Short answer: if you can’t unlock the iPhone, Apple requires erasing it and then restoring from a backup if one exists. There’s no official way to keep on-device data without a prior backup.
Official options and steps:
- If phone is accessible: make a backup now (iCloud or Finder/iTunes).
- If locked and Find My is on: sign into iCloud.com → Find iPhone → Erase iPhone. After erase, set up and restore from your iCloud backup.
- If locked and no Find My erase: use a Mac/PC (Finder or iTunes) → put iPhone into Recovery Mode → Restore. This wipes it; you can only recover data from a prior backup.
- If Activation Lock appears after erase, you’ll need the Apple ID/password or proof of purchase and Apple Support help.
Before you reset: confirm you know Apple ID credentials, check iCloud backup exists, update iTunes/Finder, have a cable and internet connection, and try Face ID/Touch ID fixes if hardware might be the issue.
Spynger