[Approved]Unlock iPhone Without Face ID or Passcode
Best ways to unlock an iPhone without Face ID or passcode using proven methods, expert insights, and smart recovery strategies—while minimizing data loss and avoiding common mistakes.
How to Unlock iPhone Without Face ID or Passcode?
For many iPhone users, Face ID and passcodes are everyday habits—until the moment they suddenly stop working. A cracked TrueDepth camera, a child entering the wrong passcode too many times, a forgotten six-digit code after months of Face ID reliance, or even a system glitch after an iOS update can turn a familiar device into an expensive paperweight.
This article digs deeper than the usual “try this quick fix” advice. We’ll first break down why iPhones become locked without Face ID or passcode access, then explore three realistic, workable methods to unlock an iPhone without Face ID or passcode, explaining what really happens under the hood, what data risks exist, and when each approach actually makes sense. Finally, we’ll extend the topic to another common iPhone problem that often appears after unlocking attempts—and show how it can be solved using tools from the same ecosystem.
Guide List
- Why iPhones Become Completely Locked?
- Method 1: Unlock iPhone Without Face ID or Passcode Using iPhone Unlocker (Recommended)
- Method 2: Unlock iPhone via Apple Account and iCloud
- Method 3: Unlock iPhone Using Recovery Mode with iTunes or Finder
- Data Loss After Unlocking an iPhone — What Many Users Overlook
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why iPhones Become Completely Locked?
Apple’s security model is intentionally strict. Face ID and passcodes are not just surface-level locks; they are cryptographic gatekeepers tied to the Secure Enclave. When both fail, Apple assumes the device may be stolen—even if you are the rightful owner.
Here are the most common real-world scenarios:
- Face ID hardware failure (front camera damage, water exposure, replacement screens).
- Forgotten passcode after long-term Face ID use.
- Disabled iPhone due to too many incorrect attempts.
- Second-hand devices still linked to a previous owner’s passcode.
- iOS update errors causing Face ID malfunction or lock loops.
Once both Face ID and passcode are unavailable, you are forced into system-level recovery solutions. There is no magic “bypass” button—but there are legitimate ways to regain access.
Method 1: Unlock iPhone Without Face ID or Passcode Using iPhone Unlocker (Recommended)
When Face ID is broken and the passcode is unknown, specialized unlocking software becomes the most direct and controlled solution. iDATAPP iPhone Unlocker is designed specifically for scenarios where standard Apple authentication fails, allowing users to regain access without relying on Face ID or passcode input.
This method works by safely reinstalling the iOS firmware while removing the screen lock layer. Unlike risky online tools or questionable scripts, this approach follows Apple’s recovery logic while automating the complex steps for everyday users. It’s particularly useful for disabled iPhones, second-hand devices, or phones locked after repeated incorrect attempts. While data removal may occur depending on the device state, the unlocking success rate is significantly higher than manual recovery for non-technical users.
- Works on most recent iPhone models and iOS versions.
- Ideal for users who value clarity, speed, and reliability.
- Data removal may occur; backup is recommended when possible.
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
1.Download and install iDATAPP iPhone Unlocker on your computer and select Unlock iOS Screen mode on the interface.
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable. If your computer cannot recognize the iPhone, follow the prompts to put the device into recovery mode.
3. Here, please check and confirm your iPhone's device information to ensure that your iPhone is ready for a reset.
4. Click the "Start Now" button to let iPhone Unlocker automatically download the iOS firmware for your iPhone model. Then wait for the download to complete.
5. At this point, a confirmation window will automatically pop up, prompting you that unlocking your iPhone will erase all data and settings on the device. To confirm, press "OK" and then click the "Start Removing" button.
6.Once finished, your iPhone restarts without Face ID or passcode restrictions.
Method 2: Unlock iPhone via Apple Account and iCloud
If you still remember your Apple ID and password, Apple provides an official way to unlock an iPhone without Face ID or passcode using iCloud’s Find My feature. This method is often overlooked because it doesn’t feel like an “unlock,” but it effectively removes the lock by resetting the device remotely.
This approach is best for users who previously enabled Find My iPhone and still control the linked Apple ID. It’s secure, Apple-approved, and requires no third-party installations. However, it does require an internet connection and will erase all device data in the process.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
1.Visit iCloud.com on another device or computer.
2.Sign in with your Apple ID credentials.
3.Open Find Devices and select the locked iPhone.
4.Click Erase iPhone.
5.Confirm the action using your Apple ID password.
6.After erasure, set up the device as new or restore from backup.
Notes
- Face ID and passcode are removed after reset.
- Apple ID is still required during setup (Activation Lock).
- Best for users who remember Apple ID credentials.
Method 3: Unlock iPhone Using Recovery Mode with iTunes or Finder
For users who prefer Apple’s built-in tools and don’t want external software, Recovery Mode restoration remains a viable option. This method reinstalls iOS completely, removing Face ID and passcode locks in the process.
While it’s free and official, it’s also the most error-prone for beginners. Timing button presses, handling firmware downloads, and resolving restore errors can be frustrating. Still, for users comfortable with basic troubleshooting, it works reliably.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
1.Power off your iPhone.
2.Connect it to a computer while holding the required button (varies by model).
3.Keep holding until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
4.Open iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave) or Finder (macOS Catalina+).
5.Choose Restore when prompted.
6.Wait for iOS to reinstall.
7.Set up the iPhone again after completion.
Notes
- Completely erases all data.
- Requires stable internet for firmware download.
- Can fail if hardware issues exist.
Data Loss After Unlocking an iPhone — What Many Users Overlook
Unlocking an iPhone without Face ID or passcode often comes with an unexpected consequence: data loss. Photos, messages, notes, app data—everything can vanish after a restore or unlock operation. This is especially common when users rush to unlock a disabled device without checking backup status.
One frequent situation involves users unlocking an iPhone successfully, only to realize:
- No recent iCloud backup exists.
- Local iTunes backups are outdated.
- Important photos or messages were never synced.
This is where iPhone data recovery solutions from the same ecosystem become relevant. Tools available at idatapp.com are designed to scan iOS devices and backups for recoverable data after system resets, failed updates, or accidental deletion.
- Extract photos, videos, and messages from iTunes backups.
- Recover selectively from iCloud without full restore.
- Handle data loss caused by system crashes or restore failures.
This combination—unlocking first, recovering data second—is often the safest real-world workflow. Many professionals recommend planning for recovery before unlocking, especially when irreplaceable data is involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unlock my iPhone without Face ID or passcode without losing data?
In most cases, no. Apple’s security design requires data erasure when authentication fails. Backup-based recovery is the safest way to preserve data.
Is it legal to unlock my own iPhone this way?
Yes. Unlocking a device you own and are authorized to use is legal. Problems only arise when bypassing someone else’s device.
Does unlocking remove Apple ID activation lock?
No. Apple ID verification is still required after unlocking unless it was removed beforehand.
Why does Face ID stop working suddenly?
Common causes include camera damage, screen replacement issues, water exposure, or iOS software bugs.
Which method is best for beginners?
Dedicated unlocking software is usually the most user-friendly and least error-prone for non-technical users.
Conclusion
Unlocking an iPhone without Face ID or passcode isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about choosing the right recovery path. Whether you rely on professional unlocking software, Apple’s iCloud tools, or Recovery Mode, understanding the risks and planning for data recovery makes all the difference.