What to Do If Your New iPhone Is Locked and You Forgot the PIN Without Face ID or Apple ID Setup

Your New iPhone Is Locked and: If your new iPhone is locked because you forgot the PIN and you haven't set up Face ID or an Apple ID, you must erase the device to remove the lock. This requires connecting your iPhone to a computer with iTunes or Finder and restoring it to factory settings, which deletes all data.

Quick answer

Your New iPhone Is Locked and: what you need to know

Why Is My New iPhone Locked Without Face ID or Apple ID Setup?

When you receive a new iPhone that is locked because you have forgotten the PIN code, and you have not yet set up Face ID or linked an Apple ID, it can be a frustrating experience. The PIN code acts as the primary security barrier to protect your device and personal data. Without Face ID or Apple ID configured, you lose the convenience of biometric authentication or remote recovery options, making the PIN the sole method to unlock your device.

Apple’s security architecture is designed to prioritize user privacy and data protection. This means that if the PIN is forgotten and no alternative authentication methods like Face ID or Apple ID are available, the system does not provide a backdoor to bypass the lock screen. Instead, the only way to regain access is to erase the device completely, which removes all data and settings, including the forgotten PIN. This strict security measure ensures that unauthorized users cannot access your information.

How to Unlock a New iPhone When You Forgot the PIN and Have No Face ID or Apple ID Setup

If you find yourself locked out of your new iPhone under these circumstances, the process to regain access involves erasing the device and setting it up again from scratch. This will delete all existing data, so it’s important to understand the implications before proceeding. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Prepare a Computer: You will need access to a Mac or Windows PC. Ensure that the computer has the latest version of iTunes installed if you are using Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier. For macOS Catalina or later, you will use Finder instead of iTunes to manage your device.
Put Your iPhone in Recovery Mode: Recovery mode allows your computer to communicate with the iPhone even if it is locked or unresponsive. The method to enter recovery mode depends on your iPhone model:
- iPhone 8 or later (including iPhone SE 2nd generation and newer): Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears, which shows a cable pointing to a computer or iTunes icon.
- iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Side button simultaneously. Keep holding them until the recovery mode screen appears.
- iPhone 6s or earlier (including iPhone SE 1st generation): Press and hold both the Home button and the Side (or Top) button simultaneously until the recovery mode screen appears.
Connect Your iPhone to the Computer: While holding the appropriate buttons to enter recovery mode, connect your iPhone to the computer using a compatible USB cable. Keep holding the buttons until the recovery mode screen is visible on your iPhone.
Restore Your iPhone: On your computer, iTunes or Finder will detect that your iPhone is in recovery mode and prompt you with options to Update or Restore. Choose Restore. This action will erase all data and settings on your iPhone and install the latest version of iOS. The process may take some time depending on your internet connection and computer speed.
Set Up Your iPhone: Once the restore process is complete, your iPhone will restart and display the initial setup screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device as new. During setup, you will create a new PIN code and have the option to configure Face ID and sign in with an Apple ID. Setting up these features is highly recommended to avoid similar lockout issues in the future and to enable easier recovery options.

Important Considerations

Data Loss: Restoring your iPhone erases all data stored on the device. If you have never backed up your iPhone to iCloud or a computer, there is no way to recover your lost data after the restore. It is always advisable to regularly back up your device to prevent permanent data loss.
Activation Lock: If your iPhone has Activation Lock enabled, which is automatically turned on when you sign in with an Apple ID and enable Find My iPhone, you will be required to enter the Apple ID and password that were originally used to activate the device after the restore. This security feature prevents unauthorized use of your iPhone if it is lost or stolen.
Apple ID Credentials: Without the correct Apple ID and password, you will not be able to complete the setup process after restoring your iPhone if Activation Lock is enabled. This means the device will remain locked and unusable until the credentials are provided.

If the Problem Continues

In some cases, you might encounter difficulties restoring your iPhone or dealing with Activation Lock. Here are some practical steps to consider:

Contact Apple Support: If you have proof of purchase, such as a receipt or invoice, Apple Support can assist you in verifying ownership and potentially help with Activation Lock removal. This is especially important if you legitimately own the device but have lost access to the Apple ID credentials.
Visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider: In-person assistance can sometimes resolve complex issues more effectively. Apple technicians can guide you through the recovery process or provide additional options based on your situation.
Update Your Computer’s Software: Make sure that iTunes or Finder on your computer is up to date. An outdated version may cause problems when attempting to restore your iPhone. After updating, try entering recovery mode and restoring your device again.