Ways to Fix Disabled iPhone, Enable iPhone on iTunes, & Prevention Tips

iPhone emerged as one of Apple's most iconic and sought-after devices because of its cutting-edge features and intuitiveness. Despite the advanced technologies added to it, there are cases that it may encounter glitches or security measures that will make it disabled. Usually, when it happens, you will receive a notification message on your screen.

Today, we are about to explain why it happens, what solutions you can use, and what is countermeasure you should follow to avoid it from happening or happening again. Whether it is due to forgotten passcode security concerns or software malfunctions, knowing the cause of its disables is essential. Continue to read this, know why iPhone is disabled, and learn how to fix it immediately.

Fix Disable iPhone

Part 1. Why Is My iPhone Disabled?

When your iPhone is disabled, your device is locked as a protective measure due to a specific situation, and it can be identified as temporary and permanently disabled. The temporary will happen if you input a series of incorrect passcode attempts. Since it is temporary, the disablement has a specific period, but it can gradually increase with each subsequent incorrect entry.

On the other hand, a permanent disablement arises when you attempt numerous times, and you would not be able to use it again without enabling it. An iPhone becoming disabled is a security feature added to guard your data and ensure only authorized users can access the devices. Aside from that, we have added common reasons why a disabled iPhone happens.

1. Forgotten Password

The most common reason when an iPhone is disabled is because you attempt to enter a passcode numerous times. iOS security measures kick in to protect the device, resulting in a temporary disablement at first, but if it is continuous, it can lead to permanent disablement.

2. Security Measures

iPhones have the best security feature in terms of mobile devices, and it also equipped with security features that turn off the device to prevent unauthorized access. With this, it can safely guard your personal information from others who want to try accessing it on the device.

3. Software Glitches

There is some situation where software glitches and bugs can trigger the disablement features of iOS since it detects that an anomaly disrupts the normal operation and prompt the disabling message.

Part 2. How to Fix Disabled iPhone Using Common Ways & Ultimate System Recovery

1. iTunes Restoration

iTunes is a software application developed for Apple devices, but now you can download iTunes on Windows. It allows users to manage and sync content from iPhones, such as music, videos, photos, and apps, and even create an iTunes backup. Previously synced your iPhone with iTunes? You can quickly restore your device by following how to unlock a disabled iPhone here.

iTunes on Mac
Step 1:
Connect your device to where iTunes is installed.
Step 2:
Next, click the Restore option on the list that appears.
Step 3:
Wait until it is finished, and you can now plug it out. During this time, all your data saved on iOS will be removed, removing the disabling lock on your iOS.

2. iCloud Restoration

iCloud is Apple’s cloud-based service that securely stores your data and content only. You can also automatically back up your iPhone’s essential files, such as photos, contacts, and settings. If you have enabled iCloud backup, you can restore your iPhone using it. How to fix a disabled iPhone using iCloud? Well, follow the instruction below.

iCloud
Step 1:
Go to the official website of iCloud using another device or your computer. You signed the account associated with the disabled iPhone.
Step 2:
Click on Find iPhone, select All Devices, and choose the iPhone disabled from the list.
Step 3:
If the iPhone is connected to the internet, you can press Erase iPhone to remove all data and settings from the device.

3. Recovery Mode

Recovery mode is a special mode added on iPhone for you to use when encountering severe issues, such as being stuck on a screen, not responding, or disabled. If you did not sync your iPhone to iTunes or iCloud, try putting your iPhone in recovery mode. Learn the free method to reset a disabled iPhone using recovery mode by copying the steps below.

Step 1:
Plugged your iPhone into your PC using the USB cable and launch iTunes.
Step 2:
Then, you will need to do a force restart on your iPhone. The force restart may depend on what version of iPhone you are using. Please follow the indications below according to the version of your iPhone.

For iPhone 8 or later:

Press and release the volume up, then do the same with the volume down. Hold the Side or Top button until you see the recovery mode screen.

For iPhone 7 and 7+:

Press and hold the volume down and the Sleep or Wake button until the recovery mode screen shows.

For iPhone 6s and earlier:

Press and hold the Home and top buttons simultaneously until the recovery mode screen appears.

Step 3:
After that, you can see a screen with the Connect to iTunes or Connect to Finder message on your iPhone, which means you have successfully put your phone into this mode.
Step 4:
Using iTunes or Finder, a message will display indicating that the iPhone in Recovery Mode is connected, and two options will appear, Update and Restore. This time, click Restore to fix the issue and reset your iPhone.
Restore iPhone

4. iOS System Reset

When the standard method falls short, you must use the Aiseesoft iOS System Recovery since it is a comprehensive solution to rescue you. It is a powerful tool that specializes in fixing various iOS issues, including the disabled iPhone you are currently encountering today. With the advanced and standard mode, surely any problems you have been dealing with on your iOS will be solved immediately. Plus, you can upgrade and downgrade the iOS version whenever you want with this app. You can follow the tutorial below to teach you how to enable your iPhone again using this app.

Step 1:
First, download the app on your computer by ticking the download button, installing it, following the setup process, and letting it do the configuration. After that, you can launch the app and follow the steps below.
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Step 2:
On the main interface, click the iOS System Recovery and connect your iOS to the Computer using your charging cable. Click Trust when a notification appears on your phone.
Launch iOS System Recovery
Step 3:
Initiate the process by clicking the Start button then you should verify the iOS mode and other details. Lastly, click the Repair button to initiate the problem-solving procedure of this app. After, you can now open the enabled iOS device again.
Repair Disabled iOS

Part 3. How to Re-Activate My iPhone with iTunes [Bonus Part]

If you want to know how to enable iPhone with iTunes, then this is the steps that you will need to follow. Enabling your iPhone via iTunes can be useful if the device is disabled or experiencing issues that prevent normal activation. Plus, download the latest version of it or update iTunes on your device to use it effectively.

Step 1:
Open the iTunes on your computer and connect the iPhone disabled on it using a cable.
Step 2:
Click the icon that represents your iPhone to access your device summary page. Inside it, you are able to see various details about the connected iPhone, including its activation status. Since your iPhone is disabled or inactive, you must verify the process by inputting your Apple ID credentials, confirming device information, and agreeing to the terms and conditions.
Step 3:
Now that the device is activated disconnect your phone from your computer safely.
Step 4:
Complete the on-screen instruction it requires for you to set up the device. If you want to restore iPhone data on iTunes backup, you can also do it during setup.

Part 4. How to Avoid iPhone From Being Disabled - 5 Things You Should Not Do

1. Trying to Input Series of Incorrect Password

Entering the wrong password multiple times can lead to iPhone being disabled. After a certain number of attempts, your device, even not iPhone, will become disabled for a specific time frame. Double-checking the password you enter is important, and if you are having trouble remembering it, we suggest you manage the password on your iPhone or iPad using third-party apps or consider using biometric options like Face ID or Touch ID.

2. Attempting to Jailbreak Your iPhone

If you want to install unauthorized apps on your iPhone, jailbreaking is a method you need to do however, it can compromise security and stability, leading to disablement and exposing your device to malware attacks.

3. Ignoring to Update the Software

Updating the software regularly is crucial for security enhancements and bug fixes. Ignoring the update can leave your device from security breaches, unauthorized access, and disabling. If an update is available, always get it.

4. Access to Unauthorized Third-Party Services

Using unauthorized third-party services to unlock or manipulate your iPhone can compromise security, which leads to disablement. These services might promise to fix your iOS issues, but they lead to irreversible unintended consequences.

5. Suspicious Links and Messages

Phishing attempts can lead to unauthorized access or data breaches. Be cautious when clicking links in messages or opening emails from unknown sources. Avoid sharing personal information and password through text messages or emails, as legitimate organizations will not even ask you to ask any of these.

Part 5. FAQs on How to Fix Disable iPhone

How do you unlock a disabled iPhone without resetting it?

If you want to unlock your iPhone without resetting it, you should connect it to iTunes. Then, enter the Recovery Mode, and restore your data from the previous backup. This way, you can regain access without erasing all data from your iPhone.

Can Apple unlock my disabled iPhone without erasing everything?

Contacting or visiting Apple Support assistance can help you unlock a disabled iPhone without erasing everything saved on your device. They can even guide you through methods to unlock your device without a complete reset, but it may still depend on the circumstances.

Can you reset a disabled iPhone without Apple ID?

Yes, you can reset a disabled iPhone without using an Apple ID. Instead, you can use iTunes, the Recovery Mode method, or the help of the best app we have mentioned here, the Aiseesoft iOS System Recovery.

What is the difference between a disabled and a locked iPhone?

A disabled iPhone has been locked due to incorrect password attempts, unauthorized access, downloading illegal apps, and jailbreaking. It will display a message indicating your device is disabled within a timeframe. On the other hand, a locked iPhone is secured with a passcode or biometric to prevent unauthorized access.

What should I do if I forget my iPhone passcode and it is disabled?

It is best to reset the iPhone using iTunes, iCloud, Recovery Mode, and the Aiseesoft iOS System Recovery Mode. Remember that their process will erase all data on the disabled and forgotten password device.

Conclusion

Understanding the cause behind iPhone disablement and adopting preventive measures can maintain your device's functionality, security, and longevity. Remember that these methods are valuable asses whenever you need to troubleshoot your iPhone, ensure operational success, and guard your iPhone data.

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Fix iPhone

1.1 Fix Disabled iPhone

1.2 Fix Bricked iPhone

1.3 Fix iPhone Charger

1.4 Fix iPhone Contacts Disappeared

1.5 Fix iPhone Mail Error

1.6 Fix iPhone Volume

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