How do I bypass passcode on old iPhone with dementia patient?

Husband has a dementia. He messes with phone and currently has changed his passcode to open phone. His fingerprint doesn’t work ( he may have disabled fingerprint access) I’ve tried every series of numbers relevant to him.


i then tried to do a factory reset.

he has no clue what his Apple ID password is.


he’s been trying to “fix” it this morning , I was trying most of yesterday. Currently locked from another attempt for 8 hrs


his iPhone is an old one either a 6 or an SE I think . Thank you


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Passcode changed

Earlier iPhone models

Posted on Aug 12, 2025 2:22 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 12, 2025 7:41 AM

This Apple article has instructions for what to do if you have forgotten your Apple account password, or the system does not recognize the one you remember —> If you forgot your Apple Account password - Apple Support


or go directly to this link —> http://iforgot.apple.com/


If you don't receive your verification or reset email, read this Apple Support article: If you didn’t receive your verification or reset email - Apple Support

"When you make certain updates to your Apple ID, we’ll send you an email to help you complete the update. For example, you might have reset your password, reset your security questions, or added a new email address to your account." Also check your junk mail.


If you find you can’t sign in, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery (read this support article: How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support ) to regain access to your account. Account recovery might take a few days or longer, depending on the specific account information you can provide to verify your identity. This is a multi-step process. More detail in —> Activation Lockout Issues - Apple Community and My Apple ID is locked, how do I fix it? - Apple Community


This page has telephone numbers for contacting Apple for support and service ➞ Contact Apple Support - Apple Support


If you are signed into this forum using the same Apple Account then your browser may be configured to automatically enter your password. You should be able to view stored passwords in your browser's preferences/settings.


You may wish to use ScreenTime to restrict what he can do on the device, similar to settings used for a child. Unfortunately Apple doesn't have guidelines for device usage for people with dementia, such as having the equivalent of a child Apple Account which allows another person ultimate control.


Set up Screen Time for a family member on iPhone - Apple Support


Product Feedback - Apple


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 12, 2025 7:41 AM in response to Samx-25yas

This Apple article has instructions for what to do if you have forgotten your Apple account password, or the system does not recognize the one you remember —> If you forgot your Apple Account password - Apple Support


or go directly to this link —> http://iforgot.apple.com/


If you don't receive your verification or reset email, read this Apple Support article: If you didn’t receive your verification or reset email - Apple Support

"When you make certain updates to your Apple ID, we’ll send you an email to help you complete the update. For example, you might have reset your password, reset your security questions, or added a new email address to your account." Also check your junk mail.


If you find you can’t sign in, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery (read this support article: How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support ) to regain access to your account. Account recovery might take a few days or longer, depending on the specific account information you can provide to verify your identity. This is a multi-step process. More detail in —> Activation Lockout Issues - Apple Community and My Apple ID is locked, how do I fix it? - Apple Community


This page has telephone numbers for contacting Apple for support and service ➞ Contact Apple Support - Apple Support


If you are signed into this forum using the same Apple Account then your browser may be configured to automatically enter your password. You should be able to view stored passwords in your browser's preferences/settings.


You may wish to use ScreenTime to restrict what he can do on the device, similar to settings used for a child. Unfortunately Apple doesn't have guidelines for device usage for people with dementia, such as having the equivalent of a child Apple Account which allows another person ultimate control.


Set up Screen Time for a family member on iPhone - Apple Support


Product Feedback - Apple


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How do I bypass passcode on old iPhone with dementia patient?

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