i forgot my password to my old iphone, so how do i get in without erasing any data or photos?

You will have to reset the passcode and if you reset the passcode then you will have to erase all the data in the process. If you have a backup file created on a computer then you can restore your iPhone from that backup file. If there is no backup file then you will lose all the data on the iPhone permanently. Details are below:

You can reset your passcode by following the instructions in this article by Apple ➔ How to reset your passcode on a disabled iPhone. You will need a computer for this task and all your data on your iPhone will be wiped clean in the process.

 If you have a backup created then you can ➔ Restore Your iPhone from that backup file. If you do not have a backup file created then you will lose all your data on the iPhone.

 If Photos, Messages and Contacts are synced to iCloud then you will be able to retrieve them after setting up iCloud on your iPhone after you reset the passcode and sign into iCloud.

Axel F.

Thank you for posting in the Apple Support Communities. I see no one has responded to your post yet. I am happy to help!

If you've forgotten your device passcode, you'd have to factory reset the device. Here's an article with instructions on how to proceed: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204306