Key points
- You unlock the iPhone with Face ID, Touch ID, a passcode or Apple Watch.
- If you have forgotten the passcode, Apple offers three options: the previous passcode (for up to 72 hours after you change it), a reset on the iPhone itself, and a reset using a computer.
- Resetting the iPhone erases your data. You can only recover it if you have a backup.
- Only the network provider can unlock an iPhone locked to its network. Apple cannot do this.
In this article
- How to unlock an iPhone with Face ID
- Face ID not working: what to do
- How to unlock an iPhone with Touch ID
- How to unlock an iPhone with a passcode
- How to unlock an iPhone if you forgot the passcode
- 1. Use the previous passcode (iOS 17 or later)
- 2. Erase iPhone without a computer (iOS 15.2 or later)
- 3. Reset the iPhone using a computer
- How to unlock an iPhone locked to a network
- How to check if an iPhone is locked
- How to request the unlock
- Unlock the iPhone with Apple Watch
- Security when unlocking: best practices
- Frequently asked questions
- Can I unlock an iPhone without a passcode or computer?
- Does Face ID work with glasses or contact lenses?
- What to do if your iPhone says "iPhone Unavailable"?
- Is it safe to buy a carrier-locked iPhone?
- Conclusion
How to unlock an iPhone with Face ID
Face ID is available on all iPhone models without a Home button, starting with the iPhone X:
- Tap the screen or raise the iPhone and look at it.
- When the lock opens, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
For Face ID to work:
- Nothing must cover the TrueDepth camera: case, screen protector, dirt or your finger.
- The camera must see your eyes, nose and mouth. With a mask, it only works from iPhone 12 onwards, with iOS 15.4 or later and the "Face ID with a Mask" option enabled.
- Hold the iPhone at a distance of 25 to 51 cm from your face.
Face ID not working: what to do
If Face ID has stopped working, try these steps in order:
- Clean the TrueDepth camera with a soft, dry cloth.
- Update iOS in Settings > General > Software Update.
- Restart the iPhone and enter the passcode. You will find the steps for each model in the guide how to restart an iPhone.
- Reset Face ID: in Settings > Face ID & Passcode, tap "Reset Face ID" and then "Set Up Face ID".
If it still does not work, the TrueDepth camera may be faulty. Request a diagnosis from Apple or an Apple Authorised Service Provider.
How to unlock an iPhone with Touch ID
Touch ID is on the Home button of the iPhone SE and models up to the iPhone 8:
- Wake the screen.
- Press the Home button with a finger you have registered with Touch ID.
Tips for Touch ID:
- Register more than one finger, for example both thumbs.
- If Touch ID fails repeatedly, delete that fingerprint and register it again.
- With a damaged Home button, Touch ID may stop working.
How to unlock an iPhone with a passcode
The passcode works on any iPhone. The iPhone requests it after restarting and whenever Face ID or Touch ID fail:
- Tap the screen or press the side button.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen. On models with a Home button, press the button.
- Enter the passcode.
For a more secure passcode:
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) > Change Passcode > Passcode Options.
- Apple lists Custom Alphanumeric Code and Custom Numeric Code as the most secure options.
Security notice: after a few incorrect passcodes, iPhone makes you wait before trying again. The wait grows with each error, from 1 minute up to 8 hours. After 10 failed attempts, iPhone is disabled. If you turned on Erase Data in Settings > Face ID & Passcode, iPhone erases everything on the 10th failed attempt.
How to unlock an iPhone if you forgot the passcode
Apple suggests three routes, in this order. The last two erase the iPhone, and you only get your data back if you have a backup.
1. Use the previous passcode (iOS 17 or later)
If you changed the passcode less than 72 hours ago, the old one still unlocks the iPhone:
- On the "iPhone Unavailable" screen, tap "Forgot Passcode?".
- Tap "Enter Previous Passcode" and enter your old passcode.
- Set a new passcode.
2. Erase iPhone without a computer (iOS 15.2 or later)
You need a mobile network or Wi-Fi, Find My enabled on the iPhone, and your Apple Account password.
- On the "iPhone Unavailable" screen, tap "Forgot Passcode?".
- Tap "Start iPhone Reset" and enter your Apple Account password.
- Tap "Erase iPhone".
- When the iPhone restarts, set it up, restore the backup and set a new passcode.
On iOS 15.2 and iOS 16, the Lock Screen shows the "Erase iPhone" option.
3. Reset the iPhone using a computer
You need a Mac or a Windows PC, a cable and an internet connection. Allow up to 60 minutes.
- Turn off the iPhone.
- Connect it to the computer and put it into recovery mode.
- On a Mac, open Finder. On Windows, open the Apple Devices app. Select the iPhone.
- Choose "Restore" and follow the on-screen instructions.
You can also erase the iPhone remotely from another device or computer at icloud.com/find using your Apple Account. Then set it up again and restore the backup.
How to unlock an iPhone locked to a network
An iPhone locked to a network only works with SIM cards from that network. Only the network that locked it can unlock it. Apple cannot do this.
How to check if an iPhone is locked
- Open Settings > General > About.
- Look for "Network Provider Lock". If you see "No SIM Restrictions", the iPhone is unlocked.
- If a network name appears, the iPhone only works with that network.
How to request the unlock
- Contact the network to which the iPhone is locked, for example MEO, NOS or Vodafone. The conditions depend on the network and your contract.
- Apple advises that the request may take a few days.
- Once the network confirms the unlock, insert the new network's SIM card. Without another SIM card, back up the iPhone, erase it and restore it from that backup.
Unlock the iPhone with Apple Watch
If you wear a mask or sunglasses, the Apple Watch can unlock the iPhone for you. You need:
- an iPhone with Face ID (iPhone X or later) and iOS 14.5 or later;
- an Apple Watch Series 3 or later, with watchOS 7.4 or later, a passcode set and wrist detection turned on.
- On iPhone, open Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode.
- Under "Unlock with Nearby Devices", turn on the option next to your watch's name.
- With the watch on your wrist and unlocked, look at your iPhone. When the iPhone unlocks, the watch vibrates and shows an alert.
This unlock only works to open the iPhone. It does not confirm Apple Pay or saved passwords.
With iOS 15.4 or later, iPhone 12 and later models unlock with a mask without an Apple Watch, using "Face ID with a Mask". This option does not work with sunglasses.
Security when unlocking: best practices
| Practice | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Passcode | Use a custom alphanumeric or numeric code |
| Face ID | If you change your look often, add an alternate appearance in "Set Up an Alternate Appearance" |
| Erase Data | Turn on "Erase Data" if you want the iPhone to erase itself after 10 failed attempts, and make backups |
| Auto-Lock | Choose a short interval in Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock |
| Notifications | In Settings > Notifications, hide previews on the lock screen |
Frequently asked questions
Can I unlock an iPhone without a passcode or computer?
Yes, but the iPhone will be erased. With iOS 15.2 or later, a mobile network or Wi-Fi connection and Find My enabled, you can reset the iPhone on the lock screen itself using your Apple Account password. If you changed the passcode less than 72 hours ago and have iOS 17 or later, the previous passcode still works and you will not lose anything.
Does Face ID work with glasses or contact lenses?
Yes. Apple designed Face ID to work with glasses, contact lenses, hats and many models of sunglasses. Some sunglasses block the infrared light the camera uses, and with those Face ID may fail.
What to do if your iPhone says "iPhone Unavailable"?
The iPhone shows this message after several incorrect passcodes. If a wait time appears, wait and try again. If you don't remember the passcode, follow one of the three methods above: previous passcode, erase on iPhone, or erase using a computer.
Is it safe to buy a carrier-locked iPhone?
Only if the carrier confirms they will unlock it. Before buying, check Settings > General > About to see if "No SIM Restrictions" appears. At iOutlet, all refurbished iPhones are unlocked.
Conclusion
With Face ID or Touch ID, you unlock your iPhone without typing anything. Keep a strong passcode for when biometrics fail and make backups: if you ever need to erase your iPhone, you can recover your data. If you are looking for an unlocked iPhone, all refurbished models at iOutlet are unlocked and come with 24 months warranty.
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