How to Fix an iPhone Saying 'iPhone is Disabled Connect to iTunes'

If your iPhone screen displays the message 'iPhone is disabled connect to iTunes', it usually means that your device has been locked due to too many incorrect passcode attempts. Here’s a detailed guide on how to fix this issue:

Steps to Fix the Issue

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

Connect to iTunes or Finder

Before we begin, ensure that you have the latest version of iTunes or Finder:

For macOS Catalina and later: Open Finder. For macOS Mojave and earlier or Windows: Open iTunes.

Put Your iPhone in Recovery Mode

Now, put your iPhone into recovery mode:

iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen. iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down and Side buttons simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen. iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the Home and Top or Side buttons simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen.

Restore Your iPhone

Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, you will see an option to Restore or Update. Choose Restore to erase your device and install the latest iOS software:

The process will erase all data on your iPhone. If you have a backup in iCloud or iTunes, you can restore your data after the process is complete. Wait for the process to complete, and your iPhone will restart. You can then set it up as new or restore from a backup.

Important Notes

Data Loss: Restoring your iPhone will erase all data. If you have a backup in iCloud or iTunes, restore your data after the process is complete.

Updating iTunes/Finder: Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes or macOS to avoid compatibility issues.

If you encounter any issues during this process or if your device remains disabled, consider seeking help from Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store for assistance.

Preventative Measures

The message typically appears when multiple incorrect passcode attempts trigger a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized access. This security measure locks the device until it is connected to iTunes and restored.

Alternatively, the message may indicate that your iPad has been jailbroken or modified, which can lead to software issues and difficulty in accessing or using the device.

Additional Options

If you do not have access to a computer and your iPad is disabled, consider the following alternatives:

Erase iPad via iCloud: You can erase your iPad remotely through iCloud by following these steps: Open a web browser on another device and go to Log in with your Apple ID and If you see 'Erase iPad', you know the process is working. Contact Apple Support: If the above methods do not work, reach out to Apple Support by visiting the official Apple Support website for assistance.