How To Unlock iPhone Without Face ID or Passcode

Introduction

One of the common issues faced by iPhone users is being locked out of their devices due to forgetting their passcode or having a Face ID malfunction. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s crucial to know how to unlock your iPhone without relying on Face ID or a passcode.

The good news is that it’s possible to unlock your iPhone under these circumstances, but the bad news is that you’ll experience data loss when using any available method. Hence, it’s advisable to use these solutions only when you’re sure that you can’t recall your passcode and have no other choice.

In this article, we’ll discuss multiple methods on how to unlock iPhone without a passcode or Face ID, and we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for each approach.

Method 1: Unlock iPhone using iTunes

The first option for unlocking your iPhone without a passcode or Face ID is to use iTunes to restore it. You will need to connect your iPhone to your computer and enter recovery mode manually, so it’s essential to be cautious with the operations. To use this method, follow these steps:

Step 1: Disconnect and turn off iPhone

Disconnect the iPhone from the computer if it was connected earlier. Press and hold the Side button until the Power Off slider appears; drag the slider to fully turn off the device.

Step 2: Enter recovery mode manually

Different iPhone models require separate procedures for entering recovery mode. Follow the appropriate steps for your specific device:

iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release both the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons. Then press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
iPhone 7: Press and hold both the Volume Down and Side buttons simultaneously until the recovery mode screen appears.
iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold both Home and Side buttons at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.

Step 3: Connect to iTunes on computer

Launch iTunes on your computer and connect your locked iPhone using the Lightning to USB cable. iTunes will automatically detect the device in recovery mode, displaying an option to either “Update” or “Restore.”

Step 4: Choose Restore option

To unlock your iPhone without a passcode or Face ID, select the Restore option and follow any on-screen instructions.

Step 5: Wait for restoration process to finish

The restoration process will take some time to complete. Once finished, you can set up your iPhone as a new device, free from any previously set passcodes or Face ID restrictions.

Method 2: Unlock iPhone using iCloud

If you’ve enabled Find My iPhone on your locked device and have a network connection available, you can use iCloud as an alternative method for unlocking. Make sure you remember the Apple ID credentials used on the device. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Sign in to iCloud.com with Apple ID

Visit iCloud.com using another device, such as a computer or tablet. Sign in with your Apple ID credentials associated with your locked iPhone.

Step 2: Choose “Find iPhone” feature

Once authenticated, you’ll see various app icons offered by iCloud. Select “Find iPhone” from the interface.

Step 3: Select “All Devices” and find your iPhone

Next, click “All Devices” at the top of the screen, which will display a list of all connected devices logged in with your Apple ID. Locate and click on your locked iPhone.

Step 4: Choose “Erase iPhone”

After selecting the appropriate device, choose “Erase iPhone” to perform a remote wipe on your phone. This will erase all content and settings, including any passcodes or Face ID data saved on the device.

Step 5: Set up the iPhone afresh

Once the erasing process has concluded, you can set up your iPhone anew without any previous restrictions.

Additional Methods

Method 1: Unlock iPhone without another device (iOS 15.2 or later)

If your locked iPhone is running iOS 15.2 or a more recent version and has Find My enabled, you can use this method to unlock it without needing another device.

Step 1: Enter wrong passcode seven times in a row

Enter the incorrect passcode on your iPhone seven consecutive times until the message “iPhone Unavailable, try again in 15 minutes” appears. You should see an “Erase iPhone” option in the bottom right corner of the screen; tap on it.

Step 2: Confirm Erase iPhone

Tap “Erase iPhone” once more, then input the iCloud Apple ID password associated with your device. Your iPhone will proceed to erase itself, removing all content and settings — including the passcode and Face ID credentials.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Tools

There are several third-party unlocking tools available for iPhones, but it’s essential to exercise caution as not all tools are reliable or safe to use. Be sure to thoroughly research and read reviews before deciding on an unlocking tool. Some third-party tools may require payment for services rendered, while others might be entirely free.

Pros of using a third-party tool include potentially faster unlocking processes and more user-friendly interfaces. However, cons might include potential security risks or scams. As with any method in this article, it’s crucial to weigh the options carefully before proceeding.

Tips to Avoid Future Passcode-Face ID Issues

To prevent being locked out of your iPhone due to forgotten passcodes or malfunctioning Face ID, consider implementing these strategies:

Set reminders for yourself containing crucial passcode information.
Regularly back up your data so that you always have a recent copy of your data if you need to unlock your device in the future.
Utilize a password manager to store your passcodes securely, so you don’t have to remember them on your own.
Enable the Find My iPhone feature on your device, allowing for remote access and management if required.

By following these tips, you should be able to minimize the risk of being locked out of your iPhone and avoid needing to use any unlocking methods in the future.

FAQs

Can I unlock iPhone without losing any data if I forget the passcode and Face ID isn’t working?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a method to unlock iPhone without losing data when both passcode and Face ID are unavailable. All the available unlocking methods require your device to be wiped and restored, which will delete all your data and settings.
Is there any way to back up my iPhone data before unlocking it if I’ve forgotten my passcode or Face ID has malfunctioned?

If you have previously enabled automatic backups via iCloud, your device may have a recent backup. Unfortunately, if you haven’t set up regular backups or connected to Wi-Fi to perform an automatic backup, it’s impossible to back up your iPhone in its locked state before unlocking it. You can only access previous backup data once you’ve unlocked the device.
How can I avoid forgetting my iPhone passcode again in the future?

To avoid forgetting your iPhone password or passcode again, you can try using a password manager app that securely stores all of your passwords and passcodes in one place. Another option is setting reminders containing critical passcode information or writing it down in a safe location (encrypted or hidden).
Is it safe to use third-party software to unlock my iPhone without a passcode or Face ID?

While there are some reputable third-party tools available for unlocking iPhones, not all are reliable or safe. It’s crucial to thoroughly research, read reviews, and ensure you understand what the software will do before downloading or using any third-party products. Be cautious of scams and consider paid options with trustworthy companies when available.
After unlocking my iPhone device without Apple ID password or Face ID, can I recover my erased data from the device?

Once you’ve erased and unlocked your iPhone using the methods mentioned above, all data will be permanently deleted from the device. However, if you’ve previously backed up your device using iCloud or iTunes, you can recover your data by restoring the most recent backup once the device is unlocked and set up again.