If you have forgotten your iPhone unlock code, you will no longer be able to use it as such but only as an expensive paperweight. Fortunately, you can reset your device to remove the security code and regain full access. This method only works if you are the original owner of the device; otherwise, the iPhone will start in "Activation Lock" mode, which can only be disabled by entering the correct Apple ID and password. Thanks to the work of some very passionate users it is still possible to use an iPhone in "Activation Lock" mode to carry out some tasks.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Reset an iPhone
Step 1. Understand which are the viable roads
Currently, it is no longer possible to bypass the lock screen on iOS devices. The security flaw that allowed this has been fixed with new firmware updates. The only way to bypass an iPhone's passcode is to reset it to factory settings, which erases all data stored on the device.
It is still possible to bypass the unlock code on an iPhone running iOS version 6.1, but since the number of users still using this version of the operating system is very likely close to zero, this is irrelevant information.. Doing so would still give you access to only the contacts stored on the device. See this article for more details on this
Step 2. Launch iTunes on your computer
Do this while your iPhone is not yet connected to the system. Before restoring your device, you need to make sure that iTunes is updated to the latest version available. In case there is a new update, you will be asked to download and install it as soon as you start the program.
Step 3. Turn off the iPhone completely
Press and hold the "Standby / Wake Up" button until the red switch off slider appears on the screen. Swipe this slider to the right to turn off the device. This step may take a few seconds, be patient.
Step 4. While holding the Home button, connect the iPhone to the computer
Keep holding the device's Home button until the iTunes logo appears on the screen.
Step 5. When prompted by iTunes, press the button
OK. A notification will tell you that, before you can use your iPhone normally, you will need to restore it.
Step 6. Press the button
Restore iPhone….
This button is located in the "Summary" tab of iTunes which should have opened automatically.
Step 7. Press the button
Reset and update.
In order to reset your iPhone, you are required to download and install the latest version of the operating system available for your device model.
Step 8. Wait for the recovery process to complete
This may take several minutes. When finished, the iPhone will automatically restart to start the setup wizard. You will be asked to sign in to the Apple ID previously associated with the device.
In order to activate your iPhone, you need to enter the correct Apple ID. There is no way to circumvent this activation process by not providing the Apple ID originally associated with the device. If you don't have this information, you can configure some network connection settings to take advantage of some device features, but you won't be able to make any calls without the correct Apple ID. Read the next section of the article to find out how to partially bypass the activation process
Part 2 of 2: Bypassing the Activation Lock
Step 1. Understand the steps in the process
You will need to change the network connection settings to force the iPhone to connect to a website during the setup process. This way you will be able to take advantage of some limited features of the iPhone, but without gaining full access to them. It is impossible to completely bypass "Activation Lock" without having the correct information.
Even after following the above procedure, you will still not be able to make or receive calls or even use iMessage
Step 2. Proceed with the iPhone setup wizard to connect it to a wireless network
To proceed, you need to connect the device to a Wi-Fi network.
Step 3. When you are on the iPhone activation screen, press the Home button
A small context menu will appear.
Step 4. Select the "Wi-Fi Settings" option from the menu that appeared
The list of Wi-Fi networks available in the area you are in will reappear.
Step 5. Tap the button
ⓘ located next to the network you are connected to.
This will display the network settings screen.
Step 6. Tap "DNS"
The virtual keyboard will appear on the screen to give you the possibility to modify this information.
Step 7. Select the entire address in the "DNS" field, then delete it
At this point, you are able to enter the address of a new DNS server to connect to.
Step 8. In the "DNS" field, type the following string
78.109.17.60, 8.8.8.8. When finished, press the "Back" button.
Step 9. Tap the "Activation Help" link below the fields used to sign in with your Apple ID
Normally, access would be through loading a support page, but since you have changed the address of the DNS server to use, the main page of the "iCloud DNS Bypass" site will be displayed.
Step 10. Start using the "iCloud DNS Bypass" web page
This page emulates the graphical interface of the iOS operating system giving you access to a number of web tools and applications. You will not have full access to the device, however you will be able to use it partially.
- Press the "Menu" button to view the complete list of all available options. While visually appearing to be applications, in reality these options are simply links to web pages. Select one of the categories present to view the different options available.
- Tap "Internet" to view a search engine or enter a URL.
- The "SMS" option displays a list of free web services for sending SMS. Even if you are unable to receive SMS messages, you will be able to send them for free.
- Select the "Video" option to access a variety of video streaming web services, such as YouTube, Vimeo, Netflix and Twitch.
