Key points - There are 6 ways to unlock an iPhone: Face ID, Touch ID, passcode, Apple Watch, recovery key and remote wipe - If you forget the passcode, the only way to recover the iPhone is by restoring it from a computer (the data is erased) - 42% of forgotten‑passcode lockouts occur on iPhones with Face ID, according to Apple Support data (2025) - Face ID works in an average of 1.2 seconds on iPhone 15 and 16
In this article
- How to Unlock an iPhone with Face ID
- Face ID Not Working: Solutions
- How to Unlock an iPhone with Touch ID
- How to Unlock an iPhone with Passcode
- How to Unlock an iPhone Without a Passcode (Forgot My Passcode)
- Option 1: Restore from Computer
- Option 2: Recovery Mode (if you never synced)
- Option 3: Remote Erase (if you have another device)
- How to Unlock an iPhone Carrier‑Locked
- Request unlock from the carrier:
- Check if it is locked:
- Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch
- Unlocking Security: 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 should I do if my 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 the quickest method on modern iPhones (12, 13, 14, 15, 16):
- Look directly at the iPhone’s screen
- Swipe up from the bottom
- The iPhone unlocks automatically when it recognises you
Requirements to work: - The TrueDepth camera must be clean and unobstructed - Keep your eyes open looking at the device - Do not wear a mask (except on iOS 15.4+ with a special configuration) - The optimal distance is 25-50 cm from the face
Face ID Not Working: Solutions
If Face ID stops working suddenly:
- Clean the TrueDepth camera with a soft, dry cloth
- Reconfigure Face ID: Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Reset Face ID → Set Up Now
- Check the angle: Hold the iPhone at the correct distance
- Update iOS: Apple releases Face ID improvements with each update
- Restart the iPhone: As we saw in our restart guide, this fixes most temporary glitches
If nothing works, there may be a hardware fault. Symptoms include: the TrueDepth camera shows no image when opening front‑camera apps, or the message "Face ID not available" appears.
How to Unlock an iPhone with Touch ID
On the iPhone SE and older models, Touch ID remains the default:
- Place the registered finger on the Home button
- Hold the finger steady until you feel a vibration
- The iPhone will unlock instantly
Tips for Touch ID: - Register several fingers (at least left and right thumbs) - Re‑enrol fingerprints if skin texture changes - If the Home button is cracked, Touch ID may fail
How to Unlock an iPhone with Passcode
The passcode is the universal backup method:
- Wake the screen (tap the display or press the side button)
- Enter the numeric code
- Tap OK or wait for automatic validation
Set a more secure passcode: - Settings → Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode → Change Passcode → Passcode Options - Choose between a 4‑digit, 6‑digit or alphanumeric code - Apple recommends the alphanumeric code for maximum security
Security warning: iOS progressively locks the iPhone after failed attempts: 5 attempts → 1‑minute wait, 7 attempts → 15‑minute wait, 10 attempts → data wipe (if configured).
How to Unlock an iPhone Without a Passcode (Forgot My Passcode)
If you forgot the passcode, the only official Apple solution is to restore the iPhone. The process erases all data not backed up.
Option 1: Restore from Computer
- Connect the iPhone to the computer you previously synced it with
- Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC)
- Select your iPhone → "Restore iPhone"
- If "Find My iPhone" appears, use your Apple ID to deactivate it
- Follow the instructions to restore
Option 2: Recovery Mode (if you never synced)
- Place the iPhone in recovery mode (see reset guide)
- Connect to the computer
- Choose "Restore" when the option appears
Option 3: Remote Erase (if you have another device)
- Go to iCloud.com/find from any browser
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Select your iPhone
- Tap "Erase iPhone"
How to Unlock an iPhone Carrier‑Locked
A carrier‑locked iPhone only works with SIM cards from that carrier. To unlock:
Request unlock from the carrier:
- Orange/Vodafone/Movistar/Tuenti: Request online, usually takes 24-72 hours
- Requirements: The iPhone must be fully paid off, not reported as stolen and not under any active contract
- Cost: Since 2021, Spanish operators are required to unlock for free
Check if it is locked:
- Insert a SIM from another carrier
- If "Invalid SIM" or "iPhone is carrier‑locked" appears, it is locked
- Settings → General → About → "Carrier Lock": "No restrictions" means unlocked
Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch
The Apple Watch can unlock the iPhone automatically, very handy when you are wearing a mask:
- Requirements: Apple Watch Series 3+ with watchOS 7+, iPhone with Face ID
- Enable in: Settings → Face ID & Passcode → "Unlock with Apple Watch"
- When you look at the iPhone wearing a mask, the Watch will vibrate and unlock it
In iOS 15.4+, Apple improved mask unlocking without needing an Apple Watch.
Unlocking Security: Best Practices
| Practice | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Passcode | Use at least 6 digits or alphanumeric |
| Face ID | Set up alternate appearance if you change your look |
| Data wipe | Enable after 10 failed attempts to deter theft |
| Lock time | Do not set to "immediately", 5 minutes is safe |
| Notifications | Hide content on the lock screen |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unlock an iPhone without a passcode or computer?
Not officially. If you do not have access to the computer you synced with, nor iCloud, there is no way to unlock the iPhone without erasing the data. It is an Apple security measure.
Does Face ID work with glasses or contact lenses?
Yes. Face ID works with most sunglasses and contact lenses. If you have sunglasses that block infrared, Face ID will not work. You can set up "Alternate Appearance" in Settings.
What should I do if my iPhone says "iPhone unavailable"?
iOS shows this message after many failed attempts. You should connect the iPhone to a computer and restore it. The data will be erased if you have no backup.
Is it safe to buy a carrier‑locked iPhone?
Only if it is fully paid off and the carrier confirms it can be unlocked. At iOutlet all our refurbished iPhones are unlocked and free for any carrier in Brazil and abroad.
Conclusion
iPhone unlocking combines convenience and security. Face ID is the fastest method, but having a strong passcode as backup is essential. If you are looking for a free and unlocked iPhone, at iOutlet all our models are, in addition to a 3‑year warranty and prices up to 60% lower.
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