Causes of the iPhone Disabled Error
Any iOS device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch) can be disabled, but the messages you see come in a few different forms. Sometimes, you’ll receive a plain iPhone is Disabled message. Other times the message asks you to try again in 5 minutes or to connect to iTunes. The cause is almost always the same: An incorrect passcode has been entered too many times. The passcode is an iPhone security measure that requires you to enter a numbered password to unlock the device. If the wrong passcode is entered six times in a row, the device locks itself and prevents you from attempting additional passcodes. If the wrong passcode is entered multiple times, the device interprets it as an attempt to hack or break into it. Disabling the phone prevents such activity.
How to Fix a Disabled iPhone, iPad, or iPod
No matter how your iPhone, iPod, or iPad was disabled, fixing it is relatively easy. It’s the same set of options that you follow when you forget your passcode. The downside is that you have to restore your device. There are four main options for fixing a disabled iPhone, iPad, or iPod:
How to Avoid Getting a Disabled iPhone
Having a disabled iPhone is annoying and inconvenient, so you’ll want to do what you can to avoid it happening again. You have two options:
Set a new passcode that’s easier to remember. If you remember your passcode and don’t have to guess it, you’re less likely to enter the wrong passcode, which leads to a disabled iPhone. Use Touch ID or Face ID. With these options enabled, you don’t need to enter your passcode. Just show your face or scan your finger, and your device will unlock.
