Frustrated by seeing the "iPhone SE 4 is disabled" screen when trying to unlock your new device? This message typically appears after multiple unsuccessful attempts to enter the correct passcode, leaving you stuck and unsure of what to do next. Don't worry! In this article, we'll walk you through the most effective methods on how to unlock your disabled iPhone SE 4 and regain access to your device.
Part 1: Why Is My iPhone SE 4 Stuck on a Disabled Screen?
The iPhone's screen passcode is a key security feature designed to protect your data. However, after entering the wrong passcode multiple times, your device will lock itself and display the "iPhone is Disabled" message. Here are some common reasons why this might happen:
- Forgotten Passcode: This is the most frequent cause—attempting to enter the passcode after forgetting the original one.
- Confusing Passwords: Sometimes, users mistakenly enter their Apple ID password or another code instead of the screen passcode.
- Accidental Input: Repeatedly pressing the wrong numbers by accident can also trigger the lock screen.
- Unintentional Attempts: A child or pet may have tapped the screen without your knowledge, causing the lock to activate.
- System or Hardware Issues: In rare cases, malfunctions or software glitches can lead to the device locking itself due to security settings.
Waiting Time
The amount of time your iPhone remains locked depends on how many incorrect passcode attempts you’ve made. With each failed attempt, the wait time before you can try again increases.
| Wrong Passcode Attempts | Lock Time |
|---|---|
| 5 times in a row | Disabled for 1 minute |
| 7 times in a row | Disabled for 5 minutes |
| 8 times in a row | Disabled for 15 minutes |
| 9 times in a row | Disabled for 60 minutes |
| 10 times in a row | Indefinitely Disabled |
Related Read: iPhone Locked For 8 Hours How To Fix?
If you enter the wrong passcode multiple times, your iPhone will become completely disabled. While this can be frustrating, don't worry—we're here to guide you through seven effective methods to unlock your disabled iPhone.
Part 2: iPhone SE 4 Disabled Fix with iTunes
If your iPhone SE 4 is disabled or stuck on the "iPhone Unavailable" screen, you can use iTunes to reset it. This process will restore your device to its factory settings, erasing all data, including the passcode, allowing you to regain access.
Prerequisites:
- A computer with iTunes installed (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier)
- A USB cable to connect your iPhone SE 4 to the computer
- Your iPhone must be in recovery mode before you can initiate the reset
Steps to Fix a Disabled iPhone SE 4 Using iTunes
If your iPhone SE 4 is currently connected to a computer, unplug the cable.
Put your iPhone SE 4 into recovery mode.
Press and hold the Side button along with either the Volume Up or Volume Down button.
When the power-off slider appears, release both buttons and turn off your iPhone.
Connect your iPhone to the computer while holding the Side button.
Keep holding the button until the recovery mode screen appears.
Open iTunes on your computer and select your iPhone SE 4 from the device list. A prompt will appear offering options to Restore or Update. Select Restore. iTunes will erase your device and install the latest version of iOS.
Once the process is complete, your iPhone will restart. Follow the on-screen instructions in the Setup Assistant to restore your data from an iCloud or computer backup.
Tips:
- If iTunes doesn’t recognize your iPhone, ensure that iTunes is updated to the latest version.
- Make sure your iPhone remains connected throughout the entire process.
- If the iTunes restore fails, try using Finder (for macOS Catalina or later).
Part 3: iPhone SE 4 Disabled? Connect to iTunes? Try the Best iPhone Unlocker!
If iTunes fails to fix your "iPhone SE 4 is disabled" issue, or if you're seeking a faster, more efficient solution, consider using specialized software like PassFab iPhone Unlock.
Having trouble signing out of your Apple Account due to a forgotten password? Is your iPhone/iPad tied to its previous owner? Download PassFab iPhone Unlock at no cost to effectively bypass the Activation Lock!
Unlike iTunes, PassFab iPhone Unlock is specifically designed to unlock iPhones with various issues, including the frustrating "disabled" screen. This powerful tool offers a quick and hassle-free way to regain access to your device without needing a password.
Why Choose PassFab iPhone Unlock?
- Easy to Use: No technical expertise required—this user-friendly tool offers an intuitive interface for a seamless experience.
- Fast and Effective: Unlock your disabled iPhone SE 4 in just a few minutes, saving you the long wait times typically associated with iTunes.
- High Success Rate: Unlike many other methods, PassFab iPhone Unlock is built specifically for unlocking, ensuring a higher success rate.
- Professional Support: Trusted by millions worldwide, PassFab iPhone Unlock provides excellent customer support to guide you through the process.
*An OTG cable is required
How to Unlock Disabled iPhone SE 4 with PassFab iPhone Unlock
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Step 1: Launch PassFab iPhone Unlocker
Four key features will be shown on the main interface. Click 'Start' from it to get started and continue to the next step.
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Step 2: Connect your iPhone to Computer
Connect your device with the system that is running PassFab iPhone Unlocker and click on 'Next'.
Note:If you can not connect the device to the system, put it on the recovery mode.
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Step 3: Download and Save the Firmware Package
Select the file, save path, and click the 'Download' button for downloading the firmware package. Wait for a few minutes and confirm that your network connection is fully prepared.
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Step 4: Successfully remove the lock screen passcode
Click on the 'Start Remove' button after downloading and remove the passcode. Now, you can open your iPhone without a passcode. Set up a new passcode or touch ID.
Part 4: Unlock iPhone SE 4 When Disabled Using Apple ID Password
If your iPhone SE 4 is disabled, you can unlock it using your Apple ID via iCloud. Instead of restoring your device through a computer, iCloud allows you to remotely erase your iPhone and reset it to factory settings.
Prerequisites
Before proceeding, ensure the following conditions are met:
- Find My iPhone must be enabled on the disabled iPhone SE 4.
- You must sign in with the Apple ID linked to the device.
- The iPhone SE 4 must be connected to the internet to complete the erase process.
Steps to Unlock iPhone SE 4 via iCloud
Open a web browser and visit iCloud.com.
Sign in using your Apple ID and password.
Select your iPhone SE 4 from the list of devices.
Click Erase iPhone to remotely wipe your iPhone SE 4.
Confirm the action and re-enter your Apple ID password if prompted.
Once the process is complete, your iPhone SE 4 will be erased and restored to factory settings. You can then set it up again and restore data from an iCloud or iTunes backup if available.
Pros
- No need for a computer.
- Completely resets the device remotely.
- Works even if you forgot the passcode.
Cons
- Erases all data on the device.
- Requires Find My iPhone to be enabled beforehand.
- Needs a stable internet connection.
Part 5: Unlock iPhone SE 4 Without a Computer
If you’ve forgotten the passcode and are locked out of your iPhone SE 4, the Erase iPhone feature on the lock screen can help you regain access.
Prerequisites
Before using this method, ensure the following:
- Your iPhone SE 4 must be running iOS 15.2 or later.
- The device must be connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.
- You’ll need the Apple ID and password used to set up the device.
- Find My iPhone must have been enabled on the device before getting locked out.
Steps to Use the "Erase iPhone" Option
Keep entering the wrong passcodes until you see the message "iPhone Unavailable" or "Security Lockout". At this point, the Erase iPhone option will appear in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Tap Erase iPhone.
Tap Erase iPhone again to confirm that you want to erase all data from your device.
Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple ID, then tap Erase iPhone to start the reset process.
Once the process is complete, your iPhone SE 4 will be unlocked.
Tip:
If the Erase iPhone option is not available on your iPhone SE 4, consider alternative solutions such as PassFab iPhone Unlocker.
Conclusion
Dealing with a disabled iPhone SE 4 can be frustrating, but there are several effective ways to resolve the issue. Whether you choose iTunes, iCloud, the Erase iPhone feature, or a third-party tool like PassFab iPhone Unlock, you can regain access to your device.
For a quick, easy, and reliable fix, we recommend using PassFab iPhone Unlock, which offers high success rates, fast processing times, and excellent compatibility with iOS devices.