Quickly Fix the "iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes" Error
The” iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes” error will lead to data loss on your iPhone, and the error can’t be undone. However, this article will show you how to unlock your iPhone despite the error and fix it quickly.
- Part 1: Unlock iPhone with “iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes” with computer
- Part 2: Unlock “iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes” via Find My
Part 1: Unlock iPhone with “iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes” with computer
If you have your computer with you, use the methods below to unlock your iPhone.
1. Unlock via LockAway
LockAway, a professional third-party software, will unlock your iPhone instantly despite the error. Moreover, it works on all devices, even the latest iOS 13. Other additional factors that make LockAway be the best tool to fix “iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes” are:
- You don’t need your Apple credentials to use LockAway.
- LockAway is safe to use.
- No data loss will occur in using LockAway.
- Few steps are involved.
- LockAway supports all iOS versions and iPhone 5 to 13.
The steps to use LockAway are straightforward. They include:
- Download and install LockAway.
- Open LockAway and connect the iPhone to the computer.
- Once the iPhone is recognized, select“Unlock Screen Passcode”mode to start removing.
Once the iPhone successfully reset, it will be unlocked, and you can now use it. Using LockAway to fix the error which causes your iPhone to be disabled is the most simple, fast, and effective method. Go ahead and use LockAway, and your iPhone will be unlocked.
2. Connect to iTunes
You can use iTunes to unlock your disabled iPhone by connecting it to your PC or Mac. Note that the Mac must not have been updated to Catalina. Ensure you also have a backup as data will be lost, but you will restore your data and settings using the backup in iTunes.
i. Ensure you have the latest iTunes installed, then connect the iPhone to either the PC or Mac.
ii. Enter recovery mode using the steps below.
If using iPhone 8 or newer models: press then release the volume-up button. Press and release the button for volume down. Long-press the Side button, recovery mode will appear.

If using iPhone 7 or 7 plus: long-press both the button for volume-down and Side at once. Release them when recovery mode appears.

If using iPhone 6s or earlier models: long-press the Home and Side buttons until recovery mode appears.

iii. Click “Restore”.

iv. iTunes will then fix the iPhone but if it takes more than 15 minutes, repeat steps i and ii above. Once your iPhone restarts, you can set it up and use it. Restore your backup and enjoy your iPhone. It has been fixed!
3. Unlock via Finder
Method 2 above works if the Mac to be used has not been updated to Catalin. However, if your Mac has been updated to Catalina, you can use Finder to unlock it using these steps.
- Connect the iPhone using a USB to the computer.
- Open the Finder menu and choose the iPhone.
- Click Restore Backup.
- Choose the latest backup that you need to restore, then restore the backup.
- Keep the iPhone connected to the computer until it restarts then syncs.

You can now use your iPhone the error has been fixed. Use this method if your Mac has been updated to Catalina.
Part 2: Unlock “iPhone is Disabled. Connect to iTunes” via Find My
Find My can also be used to fix your iPhone is disabled. To use Find My, use either of the methods below.
1. Unlock via iCloud
This method requires you to have an internet connection and your Apple credentials.
The steps are:
- Open a browser and sign in to your iCloud using your Apple ID password.
- Click Find iPhone. And enter your password.
- Click “All Devices”.
- Select your iPhone, then click Erase iPhone.



Once the iPhone is erased, you need to set it up then use it. The error has been fixed using iCloud. However, all your data was wiped clean. Restore your backup. This method will only work if Find My iPhone was enabled.
2. Unlock via Find My App
Using Find My App works similarly to iCloud, but you don’t need to have an internet connection to use this method. If you have another Apple device nearby, you can use the Find My App on it, but you need your Apple credentials.
The steps to follow are:
- Open the Find My App on the device.
- Click Me > Help a Friend.
- If the device doesn’t belong to you, click “Use a different Apple ID”. Log in using your Apple credentials.
- Click “Devices” then select your iPhone from the list.
- Click “Erase This Device”, click “Continue” to proceed with the process.

Your iPhone will be enabled and all data will be lost. You can then restart it and restore your backup then use it comfortably.
Summary
This article introduced the methods that users can use to unlock their disabled iPhones in a step-by-step manner. The article has a method for all possible scenarios to ensure all users are catered for no matter your scenario. Hopefully, your iPhone is now unlocked, and no more “iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes” error.