Forgot iPhone passcode. How can I unlock iPhone without reset

When you have forgotten iPhone passcode, your only free options are the official Apple methods described above. None of them can unlock your device while preserving data unless you're within the 72-hour iOS 17 grace period for using a previous passcode.

Given that you changed your passcode yesterday, immediately check your lock screen for the "Forgot iPhone Passcode?" option. If you see it, you can use your old passcode and keep all your data intact. This is the only free method that achieves what you want without data loss or additional software.

If that option doesn't appear (because your iPhone isn't on iOS 17 or the 72 hours have passed), then the lock screen "Erase iPhone" option is your next best bet—it's free, requires no computer, and bypasses all the tools you want to avoid, though it will erase your data.

if you forgot iPhone passcode and cannot use the iOS 17 old passcode method, any standard unlocking method will erase your device's data. Apple's security architecture ties your passcode directly to your data encryption keys. Without the correct passcode, the Secure Enclave chip will not release those keys—this is by design to protect your information from thieves.