to iTunes and select the backup you want to restore.

Tip 2: Fix "iPhone Disabled, Connect to iTunes" via Recovery Mode

If you can't use iTunes to restore your iPhone to fix the problem, then putting your iPhone in Recovery Mode can help you remove the password and unlock your iPhone.

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch iTunes.

Step 2: With your iPhone connected, force-restart your iPhone.

• On iPhone X, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Then, hold down the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen. • On iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the Sidebar and Volume Down buttons at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen. • On iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold both the Home and Top (or Side) buttons at the same time. Release the buttons when you see the recovery mode screen.

Step 3: iTunes will now prompt you to Update or Restore your iPhone. Click Restore.

Step 4: Wait for the recovery process to finish. When it's done, you can set up and use your iPhone again.

Tip 3: Fix 'iPhone is Disabled, Connect to iTunes' via iCloud

If you turned on Find My iPhone before it was disabled, you can use this method to erase your iPhone at icloud.com and set it up as new.

Step 1: Open a web browser on your computer and visit .

Step 2: Enter your Apple ID and password. (If you don't remember your account details, learn how to reset your Apple ID password here.)

Step 3: Choose Find My iPhone > All Devices > [Your iPhone].

Step 4: Tap “Erase iPhone,” then tap “Erase” again to confirm. Enter your Apple ID password.

Step 5: After your iPhone has been erased, set it up as a new device and continue using it. If you previously backed up your iPhone with iCloud, you can choose to restore from that iCloud backup during setup.