[Much Easier] How to Unlock iPhone with iTunes Step-by-Step

Unlocking a disabled iPhone can be quite a challenge, especially when you see the "iPhone is disabled" message after multiple wrong passcode attempts. This message can come in two forms: "iPhone is disabled, try again in X minutes" or "iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes".

Whether you forgot your passcode, tried too many times, or faced a frozen screen, you can use iTunes to get back into your locked iPhone. In this guide, we'll show you how to unlock an iPhone with iTunes; also, provide best iTunes alternative to unlock iPhone. Keep in mind that unlocking your iPhone using iTunes will erase everything, so backing up your iPhone to your computer is crucial.

Part 1. How to Unlock iPhone with iTunes Step-by-Step

Unlocking your iPhone using iTunes (or Finder) is a straightforward process that can help you regain access to your device if you've forgotten your passcode or find yourself stuck with the "iPhone is disabled, Connect to iTunes" message. How do you unlock a permanently locked iPhone on iTunes? Here, we'll provide clear, step-by-step instructions to unlock your iPhone 6/7/11/14 and more models using iTunes:

1. Preparations before unlocking with iTunes

1. An iPhone USB cable: It is recommended that you use the original USB cable in case the device connection fails.

2. A computer: Windwos or Mac that has been synced with iPhone using iTunes is recommended.

  • For PCs or Macs running macOS 10.14 or earlier, use iTunes to unlock
  • For Macs running macOS 10.15 and later, use Finder to unlock

2. For Computers Previously Synced with iTunes/Finder

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a compatible USB cable.

Step 2: Open iTunes on your computer. Ensure that iTunes is up to date.

Step 3: If your iPhone has been synced with this computer via iTunes, you will see an iPhone icon in the top left corner of the iTunes window (or in Finder, it will appear in the left sidebar). Click on this icon. If your device is not recognized, proceed to the next method.

Step 4: In the left part of the iTunes screen, click on "Summary." If you don't have a backup of the iPhone that needs to be unlocked, click on "Back Up Now" to create a backup using iTunes. Once the backup is complete, proceed to the next step. (For Finder users, click on "General" and choose "Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac," then click "Back Up Now" to create a backup.)

Step 5: Click the "Restore iPhone" button, followed by "Restore" in iTunes. iTunes will then begin the process of unlocking your iPhone.

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3. For Computers Never Synced with iTunes/Finder

If your iPhone has never been synced with the computer, and you can't get it recognized by iTunes (or Finder) due to a forgotten passcode or the "iPhone is disabled, Connect to iTunes" issue, you can put your iPhone into recovery mode to unlock it.

Step 1: Place your iPhone into recovery mode. The process varies depending on your iPhone model:

  • For iPhone 8, X, XS, XR, SE (2nd generation), 11, 12, or later: Hold down both the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons, and the Side button. Release the buttons when the power-off slider appears, then continue holding the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
  • For iPhone 7 (Plus): Hold the Side button until you see the power-off slider, then proceed with the same steps as above.
  • For iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold the Side (or Top) button until the "slide to power off" slider appears. Power off your device, then hold the Home button while connecting your iPhone to the computer. Release the button when your device enters recovery mode.
  •     put iphone in recovery mode

Step 2: Push and hold the button until the recovery mode screen emerges on the iPhone, then release the button.

Step 3: Now, unlock your iPhone using iTunes. In the dialog box that appears offering "Restore" and "Update" options in the iTunes or Finder window, select "Restore."

Step 4: iTunes (or Finder) will erase your iPhone and reinstall the iOS software. If your device exits recovery mode on its own after 15 minutes, repeat the steps to re-enter recovery mode for unlocking via iTunes.

4. Restore Backup After iPhone Unlock

As mentioned before, using iTunes to unlock iPhone will clear all data and settings of the iPhone, so after unlocking, you may need to set up your iPhone and restore from backup.

Here are some methods you can restore backup to your iPhone:

Restore from iTunes Backup:

  • When your device starts up after being unlocked by iTunes, follow the on-screen instructions.
  • At the "Apps & Data" screen, select "Restore from Mac or PC."
  • Connect your iPhone to the computer, open iTunes (or Finder), select your iPhone, and click "Restore Backup." Choose the relevant iTunes backup and click "Restore."

Restore from iCloud Backup:

  • On the "Apps & Data" screen, choose "Restore from iCloud Backup."
  • Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID and select a backup to restore.
  • Follow the prompts to complete the restoration process.

Restore from UltFone Backup:

If you have used UltFone iOS Data Manager to back up iPhone data for free with one click before unlocking, then after iPhone unlock, you can easily restore your iPhone backup data with one click using UltFone, including photos, music, contacts, etc.

By following the steps above, you can unlock you iPhone using iTunes successfully and regain access to your iPhone and running as before.

NOTE

If you need to be unable to complete this process smoothly, you can read Apple's Guide for more information on how to use iTunes to unlock your iPhone; or get other recommended solution, UltFone iPhone Unlock in the article to unlock it easily.

Part 2. Why Can't I Unlock My iPhone with iTunes

When you connect an iOS device to a system with a physical connector, a pop-up message appears asking if you want to trust the system. If you click trust, then it proceeds further. Here are the main reasons:

  • You may have encountered a different error while restoring or updating your device. You may have seen the message "This device can't be restored" from iTunes before and wondered what happened. A common error is caused by something simple. When updating or restoring iDevice, you may need to consider first.
  • USB cables wear out, fray, and break inside. Even if the business end appears to be operating normally, the wiring under the sheath may be damaged. Try the cable on a different device, or replace it with a different cable and try again.
  • It is possible that iTunes does not recognize your phone as a temporary software bug. It is especially true if you can't connect now, although you can connect normally. To solve most software problems, restart both the iPhone and the computer.

Part 3. How to Unlock iPhone without iTunes: Best iTunes Alternative HOT

How do you unlock a disabled iPhone without iTunes on a computer?

Many third-party tools allow you to unlock your iPhone without using iTunes. One of the most powerful and reliable tools is UltFone iPhone Unlock . This amazing software is a perfect iTunes alternative that does not require a passcode to unlock your iPhone. It can help you solve your problem quickly, whether you've got an unavaliable/disabled iPhone, made multiple mistakes in your passcode, or forgotten your passcode.

Key Features of UltFone iPhone Unlock:

  • One click to unlock iPhone without iTunes, passcode or Apple ID
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  • Easily bypass screen time passcode (no data loss) and MDM
  • Supports all iPhone models, including iPhone 6 to iPhone 15
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How to unlock iPhone without iTunes [Step-by-Step Guide]:

  • Step 1Download and install UltFone iPhone Unlock on your computer, then click "Start" to unlock iPhone without iTunes.
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  • Step 2Connect your iPhone to your computer and the software will detect it automatically. Click "Next" from the main interface.
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  • Step 3Choose a saved path and click "Download" to download the lastest firmware package.
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  • Step 4Click "Start Remove" to unlock iPhone.
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  • Step 5Congratulations! You've successfully unlocked iPhone without iTunes.
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Part 4. FAQs about How to Unlock iPhone with iTunes

Q1: Can iTunes Unlock an iPhone without a Computer

No, you cannot unlock the iPhone on the iTunes itself. But there is an option to unlock the iPhone using iCloud without resorting to iTunes. In addition, third-party tools such as UltFone iPhone Unlock can also be considered as an alternative to unlocking iPhones.

Q2: How to unlock an iPhone without erasing data using iTunes

You cannot use iTunes to unlock an iPhone without clearing the data. Unlocking your iPhone using iTunes will perform a factory reset and erase all data and settings on your device. But after unlocking, if you have a tool like iCloud backup or free iPhone backup tool, you can use it to restore data. If you do not have a backup, you should try to create one, if possible, before you start the unlock process.

Conclusion

In this article, we offer step-by-step guide for how to unlock iPhone with iTunes. As for the UltFone iPhone Unlock , it is a powerful and effective tool to unlock the iPhone without a passcode or iTunes. Even without technical skills and knowledge, users can bypass the iPhone passcode and access the device in just a few steps. There are other options, but the ease of use and high success rate of the UltFone will give you the best results in unlocking your iPhone.

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