If you’ve forgotten your device’s passcode, restoring it from a backup will reset the passcode. USB ports have a three-pronged icon next to them. If your computer doesn’t have USB ports, proceed to the “iCloud” method.

If you have automatic backups enabled, you don’t need to back up again. To be safe, check the date of the latest backup under the “Backups” section. When backing up your phone, you have two location options: “iCloud”, which backs up your phone to your iCloud account, or “This computer”, which saves your phone’s data on your current computer.

If you have “Find My iPhone” enabled, iTunes will prompt you to disable it before restoring. Do this by opening your iOS device’s Settings, scrolling down and tapping iCloud, scrolling down and selecting Find My iPhone, and sliding the switch next to “Find My iPhone” to the left.

Read the information on the pop-up before continuing so you know what to expect when you restore your device.

The date and location of your selected backup will display below the bar. Pick the most recent one for best results. You’ll need to click the circle next to “Restore from this backup” to enable it if it isn’t your default option.

You should see a “Time remaining” value on the bottom of the restoration pop-up window.

You can add a new password to your phone from the “Touch ID & Passcode” section of your iPhone’s Settings.

You’ll need to wait an additional amount of time to let your phone’s apps update and resume their pre-erase status.

If you don’t have enough available space for an iCloud backup, you’ll need to backup your iOS device to iTunes. You only get 5 gigabytes of free iCloud storage, so you’ll likely need to buy more in order to backup to iCloud. You can purchase 50 gigabytes of storage for $0. 99 per month.

These are the credentials you use when purchasing apps from the app store.

For example, this option might say “Jane Doe’s iPad” for an iPad.

You’ll also need to click “Next” on the phone number entry menu.

Preferred language Preferred region Preferred Wi-Fi network

Location services help apps improve their helpfulness by using your iOS device’s regional location to personalize your experience.

If you’re using an iPhone 5 (or older model), the “Lock” button will be on the top of your phone’s case. On iPhone 6S phones (and any subsequent models) with “Raise to Wake” enabled, you can simply pick up your phone to turn on the screen.

Passcodes come in three different configurations: 4-digit, 6-digit, and alphanumeric (numbers, letters, and symbols).

iPhone 5S, SE, 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, 7, and 7 Plus. iPad Air 2, Mini 3, Mini 4, and Pro (both the 9. 7- and 12. 9-inch screen varieties).

The iPhone 5S and the iPhone SE are the two exceptions to this rule, wherein the Lock button is on the top of the phone’s casing.

Make sure you’re resting your finger directly on the Home button. If you have the “Rest Finger to Open” accessibility feature enabled, doing this should unlock your phone automatically.

If your fingerprint doesn’t adequately scan, your iOS device will transfer you to the passcode entry screen and prompt you to “Try Again. "