Fixed! iPhone Asking for Passcode I Never Set

Recently, some iPhone users asked what that means when something says to enter a passcode. Don’t worry; you are not the only one to encounter this issue. Understanding the possible causes is important so you can take effective measures accordingly. In this post, we will explore why your iPhone asks for a password and how to bypass the screen passcode requirement with ease.

Why Does My iPhone Suddenly Ask for a Passcode?

Usually, we set a screen passcode to maintain the security of our iOS device. However, it can be confusing and frustrating if your iPhone is asking for a passcode that we’ve never set. This sudden requirement may arise from several factors like device settings or security protocols. Here is a breakdown of the common reasons why your Apple is asking for a passcode when you don't have one.

• Device Restart: If you restart your iPhone, you’ll be required to enter your passcode to unlock the device and enable features like Face ID or Touch ID. Apple set up this security mechanism to ensure that only authorized users can access the device.
• Previous Owner’s Settings: If you’ve bought a second-hand iPhone, you might be restricted by the previous owner’s passcode.
• Phone Asking for Passcode After Factory Reset: After you perform a factory reset on your iPhone, you'll be prompted to enter a passcode. This is associated with Apple's security feature - Activation Lock. On the other hand, if the device was linked to an Apple ID, you'll also be required to enter the associated Apple ID credentials to access the device again.
• Failed Face ID Attempts: If you fail to use your Face ID to unlock your device, you will need to enter the screen passcode. Again, Apple uses this mechanism to prevent unauthorized access.
• Don’t Use Passcode for a While: If you haven’t used your passcode to unlock your iPhone for 48 hours, you'll be asked to enter it.
• Mobile Device Management (MDM): If your iPhone is managed by an organization, you might be required by MDM policies to enter the passcode you never set.
• Software Updates: Sometimes, you may need to enter the passcode after a software update. This is because the software update may change the security settings of your device.
• iOS Bugs: iOS system bugs may also incur an unexpected passcode prompt.
• Other Security Settings: Other specific security features can also require you to enter the passcode. For example, you may set to enter the passcode after sleep.

What Is the Default Passcode for iPhone?

There is no iPhone default passcode. Normally, Users are asked to create their own screen passcodes when setting up their device. However, iOS updates or bugs might also lead to unexpected passcode requirements. In these cases, some users indicated that they might try to use some common digital combinations when the iPhone asks for a passcode that they never set. These common 6-digit codes or 4-digit codes can be “0000”, “000000”, “1234”, and “123456”.

What to Do When iPhone Asking for a Passcode I Never Set?

It’s upsetting to encounter a passcode prompt, especially when you’ve never set it up. This is such a disappointing time that we have to address it immediately. Or you may fail to continue to use your device as usual. In this part, we’ll explore proven solutions to get rid of this issue and regain access to your device.

Force Restart Your iPhone

In most cases, a simple force restart can resolve temporary iOS bugs or glitches. This procedure will refresh the operating system and clear software issues that may trigger the incorrect passcode prompt. There are slight differences when restarting different models of iPhone:

• iPhone 8 and later: Press the Volume Up and then Volume Down buttons. Then hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Hold the Volume Down and Side buttons simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.
• iPhone 6s and earlier: Hold the Home and Top or Side buttons simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.

Clear Safari Data

Sometimes, cached files, browsing history, and stored cookies can also cause your iPhone or iPad to ask for a passcode you never set. For this reason, you can also clear Safari data to resolve the problem. By clearing the data, you reset the browser environment on your device and eliminate errors associated with Safari.

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Scroll down and select the Safari option.
3. Choose to clear history and website data and make a confirmation.

Check Security Settings

If you successfully access your iPhone via the mentioned methods, congratulations, but it’s time to check the security settings. This will prevent you from unexpected passcode requirements because you might be required to enter a passcode when accidentally activating your device’s security protocols. To review these settings, you can identify restrictions or features concerning passcode requirements. Overall, a thorough check of your security settings can help you regain access to your iPhone or iPad.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and navigate to Privacy & Security.
2. Go to Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode to check passcode settings. Here, you’ll see whether you’ve set up any screen passcodes and change them out if you need.
3. Also, you can review saved passwords under the Passwords option.

Screen Passcode Unlocker

If you fail to unlock your iPhone via the iPhone default passcode or the force restart, you’re recommended to use a professional Screen Passcode Unlocker like BuhoUnlocker. With simple clicks, you can quickly remove various types of screen locks, including 6-digit passcodes, 4-digit passcodes, PINs, patterns, and Face ID. Applicable to a wide range of devices, you can use it to unlock your new iPhone or old ones. Besides, make sure have a recent iPhone backup since unlocking the iPhone via a Screen Passcode Unlocker involves resetting your device. Here is how to bypass the passcode you never set.

Step 1. Free install BuhoUnlocker on a Win or Mac computer and connect your device to the computer.

Step 2. Open BuhoUnlocker and choose the Unlock Screen Passcode option.

Step 3. Put your device into recovery mode by following the on-screen instructions.

Step 4. After downloading the firmware, click the Unlock Now button to initiate the unlocking process.

Reset iPhone via iTunes or Finder

The last solution to regain access to your iPhone is to reset your device. Not only does this method bypass the passcode you never set, but also restores your device to factory resettings and erases all data. If you cannot access your device now, simply connect it to your computer, and iTunes or Finder can help you complete the whole resetting process. Before resetting your device, ensure your iTunes or Finder is updated to the latest version.

1. Connect your locked iPhone or iPad to your computer and launch iTunes or Finder.
2. In iTunes, click on the device icon on the top left; in Finder, find your device in the sidebar.
3. Click the “Back Up Now” button to back up your data first.
4. Click “Restore iPhone” and confirm your operation.
5. After the factory reset, restore your device from the latest backup.

Conclusion

It can be confusing when facing your iPhone request for a passcode that you’ve never set. Many factors can incur this issue. Despite these reasons, you can take the measures mentioned in this post to get rid of the screen lock. Besides, frequently back up your iOS device since resetting your iPhone may lead to data loss.