How to Fix iPhone Locked After Update in 6 Ways

Part 1. What Causes You to Get Locked Out of iPhone After Update?

There are several reasons why after software update iPhone locked:

• Incorrect Passcode

If you forget or enter your passcode incorrectly too many times, your iPhone may lock you out.

• Software Glitch

Sometimes, software updates come with bugs that cause unexpected issues, including locking your device.

• Hardware Failure

In rare cases, a hardware issue, such as a damaged screen or power button, can prevent you from accessing your iPhone.

• Activation Lock

If you've enabled Activation Lock after update and don't have access to your Apple ID and password, your iPhone may be locked.

If your iPhone locked after software update, it's important to try the 6 troubleshooting methods mentioned in this article to fix it.

If these steps don't work, you may need to seek professional help from Apple support or an authorized repair center.

How to Fix iPhone Locked After Update in 6 Ways?

Method 1: Force Restart iPhone

As we have mentioned several times in our blogs, a simple restart can fix several known and unknown system issues. Therefore, if your iPhone locked after iOS 18 update, we suggest force restarting it before trying other technical methods.

Here’s what to do:

Step 1 Press the volume up button once, and then do the same for the volume down button.

Step 2 Now, press the side button and keep holding it until your iPhone reboots and the Apple logo appears.

In most cases, a force restart will resolve the underlying issue causing the iPhone locked after update issue, and your device will start working normally.

If not, you can try the following method.

Method 2: Erase iPhone From Locked Screen

If your iPhone is locked after iOS 18 update and you have one of the newer models, you can easily erase it from the option available on the lock screen. This method restores your device to its factory version, deleting all settings and data, including the lock screen passcode.

Let’s see how it works:

Step 1 Enter the incorrect passcode for your iPhone multiple times until you get the “iPhone Unavailable” screen comes up.

Step 2 Tap on “Erase iPhone” at the bottom right corner of the screen, and then tap it once again to confirm your selection.

Step 3 Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of it and initiate erasing your device.

This will erase and reset your iPhone, after which you can set it up as new.

Method 3: Reset iPhone Using iTunes

If your iPhone locked out after update, you can also reset it via iTunes. For this method, you need to have:

• Your iPhone synced with iTunes
• The latest iTunes version

Here are the steps for resetting your iPhone with iTunes:

Step 1 Using a lightning cable, connect your iPhone to your PC and launch iTunes.

Step 2 Once iTunes recognizes your device, click on the phone icon at the top.

Step 3 Click on the “Summary” tab. You’ll get 2 options: Check for Update and Restore iPhone. Click on “Restore iPhone.”

This will restore your iPhone to its factory settings, erasing all its data. Once the restoration process is complete, you can set up your iPhone as new.

Method 4: Restore iPhone in Recovery Mode

Sometimes, your iPhone is not synced to iTunes. In such a case, you can still restore it, but you’ll have to put it into Recovery Mode first.

Here’s how to go about it:

Step 1 Power off your iPhone and connect it to your PC using a lightning cable.

Step 2 Press the volume up button once, followed by the volume down button. Now, press and hold the power button until the “Recovery Mode” screen pops up.

Step 3 Once your iPhone is in Recovery Mode, launch iTunes. You will get a notification to update or restore your device. Click on “Restore.”

Method 5: Erase iPhone via iCloud

Another way to fix the “iPhone locked me out after update” issue is to remotely erase your device using iCloud’s Find My feature.

For this method to work, your device must have the “Find My” feature enabled.

Here’s how to go about it:

Step 1 Go to the iCloud Find My website, and sign in using your Apple ID and password.

Step 2 You will see a list of devices synced with your Apple ID. Select your locked iPhone, and click “Erase iPhone.”

This will erase your device remotely, removing all passwords and data. After that, you can set it up as new.

Method 6: Unlock iPhone in Clicks with Dr. Fone

If your iPhone locked after iOS 18 update and you are looking for a safe and reliable way to unlock it without losing your data, we recommend going for a third-party app, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS).

It is an easy-to-use tool that helps you get back into your iPhone if you find yourself locked out because of an update, a forgotten passcode, or other hiccups. With its user-friendly interface, this handy tool makes it simple to bypass all sorts of locks, whether it's Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.

It’s designed to make your life a little easier when things are unplanned!

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

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How to Fix iPhone Locked After Update with Dr. Fone

Here are steps to unlock your locked iPhone after an update using Dr. Fone:

Step 1 Download and install Dr. Fone on your PC, and select “Screen Unlock” from the interface.

Step 2 Click “iCloud Activation Lock Removal” in the next section.

Step 3 Click on “Start” to initiate the removal process for the iCloud Activation Lock.

Step 4 Connect your iPhone to your PC using a lightning cable, and once it is detected, click “Unlock Now”.

Step 5 After agreeing to the terms and conditions, put your device in DFU mode by following Dr. Fone's on-screen instructions.

Step 6 Put your device in DFU mode once again, following the on-screen instructions.

Step 7 Once your iPhone is in DFU Mode, Dr. Fone will start removing the iCloud Activation Lock.

Step 8 Once the iCloud Activation Lock is removed successfully, click “Done” to conclude the process.

And that’s how to fix iPhone locked after update using Dr. Fone!

Conclusion

While a new iOS update usually gets rid of iPhone issues, there is always a chance that it might cause your device to glitch. This includes getting a black screen, getting stuck on the Apple logo, or getting locked out of your device.

In this comprehensive guide, we have put together 6 tried and tested methods and apps like Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) to fix the “iPhone locked after update” issue. So, update your iPhone without fear, as no matter what issue you face, these solutions will surely help you out!

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