iPhone Passcode Not Working? 9 Ways to Fix When Your Correct Passcode Fails

Having your iPhone suddenly refuse your correct passcode can be frustrating. Maybe you were using your iPhone just a few minutes ago, and now it won’t unlock even though you’re entering the right passcode. Or perhaps you woke up to find that your iPhone won’t accept your passcode after an automatic system update overnight. Whatever the situation, whether my iPhone passcode is not working or passcode not working on iPhone suddenly, you don’t need to panic.

In this guide, we’ll explain why this issue happens, show you risk-free fixes that won’t erase your data, cover official Apple solutions, and introduce reliable third-party methods if needed. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to regain access to your iPhone safely and efficiently.

Part 1. Why Is My iPhone Passcode Not Working?

If your iPhone passcode is not working suddenly, it doesn’t always mean you forgot the code. In many cases, small glitches or settings can block the correct passcode from being recognized. Here are the most common causes:

Part 2: Fix iPhone Passcode Not Working (No Data Loss)

If your iPhone passcode is not working but you’re sure you entered it correctly, start with these simple fixes. They won’t erase any data and often solve the issue right away.

Method 1. Restart Your iPhone

A basic restart can clear temporary glitches. If the screen is unresponsive, try a force restart:

1. iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release Volume Up, then Volume Down. Hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
2. iPhone 7 / 7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Side button until the Apple logo shows.
3. iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold Home button + Top/Side button until restart.

This often resolves the “my passcode is not working on my iPhone suddenly” issue.

Method 2. Wait and Retry

If the issue is caused by a temporary freeze or iOS update, the passcode will usually work after waiting.

Steps

1. Leave your iPhone untouched for 1–5 minutes.
2. After the system stabilizes, re-enter your passcode carefully.

Method 3. Check Screen & Keyboard Settings

Steps

1. Clean the screen to ensure touch input is recognized.
2. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard and confirm the correct language and region.
3. In Settings > Display & Brightness, turn off Display Zoom or other features that could affect input.

Rsult: Fixes cases where the passcode isn’t working because of mis-typed digits, touch issues, or keyboard glitches.

Method 4. Verify Apple ID Status

If your passcode is tied to Apple ID verification (e.g., after a password reset), make sure your Apple ID is active and signed in correctly. A temporary Apple server issue can sometimes block the passcode.

1. Go to Settings > [Your Apple ID] and confirm you’re signed in correctly.
2. Check Apple’s System Status Page to ensure there are no temporary server outages.

Best for: Users who just updated iOS, restarted their device, or noticed glitches without actually forgetting their passcode.

Official Apple Methods to Fix Passcode not Working on iPhone

When the quick fixes don’t help and your iPhone still says “passcode not working”, Apple’s official solutions come into play. Keep in mind: most of these involve erasing your iPhone before you can set it up again.

Method 1. Use “Forgot Passcode?” (iOS 17 and later)

Best for: Users on iOS 17+ who remember their Apple ID and just want to reset the passcode.

Requirements: Wi-Fi connection, Apple ID & password.

Data impact: Erases iPhone, but you can restore data later from iCloud or iTunes backup.

Steps

Step 1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong passcode a few times until Forgot Passcode? appears.

Step 2. Tap it, sign in with your Apple ID & password.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen prompts to reset the passcode.

Method 2. Erase iPhone via iCloud (Find My iPhone)

Best for: If your iPhone is lost, stolen, or you can’t access it physically.

Requirements: 

• Find My iPhone is enabled.
• Another internet-accessible device (browser or Apple device with Find My app).
• Apple ID & password used on the locked iPhone.

Data impact: Complete erase, but allows restore from backup.

Option A: Use iCloud.com (Web Browser)

Step 1: Visit the official webpage for iCloud.com and hit the black Sign In icon found at the bottom of the screen displayed. Type the correct details, and click the right icon to proceed.

Step 2: Next, a notification will be directed to any of the devices linked to your Apple ID. Please, click Allow to grant permission, copy the 2FA code and enter in the space provided if required.

Step 3: Now, that you’ve successfully signed into your iCloud account, swipe down to where you have Find My and click on it.

Step 4: A screen with all the devices connected to your Apple ID will appear. Scroll through the list and click on your locked iPhone to proceed.

Step 5: Select Erase This Device and provide your Apple ID password to confirm you are the authentic owner of the account. Once done, your iPhone will be wiped. You can unlock your iPhone without passcode and use it normally.

Option B: Use Find My App (on Another Apple Device)

Step 1: Launch Find My app on another reliable iPhone, iPad or Mac(iPhone is taken as an example here).

Step 2: Switch to Me tab and tap Help a Friend. Next, hit Use a different Apple Account.

Step 3: Sign into iCloud with the Apple ID used on your own iPhone.

Step 4: Select your iPhone from the device list and hit Erase This Device. Follow the onscreen steps to complete the erasing process.

Tip: If you have a trusted device signed in with your Apple ID, simply open the Find My app, select Devices, and then choose your iPhone to restore it.

Method 3. Restore with iTunes / Finder (Recovery Mode)

Best for: Users who can connect iPhone to a computer with a cable.

Requirements: Mac or Windows PC, iTunes/Finder, stable internet.

Data impact: Erases all data, reinstalls iOS, then lets you restore from backup.

Steps

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a cable.

Step 2. Put the iPhone into Recovery Mode (button combos differ by model).

iPhone 8/X and Later models

• Press down the Volume Up key and release.
• Hold down the Volume Down button too and release it also.
• Now, press down the Side button. Keep holding until you have the recovery mode screen on your iPhone.

iPhone 7/7 Plus

• Press down the Volume Down and Power buttons together at the same time.
• Continue holding down the aforementioned buttons until the recovery mode logo appears.

iPhone 6/6S and Earlier models

• Hold down both the Home button and Power button together simultaneously.
• Release both keys when you see the recovery mode screen.

Step 3. In Finder/iTunes, choose Restore.

Step 4. Wait for iOS to reinstall, then restore from backup.

Method 4. DFU Mode Restore (Deeper Repair)

Best for: When Recovery Mode fails, or iOS is corrupted.

Requirements: Lightning/USB-C cable, Mac/PC with iTunes or Finder.

Data impact: Total wipe, reinstalls firmware and iOS from scratch.

Steps

Step 1. Connect iPhone to computer.

Step 2. Enter DFU Mode (button combos depend on model).

Step 3. Finder/iTunes will detect the iPhone in recovery; choose Restore.

Step 4. Wait for firmware + iOS reinstall, then restore data from backup.

Part 4. Fix iPhone Passcode Not Working Quickly– Third-Party Tools

If the official Apple methods don’t work for you — for example, if you forgot your Apple ID, your iPhone is stuck, or you don’t want to bother with complicated steps — third-party unlock tools can be a practical solution.

Steps to Unlock iPhone Using Passixer

Step 1 Install and Run Passixer

Download, install, and launch the Passixer software on your computer. On the quick start page, select Wipe Passcode.

Step 2 Confirm Device Information<

Passixer will analyze your iPhone and display its details. Make sure the information matches your device, then click Start to download and install the firmware package.

Step 3 Enter Confirmation Code

Once the firmware package is downloaded, type 0000 and click Unlock to confirm the operation.

Step 4 Unlocking Process

The unlocking will begin immediately. Wait until the process is complete. When finished, disconnect your iPhone and start using it without restrictions.

Part 5. Fixes for Apple ID Reset Passcode Not Working

Sometimes, your iPhone passcode issue is actually linked to your Apple ID. For example, after a password reset, your device may refuse the correct passcode because the Apple ID verification hasn’t completed.

Common Apple ID Passcode Issues

• Verification delays: The system hasn’t synced your new Apple ID password yet.
• Account lock: Too many failed login attempts can temporarily lock your Apple ID.
• Outdated password: You changed your Apple ID password elsewhere, but your iPhone is still trying the old one.

Solutions

1. Reset via Apple Website

Best for: Users with access to a trusted device or browser.

Step 1: Click the Apple icon in the top pane and choose System Preferences from the drop-down menu.

Step 2: Select Apple ID in the shown window.

Step 3: In the sidebar, choose Password & Security. Then, click Change Password in the right section.

Step 4: Enter your device passcode and hit Allow.

Step 5: Type a new password twice and hit Change to save it.

2. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Best for: Accounts with 2FA enabled.

Step 1: Go to iforgot.apple.com and click Reset Password.

Step 2: Input your Apple ID and enter the provided code.

Step 3: Choose to reset the password through emails or security questions. Then, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the password reset job.

3. Contact Apple Support

Best for: Locked accounts, repeated verification failures, or if you don’t have a trusted device.

Steps:

Step 1. Visit Apple Support.

Step 2. Select Apple ID → Forgot Apple ID password.

Step 3. Follow instructions to speak with an Apple advisor.

Tips to Avoid Passcode Issues on iPhone

To reduce the chances of encountering “my iPhone passcode is not working” or “passcode not working on iPhone suddenly”, follow these practical tips:

Keep iOS Updated, But Back Up First

• Always update to the latest iOS to fix bugs and security issues.
• Before updating, back up your iPhone via iCloud or iTunes/Finder to avoid potential data loss.

Regularly Back Up Your iPhone

• Schedule routine backups to ensure you can restore data if your device ever becomes inaccessible.
• Use iCloud, iTunes/Finder, or third-party backup software.

Use Memorable but Strong Passcodes

• Avoid overly simple or easily guessable passcodes.
• Combine numbers, letters (if using alphanumeric), and symbols for security.

Maintain Your Screen and Accessories

• Clean your iPhone screen regularly to ensure touch inputs register correctly.
• Check for faulty chargers, cables, or cases that may interfere with touchscreen functionality.

Enable Multiple Unlock Options

• Use Face ID or Touch ID in addition to your passcode.
• This provides alternative ways to unlock your iPhone if one method fails.

FAQs

Conclusion

Experiencing a situation where my iPhone passcode is not working or passcode not working on iPhone suddenly can be stressful, but there’s no need to panic. Most cases are caused by temporary glitches, iOS updates, keyboard/input issues, or Apple ID verification delays.
By following this structured approach, you can unlock your iPhone safely, minimize data loss, and understand why your passcode might suddenly stop working. Remember: you’re not alone — many users encounter similar issues, and the solutions outlined here have been proven to work across multiple real-life scenarios.