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"I was watching a TikTok video and my iPhone suddenly displayed a pop-up window stating that my phone unlock passcode had expired and I needed to reset it. It kept appearing even after I made the force shut down. Is this an Apple-enforced setting or a virus? How can I prevent this recurring message from appearing again?"
If this issue happens to you, don't worry. You're not alone as many iPhone users have the same experience. Some may even get a message that people in another region are trying to log in. The constant appearance of this message can be quite disruptive. So, how to solve this problem? In this article, we'll take a look at the cause and dive into several effective methods to tackle the iPhone passcode expiration problem.
What Causes iPhone Passcode Expired?
Normally, when you set up a screen passcode successfully, it works forever as long as you don't change it. However, in certain scenarios, the "iPhone Passcode Expired" screen may occur.
- Administrative Policies: When your iPhone is under some form of supervision or management (e.g., in a corporate environment), administrators can enforce security policies that mandate passcode expiration. These policies may require users to change their passcodes periodically, or they may automatically trigger passcode expiration if changes are made to the passcode.
- Work Email Integration: If your iPhone is connected to a work email account, it may be subject to the security policies of your workplace. Many organizations require employees to regularly update their passcodes to enhance the security of work-related data and email accounts.
- Third-Party Apps or Profiles: Third-party apps or configuration profiles installed on your iPhone may interfere with passcode settings and lead to expiration messages.
- Incorrect Date and Time: Sometimes, an incorrect date and time setting on your iPhone can lead to passcode expiration prompts. This is because your device relies on accurate date and time information to manage passcode policies.
If the cause of the passcode expiration message is linked to the mobile management system or work email settings on your iPhone, it is best to reach out to your administrator for help. If it's unavailable, you can also resolve this matter independently by following the methods outlined below.
Workaround 1. Change iPhone Passcode Directly in Settings
When the "iPhone Passcode Expired" window prompts, the most convenient and efficient way is to follow its instructions and change your password directly. Once you've successfully changed your password, the pop-up window will disappear, for at least a certain period of time. This method is suitable for users who remember their current iPhone passcode. Here is how to update your iPhone passcode to a new one via Settings.
Step 1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone. Scroll down and select "Face ID & Passcode" (for Face ID-enabled devices) or "Touch ID & Passcode" (for Touch ID-enabled devices). You'll need to enter your current passcode to proceed.
Step 2. Under the "Unlock with Passcode" or "Change Passcode" section, tap on the option that allows you to change your passcode.
Step 3. Confirm your current passcode by entering it. You'll be prompted to enter a new passcode. Make sure it's a secure and memorable code.
Step 4. Re-enter the new passcode to confirm it. Now you change the passcode successfully.
NOTE:
To prevent the passcode expiration prompt from reoccurring, you can check your iPhone account settings. If possible, remove your work email from your iPhone account or delete any configuration profiles that could be causing the issue.
Workaround 2. Erase iPhone Passcode with iCloud
If you can't find any factors in the settings causing the prompt, and you have your Apple ID and password handy, you can reset your passcode using iCloud's "Find My" feature. While this method effectively resolves the passcode expiration issue, it's essential to emphasize that it erases all data on your iPhone. Therefore, ensure you have a recent backup of your important data before proceeding. Once the process is complete, you can set up your iPhone with a new passcode.
Step 1. Open a web browser and visit iCloud.com. Sign in with your Apple ID and password. Click on "Find iPhone" to access the Find My iPhone feature.
Step 2. In the Find My iPhone interface, locate and select your iPhone from the list of devices associated with your Apple ID.
Step 3. After selecting your iPhone, click on the "Erase iPhone" option. This action will remotely erase all data on your device, including the passcode.
Workaround 3. Update iPhone using iTunes
Another way to rest the iPhone passcode is by updating the iPhone. This way especially works for users who prefer not to erase their data, as in the previous method. If your iPhone is eligible for a software update, performing an update via iTunes may resolve the passcode expiration problem.
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable. Launch the iTunes application.
Step 2. In iTunes, locate and select your device. You should see it appear in the upper left corner of the iTunes window.
Step 3. On the device summary page, click on the "Check for Update" button. iTunes will now check for the latest available software update for your iPhone.
Step 4. If an update is found, click on the "Download and Update" option to initiate the update process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
Step 5. After the update is successfully installed, your iPhone may prompt you to set up a new passcode. Follow the prompts to establish a new passcode.
Workaround 4. Reset iPhone Passcode via Passvers iPhone Unloker
If you find yourself in the worst-case scenario, where you neither remember your original passcode nor your Apple ID, there's a lifesaver for you – Passvers iPhone Unlocker. As the official reset device process can be quite cumbersome, Passvers iPhone Unlocker empowers you to effortlessly remove your device's screen lock with just one click.
Passvers iPhone Unlocker is a professional tool for removing iPhone locks. It can easily remove various types of screen locks, including 4/6-digit passcodes, Touch ID, or Face ID. Whether you're unable to unlock your iPhone due to forgetting the password, the iPhone being disabled, or Face/Touch ID not functioning, this software can help you securely and effortlessly regain access to your device. In addition to Screen Lock, this all-in-one tool can also remove iCloud Activation Lock, Apple ID, MDM (Mobile Device Management) controls, iTunes Backup Password, and more.
NOTE:
Only when "Find My" is not enabled, you won't need an Apple ID to proceed. If "Find My" is enabled, you will still require an Apple ID for the subsequent activation and usage of your iPhone.
How to Remove iPhone Passcode with Passvers
Now, let's go through how to unlock iPhone without Passcode.
Step 1. Free download and install Passvers iPhone Unlocker on your computer. Connect your locked iPhone to your computer.
Step 2. Then, the program will detect your device automatically. Select the "Wipe Passcode" on the home page.
Step 3. Confirm the device information shown on the screen and click "Start" to download the firmware package for unlocking the iPhone.
Step 4. When the download and installation are complete, enter "0000" and press the "Unlock" button to start removing the iPhone passcode.
FAQs of iPhone Passcode Expired
Q1: What should I do if I forget my iPhone passcode when it expires?
If you forget your iPhone passcode when it expires, you can try to check if you have it saved somewhere. Or you can try the Passvers iPhone Unlocker to unlock iPhone even if you've forgot the passcode. In some cases, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance or consider resetting your device, which will erase all data.
Q2: How do I check when my iPhone passcode will expire?
To check when your iPhone passcode will expire, you can go to your device's Settings app. Scroll down and tap "Face ID & Passcode" or "Touch ID & Passcode" (depending on your device). Then, enter your current passcode and look for the "Passcode Expires" or similar option. It should display the date or time remaining until your passcode expires.
Conclusion
The four feasible methods introduced above fit different situations. It's essential to understand the cause of the passcode expiration and choose the most suitable method to address it. If you don't know which one works for you best, just try Passvers iPhone Unlocker. This professional tool simplifies the process of resetting your iPhone's password, providing a secure and hassle-free way to regain access to your device. Hope this article can be of assistance to you.