How to Bypass Security Lockout on iPhone? Solved in 4 Easy Ways

"My iPhone says 'Security Lockout' and won't let me enter a password to get in; how do I open my phone without erasing it?"

- from Apple Community

Seeing the "Security Lockout" message on your iPhone can be frustrating, especially when you can't remember your passcode or access important files, photos, and apps. The Security Lockout iPhone feature is a security mechanism designed by Apple to protect your personal information and prevent unauthorized access after too many incorrect passcode attempts.

So, how can you get your iPhone out of Security Lockout? Can you bypass security lockout on iPhone without erasing data?? In this guide, we'll explain the meaning of Security Lockout, why it happens, and provide several practical unlocking methods to help you quickly restore your iPhone to normal use.

Part 1. What Does Security Lockout Mean on iPhone?

Apple introduced the Security Lockout message in iOS 15.2 as part of its enhanced device protection system. When an incorrect passcode is entered multiple times in a row, the iPhone automatically locks itself to prevent unauthorized access and keep your personal data secure.

How long is the Security Lockout on iPhone? The lockout duration increases with each failed attempt:

• After 6 incorrect passcode attempts, your iPhone is locked for 1 minute.
• After the 7th failed attempt, the lockout time increases to 5 minutes.
• After the 8th failed attempt, you must wait 15 minutes before trying again.
• After the 9th failed attempt, your iPhone shows "Security Lockout, Try again in 15 minutes" and temporarily disables access for security protection.

Part 2. Why Does My iPhone Say Security Lockout?

Most "Security Lockout" issues on iPhone usually happen when too many incorrect passcode attempts are detected. Common reasons include:

• Wrong passcode entered too many times — iOS increases the lockout time after repeated failed attempts.
• Old passcode used after changing it — You may accidentally enter the previous passcode multiple times.
• Repeated Face ID or Touch ID failures — After failed biometric attempts, iPhone requires the passcode.
• Accidental inputs — A child, pocket, or bag may trigger incorrect passcode entries.
• Forgotten passcode — You may not remember the correct password after not using the device for a long time.

Part 3. How to Get the iPhone Out of Security Lockout?

How do I remove the security lock on my iPhone? You can try the following 4 ways to bypass it with ease.

3.1 Bypass Security Lockout on iPhone Lock Screen

If your iPhone is running iOS 15.2 or later, connected to the internet, and you remember your Apple ID password, you can remove Security Lockout directly from the lock screen.

For iOS 15.2 - iOS 16:

Step 1. On the Lock Screen, enter the wrong passcode repeatedly until the Security Lockout screen appears. Then, tap "Erase iPhone" at the bottom of the screen.

Step 2. Tap "Erase iPhone" again to confirm. You'll see an "Erase All Content and Settings" message, which allows you to reset the locked iPhone.

Step 3. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted to sign out and disable Activation Lock. Your iPhone will erase all data and settings, restore to factory settings, and remove the Security Lockout screen.

Step 4. After the reset is complete, set up your iPhone again and restore your data from an iCloud or computer backup if available.

For iOS 17 or later:

Step 1. When the "Forgot Passcode?" option appears in the bottom-right corner after multiple failed attempts, tap it.

Step 2. Select "Enter Previous Passcode" to continue.

Step 3. Enter your old passcode to verify your identity, then follow the on-screen instructions to create a new passcode.

Step 4. Use the new passcode to unlock your iPhone and remove the Security Lockout screen.

3.2 Unlock iPhone Security Lockout Using iPhone Unlocker

If you forgot your Apple ID password or cannot remove Security Lockout from the lock screen, you can use a professional iPhone unlocking tool, such as iPhone Unlocker. It helps remove the iPhone lock screen passcode and fix issues like Security Lockout and iPhone disabled.

In addition to screen passcodes, it can also effectively manage other security locks, such as Apple ID, MDM, and Screen Time passcodes.

Key features of iPhone Unlocker:

• Unlock your iPhone without a passcode.
• Remove various screen locks, including 4/6-digit passcodes, patterns, Touch ID, Face ID, and more.
• Bypass locked, disabled, unavailable, or Security Lockout iPhones with a high success rate.
• Remove Apple ID and iCloud account locks without requiring a password.
• Reset your iPhone and securely erase all data and settings.
• Support the latest iOS 26 and iPhone 17.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

Here's how to use an iPhone Unlocker to bypass Security Lockout on iPhone:

3.3 Fix Security Lockout on iPhone with iTunes/Finder

If you don't want to install third-party software, you can try using iTunes or Finder to restore your iPhone. However, since your device is locked and inaccessible, a normal restore may not work. You'll need to put your iPhone into Recovery Mode to remove the Security Lockout.

Here is how to disable Security Lockout on iPhone with iTunes/Finder:

Step 1. Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes or Finder, then connect your iPhone to the computer.

Step 2. Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode using the instructions below:

• iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release the "Volume Up" button, then press and quickly release the "Volume Down" button. Hold the "Side" button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
• iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the "Side" (or Top) button and "Volume Down" button together until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
• iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the "Home" button and "Top" (or Side) button at the same time until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

Step 3. Open iTunes or Finder and select your iPhone. When you see the "Update" or "Restore" options, choose "Restore". Your iPhone will be erased and reinstalled with the latest software, which removes the Security Lockout screen.

3.4 Unlock Security Lockout on iPhone via iCloud

Besides the methods mentioned above, you can also use Find My iPhone to bypass the Security Lockout screen. This method allows you to remotely erase your iPhone without a computer.

However, Find My iPhone must have been enabled before the device was locked, and you need to know the associated Apple ID and password. If these requirements are met, follow the steps below:

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

Step 2. Sign in with your Apple ID and password, then select "Find My iPhone" from the iCloud menu.

Step 3. Click "All Devices" and choose the iPhone that is locked with Security Lockout.

Step 4. Select "Erase iPhone" and confirm the action by clicking "Erase".

Step 5. Once the process is complete, the Security Lockout screen will be removed from your iPhone.

Final Thoughts

The Security Lockout iPhone message is an important security feature that protects your personal information after too many incorrect passcode attempts. Although it can be frustrating, it does not mean your iPhone is permanently unusable. To remove the security lock on your iPhone, you can try Apple's built-in reset option, restore through iTunes/Finder, erase the device using iCloud, or use professional unlocking software.

For users who want a simpler and more efficient solution, iPhone Unlocker is a recommended choice. It provides an easy way to remove iPhone screen passwords and fix problems such as Security Lockout and disabled devices without complicated technical steps.

Before unlocking your iPhone, always check whether you have a backup available. This helps minimize the risk of losing important photos, contacts, and personal files during the recovery process.

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