Passcode is not working when trying to update my iPhone from iOS 17 to iOS 18

Understanding iPhone Passcode Issues:

When you enter a passcode on an iPhone and receive an "Incorrect Passcode" message, it means the device did not recognize the code as valid.

There are a few reasons this might happen:

1. Wrong Passcode Entered: The most common reason is simply a typo or memory error. Double-check the digits or characters you entered.
2. Previously Used Passcode: If you've recently changed your passcode, you might be entering an old one by mistake. iPhones don’t accept previously used passcodes once they’ve been changed, even if it was just moments ago.
3. Alphanumeric Passcode – Case Sensitive: If your passcode includes both letters and numbers (an alphanumeric passcode), remember that letters are case-sensitive. For example, “Apple123” is not the same as “apple123”. Make sure you're using the correct capitalization.
4. iPhones are Very Accurate: iPhones are highly secure and extremely precise when it comes to passcode validation. They will not mistakenly reject a correct passcode, nor will they attempt to “guess” or allow near-matches to protect your data. If it says the passcode is incorrect, it truly doesn’t match what the device expects.

What If You Can’t Remember the Passcode?

If you repeatedly enter the wrong passcode, the iPhone will become disabled for increasing lengths of time. After too many failed attempts, it may even require a complete reset.

Here’s what that means:

1. No Access Without the Correct Passcode: There's no bypass or backdoor. Apple designed this intentionally to protect users’ privacy and security.
2. No Backup = Lost Data: If you don't have an iCloud or iTunes/Finder backup, your data is unrecoverable once the device is reset. Apple cannot help recover it, and no tool or service can unlock it without erasing everything.
   1. If you have an iCloud or iTunes latest backup, then there is nothing to worry about. Just restore from it, else...
   2. If You have synced your data to iCloud, then what you will get back is what you have synced to iCloud and uploaded to iCloud Drive;
      1. The information that is synced and stored in iCloud, like Contacts, Calendars, Bookmarks, Mail*, Notes, Voice Memos, Messages*, shared photos, iCloud Photos*, Health data*, call history*, and files* you store in iCloud Drive.
      2. *-If you have turned on Messages in iCloud, iCloud Photos, Mail, Health data, call history under iCloud, and files you store in iCloud Drive your content is automatically stored in iCloud and is available on all devices that use the same Apple ID
   3. You have imported your Photos & Videos to Mac/PC then they are safely residing there on Mac/PC
   4. You have uploaded some of it to Cloud Drives using the Files app (iCloud Drive, Google Drive, OneDrive, DropBox, Flickr, box, AmazonDrive, Adobe Creative Cloud, etc). The data remains there.
   5. If you have not backed up or do not have the latest backup, nor imported nor you have synced or uploaded your data to cloud drives prior to the situation that you are in, then I am sorry, all your data is lost.
3. Only Option: Reset the Device: If you’re truly locked out and can’t remember the passcode, your only option is to place the device into recovery mode and erase it using a computer (via iTunes on Windows or Finder on macOS). This will remove the passcode but also delete all data on the device.
   1. iPhone is disabled. This process is the only way out if your iPhone is disabled. The steps given in this link will help you reset the passcode -> If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your ...

Note: You may come across third-party apps or services that claim to recover or unlock your iPhone passcode. However, using these tools can seriously compromise your privacy and security. They often require full access to your device, which means they could potentially view, store, or misuse your personal data. Proceed with extreme caution and avoid using such services unless you fully understand the risks. It's always safest to rely on official Apple support methods.

How to Avoid This in the Future:

• Make sure to regularly back up your iPhone using iCloud or a computer.
• Use a passcode you can easily remember, or use Face ID/Touch ID to minimize how often you need to enter it.
• Store your passcode securely in a password manager if needed.

The next opportunity to try again, check to make certain that the CAPS LOCK has not been enabled inadvertently.

If that is not the case, then follow the expert instructions from SravanKrA.

Good luck! 👋🏼😉