Although there are a variety of security mechanisms to protect our smartphone, one of the most common is the PIN or password. In this way, no one can access it without our consent. However, what happens when we forget that password?

If you are going through that situation, don’t worry. Through its support page, Apple offers a solution to regain access to the device: recovery mode. Of course, this process will erase your data and settings, but you will be able to restore them from the backup.

How to regain access to your iPhone?

Step 1: turn off your iPhone

This procedure varies slightly depending on the phone model you have:

iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, or later versions: Press and hold the Side button and the Volume Down key until the power slide button appears.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the side button until the slider to power off appears.
iPhone SE (1st generation) and iPhone 6s: Press and hold the side (or top) button until the slider to power off appears.

Once you drag the slider, wait a minute to make sure the device turns off completely.

Step 2: activate recovery mode

This function is activated with a specific key, which is different in each model. It is the side button on iPhone X or later, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus; volume down button on iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus; and home button on iPhone SE (1st generation) and iPhone 6s.

Hold down the corresponding button while connecting the iPhone to your computer.
Keep pressing the button until you see the recovery mode screen on the iPhone.
If you see the code screen, then turn off the phone and start over.

Step 3: restore the iPhone

Locate the phone in Finder or iTunes from the computer it is connected to.
Click the Restore button in the pop-up window.
Wait for the necessary software to download to start the restore process.
Disconnect the iPhone from the computer once the process is complete.
Set up your phone and you’re done.