Have your iPhone ever rejected a passcode you were certain was correct? You’re not alone. This exact issue happened with Dave’s iPhone 11, and after some detective work, I discovered why. Let me guide you through what might be happening and how to address it.
Dave’s Problem: Correct Passcode, but It Doesn’t Work
Dave’s brought his iPhone 11 to me, confident that his passcode—556648—was correct. However, when I entered it, the phone rejected it. This wasn’t just frustrating; it also blocked access to vital data. After troubleshooting, I identified a surprising culprit: an issue with the iPhone’s logic board.
How the iPhone 11 Logic Board Works
To understand this issue, it’s important to know how the iPhone 11’s logic board is structured. It’s made up of two layers:
- Top Layer: This holds all the data and essential components, including the CPU, NAND (storage), and connectors.
- Bottom Layer: This handles RF (radio frequency) functions like calls, Wi-Fi, NFC (near-field communication), and Apple Pay.
In Dave’s case, the problem originated on the bottom board, which had a short circuit.
The Role of NFC in Passcode Rejection
When I separated the top and bottom boards to test them individually, the phone booted up but wouldn’t accept the passcode. Why?
The NFC chip on the bottom board plays a critical role. If the phone detects a mismatch—or if it can’t find its original NFC chip—this creates what I call the “NFC Divorce” issue. The phone hangs on the last passcode digit or displays a “Swipe up to recover” screen.
However, Dave’s phone behaved even more unusually, skipping these steps entirely and immediately showing “iPhone unavailable” after just one incorrect attempt.
How I Fixed It
Here’s how I tackled the problem:
Step 1: Testing with a Donor Bottom Board
I paired Dave’s top board with a known good bottom board to create a temporary hybrid. Normally, this setup leads to a passcode hang and then a recovery screen, allowing access.
But Dave’s phone didn’t follow this typical behavior. Instead, it went straight to “iPhone unavailable,” rejecting the passcode entirely.
Step 2: Repairing Chris’s Original Bottom Board
To rule out mismatches, I repaired Chris’s native bottom board. After reassembling the phone, I entered the passcode 556648, and it worked!
Key Takeaways
Dave’s case revealed an important insight: the NFC pairing between the top and bottom boards might affect whether the iPhone accepts the correct passcode.
This is particularly significant for data recovery professionals, who often swap boards without considering RF components like NFC. It suggests that modern iPhones may have deeper integration between the top board, bottom board, and iOS.
What Should You Do If Your iPhone Rejects the Correct Passcode?
If you’re facing this issue, follow these steps:
- Avoid Repeated Attempts: Entering the wrong passcode too many times could lead to an “iPhone unavailable” lockout, making recovery harder.
- Try Updating iOS: Updating the software can sometimes force the NFC divorce process, allowing the phone to stop looking for its original NFC chip.
- Seek Professional Help: If your phone won’t stay powered on long enough to update, it might require repairing or replacing the bottom board to restore functionality.
Final Thoughts
Dave’s situation demonstrates that what looks like a wrong passcode might be the correct one. Internal issues—especially related to NFC—can create complications.
If you’ve experienced a similar issue, don’t panic. Follow the steps outlined above or consult a professional to maximize your chances of recovering your data.
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