Can't delete passcode on iPhone 13 mini

Somehow I got a passcode set for my iPhone 13 mini. I want to remove it but I don't have the password for the iCloud email account it wants me to go to. If I try to use my phone number and it sends a code to the iCloud email, then I can't get back to the screen to enter the code number. Please help!

iPhone 13 mini

Posted on Apr 28, 2025 7:47 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 28, 2025 9:39 AM

In this case, I would suggest you follow the first article Rudegar provided. That way is to connect your iPhone to a computer and reset it there, then when you restore you can choose not to set a passcode. That doesn't require your Apple Account credentials. This will erase all your data which if you have a backup you can restore from. Then once you are into your iPhone, you should update your trusted email and numbers.

Note that having no passcode set on your iPhone is not recommended as anyone can pick up your iPhone and access all of your data. There will be nothing preventing them from doing so. In addition you won't be able to use many features such as adding cards to your Apple Wallet.


Reset your iPhone and passcode:

If you forgot your iPhone passcode or your iPhone is disabled - Apple Support


Update trusted numbers and emails:

Use two-factor authentication for your Apple Account on iPhone - Apple Support

14 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 28, 2025 9:39 AM in response to linncountylady

In this case, I would suggest you follow the first article Rudegar provided. That way is to connect your iPhone to a computer and reset it there, then when you restore you can choose not to set a passcode. That doesn't require your Apple Account credentials. This will erase all your data which if you have a backup you can restore from. Then once you are into your iPhone, you should update your trusted email and numbers.

Note that having no passcode set on your iPhone is not recommended as anyone can pick up your iPhone and access all of your data. There will be nothing preventing them from doing so. In addition you won't be able to use many features such as adding cards to your Apple Wallet.


Reset your iPhone and passcode:

If you forgot your iPhone passcode or your iPhone is disabled - Apple Support


Update trusted numbers and emails:

Use two-factor authentication for your Apple Account on iPhone - Apple Support

Apr 29, 2025 4:01 PM in response to linncountylady

Was this purchase at an Apple Store? It doesn't sound like it. If they set the phone up something other than your Apple ID, then you are going to have to contact Apple Support for assistance in getting the device cleared of that account. You will need proof the device is yours, like your purchase receipt. You will need to watch then that you are the one that sets up the device with your Apple ID and password. Good luck. Official Apple Support


Apr 28, 2025 10:48 AM in response to linncountylady

I see what ChrisJ4203 sees as well. It would appear you have purchased a used iPhone, which you don't have a clue what the Apple Account Password is for the phone. And if that is true, you cannot use the phone, unless you can reach the owner who set up the phone. Which with used iPhones is pretty much impossible if you don't know them. The people who most often come here with this issue are people who bought an iPhone off Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Offerup or something similar. They are most often stolen devices.


Apple will NOT help you. We CANNOT help you. If you did buy a used iPhone either get your money back, if you can. But if you can't, recycle the device responsibly as it is useless to you, completely.


Read this --> The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community


Apr 29, 2025 4:15 PM in response to linncountylady

I solved the problem! I changed the password on the iCloud email so I could get into it on the phone, and then I forwarded that iCloud email to my gmail address. When I went through the steps to turn off the passcode, I got the code sent to email and could see it in gmail and could enter it on my phone to turn off the passcode. Thank goodness!


Thanks to everyone who tried to help.

Apr 29, 2025 7:30 AM in response to linncountylady

Thank you for that information, however there are a number of reasons a passcode is required on an iPhone. Are you using Apple Wallet? Do you have a work email account on the device? Work could require that you have a passcode. I'm still struggling however, with how you would have an iCloud email on the device if you did not create it. Did you have someone else setup the iPhone for you?


At this point, I would restore the phone and set it up as new, not using a backup, so it does not pick up this rogue email account. I would follow the instructions here, Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings using a computer - Apple Support


Apr 28, 2025 10:13 AM in response to linncountylady

As I read your question and your response from a user, it would seem to me that you have a second-hand device that was not cleared by the original user. If it is asking you for a password for an email you do not know, then it sounds like it is Activation Locked. Activation Lock for iPhone and iPad - Apple Support If you do not know the email and password you are not going to be able to remove the activation lock.

Apr 29, 2025 3:42 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

I do not have Apple Wallet and I do not have a work related email. I am not a stranger to technology, having bought my first Apple computer in 1984. The email seems to have been created at the store where I bought it when setting up or something. I did not know it as I use gmail.


This passcode thing happened when I was on my desktop trying to set up Airplay.

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Can't delete passcode on iPhone 13 mini

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