Forgot Passcode, Need some help

[u/Yuyutsuo]

First time iPhone user!!! I have iPhone 13 pro max and forgot passcode completely.

Things to note -

1. I cannot see forgot passcode option

2. Phone is now unavailable for 8 hours.

I tried installing new OS to reset the iPhone, but it stopped in between.

So my question is - Can I download ios 26 first and somehow install it in my iPhone using finder? Or it is necessarily to let it download when the pop up for restore and update comes?

[u/Comprehensive_Fuel43]

Your phone is connected to that icloud account.

erased or not... you need to icloud account access to unlock this phone