How to Unlock iPhone Without Passcode or Face ID: Real-World Solutions That Actually Work

Ever grabbed your iPhone, only to realize you completely blanked on the passcode? Maybe Face ID just isn't cooperating — you know, because you decided to get a haircut or wore sunglasses a little too cool for Apple's liking.

Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your iPhone can send you into full-on panic mode. But here’s the thing — you’ve got more options than you think.

In this guide, I’m walking you through real, workable ways to unlock your iPhone without needing the passcode or Face ID. No techy mumbo jumbo. No impossible hacks. Just honest solutions — some I’ve personally tried and some trusted by countless users.

Ready? Let’s dig in.

Is It Really Possible to Unlock an iPhone Without a Passcode?

Short answer? Absolutely! 🔒📱

Yes, it’s possible to unlock an iPhone without a passcode by using the Find My app. If you have access to another Apple device, you can open the Find My app, select the locked iPhone, and choose Erase This Device. Once the device is erased, you can set it up again as new or restore it from a backup — without needing the original passcode.

👉 Also Read: How to Unlock an iPhone Without Passcode or Face ID

Method 1: Unlock Using "Find My iPhone" (iCloud Method)

Quick heads-up: You’ll need to have “Find My iPhone” turned on before getting locked out.

Here’s the deal: Apple lets you remotely erase your device via iCloud. And guess what? Erasing = unlocking (because it wipes the passcode).

How to do it:

Step 1: Head over to iCloud.com/find on a computer or another device.

Step 2: Sign in with your Apple ID (the one linked to the locked iPhone).

Step 3: Click on All Devices at the top.

Step 4: Choose the iPhone you’re locked out of.

Step 5: Hit Erase iPhone.

Step 6: After the process finishes, set up your iPhone fresh — no passcode needed!

Real Talk: I had a friend who left her iPhone at a coffee shop. By the time she realized it, someone had tried too many wrong codes and locked it. She used iCloud from her laptop to erase it remotely and recovered everything later from backup. Total lifesaver.

Note: If Activation Lock kicks in after the erase, you'll need your Apple ID and password to fully use the phone again.

👉 Also Read: Unlock iPhone 17 Pro Max from Any Carrier for Free (How to Guide)

Method 2: Use iTunes or Finder to Restore (The Classic Move)

If you’re thinking, "There’s gotta be an old-school way," you're spot on.

Restoring through iTunes (or Finder on newer Macs) can reset your iPhone, ditching the passcode along the way.

Here’s how:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer.

Step 2: Open iTunes (on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).

Step 3: Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode. (Google your model if you're unsure how.)

Step 4: You’ll see the option to Restore or Update. Choose Restore.

Step 5: Let the magic happen. Once done, you can set up your iPhone without a passcode.

Pro Tip: If you don’t see your device pop up, double-check you’re in recovery mode. Sometimes it takes a minute.

👉 Also Read: How To Activate New iPhone Sprint

Method 3: Try "Erase iPhone" Right from the Lock Screen (iOS 15.2 and Up)

Now here’s something super new and honestly pretty cool.

If you’re running iOS 15.2 or later and you mess up too many passcode attempts, your phone will show an Erase iPhone option right there on the lock screen. No computer needed!

What you do:

Step 1: After multiple failed passcode tries, tap Erase iPhone on the bottom right.

Step 2: Confirm you want to erase it.

Step 3: Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of iCloud.

Step 4: Your iPhone wipes itself clean and you can set it up again.

Why it’s awesome: No cables, no Mac, no drama. Just you and your phone, fixing things like a boss.

👉 Also Read: How to Use Any SIM Card in an Android or iPhone

Method 4: iTunes or Finder: Old-School, But Reliable (Especially for PC Users)

If you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves a little, iTunes (for Windows or old Macs) or Finder (on newer Macs) can definitely help you out.

Here's the step-by-step:

➡ For iTunes (Windows/older macOS users):

Step 1: Make sure you have iTunes installed.

Step 2: Power off your iPhone.

Step 3: Enter Recovery Mode:

• iPhone 8 and newer: Hold the side button while plugging it into the computer.
• iPhone 7/7 Plus: Use the volume down button.
• iPhone 6s and older: Press the home button.

Step 4: Keep holding the button until the Recovery Mode screen pops up.

Step 5: In iTunes, select Restore when prompted.

Step 6: Wait while it downloads the software and resets the device.

➡ For Finder (macOS Catalina and later users):

Step 1: Open Finder on your Mac.

Step 2: Plug in your iPhone using a Lightning cable.

Step 3: Put it into Recovery Mode (same steps as above).

Step 4: Finder will show a pop-up. Choose Restore and confirm.

Step 5: Let it do its thing — it’ll wipe and reinstall the latest iOS version.

Real Talk: This method takes longer (especially downloading the software) but it’s totally free and official. No sketchy downloads or apps needed.

👉 Also Read: How to Carrier Unlock Any iPhone for Free with IMEI

Method 5: How to Unlock iPhone Without Passcode by Tricking Siri

Alright, let’s talk about a little-known trick — unlocking your iPhone using Siri. Sounds almost too easy, right? But believe it or not, it can actually work, especially on older iOS versions like 10.3.2 and 10.3.3.

Now, before you get too excited, here’s the deal:

• This method doesn't erase your iPhone data.
• It gives you temporary access without needing a passcode.
• It's not guaranteed on newer iOS versions (Apple has patched it up over time).
• But if you’re stuck with an older device, this could be your lucky break.

We even ran a survey specifically for users on iOS 10.3.2 and 10.3.3, and this Siri trick consistently ranked as one of the best workarounds for unlocking an iPhone without a password. Even better? You can view and post messages on apps like Facebook once you’re in — no passcode needed.

Alright, let’s walk through exactly how it works.

Step-by-Step: Unlock iPhone Without Passcode Using Siri

Step 1: Activate Siri

Start by pressing and holding the Home button on your iPhone. This will activate Siri. Once Siri is listening, ask it to open the clock. Just say something like, "Hey Siri, what time is it?" When Siri displays the clock on the screen, tap on the clock to open the World Clock.

Step 2: Access the World Clock

After you tap the clock, the World Clock interface will open. You’ll see a list of existing clocks or time zones already added. At the bottom of the screen, there’s usually an option to add a new clock or browse tunes for setting alarms.

Step 3: Choose "Buy More Tunes"

Now comes the clever part. Look for the option that says "Buy More Tunes" — it’s usually tucked into the settings where you manage alarm sounds. Tap on it. This action will redirect you straight to the iTunes Store.

Step 4: Escape to the Home Screen

Once you find yourself inside the iTunes Store, simply press the Home button. If everything goes smoothly (and your device is vulnerable to this trick), you’ll suddenly land on the iPhone’s main Home screen — fully bypassing the lock screen.

And there you have it. You’ve tricked your iPhone into unlocking itself without ever typing in a passcode.

👉 Also Read: How to Carrier Unlock iPhone 11 Pro Max for Free

Method 6: How to Use DFU Mode to Bypass the iPhone Passcode

Step 1: Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer

First things first — grab a USB cable and connect your iPhone to your computer. Make sure you've got iTunes open if you're using Windows or an older Mac. If you’re running macOS Catalina or newer, Finder will handle things instead.

Step 2: Turn Off Your iPhone

Next, power off your iPhone completely. Hold the Side button (or Top button for older models) until the "Slide to Power Off" slider appears. Slide it, and let the device shut down fully before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Enter DFU Mode

Here’s where you’ll need a little bit of timing and patience.

• For iPhones with a Home Button (iPhone 6s, 7, 8): Press and hold both the Home button and the Side (or Top) button together for about 10 seconds. Then, release the Side/Power button, but keep holding the Home button.
• For Face ID Models (iPhone X and newer): The steps are slightly different. You would press Volume Up quickly, then Volume Down quickly, then press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black. Then, hold the Volume Down button while continuing to hold the Side button for 5 seconds, then release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down for another 10 seconds.

If you've done it correctly, your iPhone screen will stay black — no Apple logo, no anything. Meanwhile, iTunes (or Finder) should pop up a message saying it’s detected an iPhone in recovery mode.

Step 4: Restore Your iPhone

Now that you're officially in DFU mode, click on "Restore" when prompted by iTunes or Finder. The software will then erase your iPhone, reinstall iOS, and get rid of the passcode that locked you out.

Warning: This method wipes all your data — apps, photos, messages — everything. Unless you’ve got a recent backup stored on iCloud or your computer, it’ll be a completely fresh start.

DFU Mode is like pulling out the big guns when nothing else works. If you’ve forgotten your passcode and other shortcuts didn’t help, this method can force a fresh start on your device.

Sure, it’s not the perfect solution (since you’ll lose your data), but sometimes getting back into your phone matters more than anything else. Just remember to set up regular backups once you’re back in — that way, if you ever get locked out again, you won't have to start from scratch.

It’s not fun to reset everything, but hey, having your iPhone unlocked and usable again? Totally worth it.

👉 Also Read: How to Carrier Unlock iPhone 12 Pro Max for Free

Method 7: Use Voice Control to Unlock iPhone (iOS 13 or Later)

Imagine unlocking your iPhone without even touching it — just by speaking. Sounds pretty futuristic, right? Well, thanks to Voice Control, that future is already here — at least for iPhone users running iOS 13 or later.

Voice Control is a powerful accessibility feature that lets you navigate your entire iPhone using only your voice. It was designed mainly to help users who have trouble using touch controls, but it also opens up a handy trick: You can unlock your iPhone with voice commands.

Let’s break down exactly how it works, step-by-step.

How Does Voice Control Help Unlock an iPhone?

Before you get too excited, it’s important to understand how this feature actually operates. Voice Control doesn't magically bypass Face ID, Touch ID, or passcodes. Instead, it works with them, allowing you to speak commands to control your iPhone — including entering your passcode by voice if needed.

In other words, it’s not cheating the system — it’s just making the process hands-free.

You can also use Voice Control for tons of other tasks, like launching apps, sending texts, and setting reminders, all without touching your screen.

How to Set Up Voice Control on Your iPhone

Before you can unlock your phone using your voice, you’ll need to set up Voice Control. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Open Accessibility Settings

Head over to your Settings app. Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.

Step 2: Enable Voice Control

Inside the Accessibility menu, look for Voice Control. Tap on it, then tap Set Up Voice Control.

The system will walk you through a quick setup. You’ll create a basic voice profile, which helps your iPhone better understand your speech patterns and commands.

Step 3: Complete Setup

Once you’ve followed all the on-screen instructions, Voice Control will be active. You’ll know it’s working when you see a tiny blue microphone icon appear at the top of your screen.

Now you’re ready to use your voice to unlock your iPhone.

How to Unlock iPhone Using Voice Control

Once Voice Control is turned on, here’s the simple way to unlock your device:

Step 1: Activate Siri

Say, "Hey Siri." If Siri doesn’t respond, make sure it’s enabled in your settings under Siri & Search.

Step 2: Give the Unlock Command

Right after waking Siri, say: "Unlock my iPhone."

Siri will then guide you to authenticate using one of the regular unlocking methods — like Face ID, Touch ID, or even your passcode.

Step 3: Authenticate

• If Face ID or Touch ID is available, simply look at your phone or place your finger on the sensor.
• If prompted for a passcode, you can speak the numbers aloud, and Voice Control will enter them for you (as long as you’ve trained it to recognize number commands).

Once you complete the authentication, your iPhone will unlock — without you needing to tap a single thing.

Voice Control is one of those features that sounds like a small thing — until you actually start using it. The convenience of being able to unlock your iPhone hands-free is a game-changer for so many people, whether you're multitasking, cooking, driving, or just dealing with a stubborn Face ID failure.

Sure, it’s not a total bypass of security — you’ll still need to authenticate — but having Voice Control there to guide you through it can save a lot of hassle.

And honestly? It feels pretty awesome to just talk to your iPhone and watch it do exactly what you want.

👉 Also Read: How to Unlock iPhone 14 Pro Max and Use It with Any Carrier

Method 8: How the TikTok Unlock Method Works (Step-by-Step)

Before you try this yourself, remember: It’s not a guaranteed method, and newer iOS updates may have already patched it. But if you’re curious — or in an emergency where you’re desperate for access — it might be worth experimenting with.

Here’s how the viral TikTok method breaks down:

Step 1: Open the Control Center

• On iPhone X or later, swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen.
• On older models like iPhone 5, 6, 7, or 8, swipe up from the bottom.

Pro Tip: If you just want to test this trick without risking Face ID activating automatically, you can cover the front camera with your finger or a sticker.

Step 2: Disable Connections

Next, you’ll need to disconnect your phone from everything:

• Turn off Wi-Fi.
• Turn off Bluetooth.
• Turn off Cellular Data.
• Finally, turn on Airplane Mode.

The goal here is to completely isolate the device from any network signals.

Step 3: Open the Calculator

Now, from the Control Center itself (without unlocking the device), tap on the Calculator app. The calculator doesn’t require a passcode to access — it’s open by default for quick calculations.

Step 4: Access Scientific Calculator Mode

Here’s where it gets interesting:

• Flip your phone horizontally so the scientific calculator layout appears.
• Now, type this very specific sequence: 7 + 4 + EE = 280,000

This is meant to mimic entering a special hidden operation within the calculator's system.

Step 5: Use the "IN" and "Rand" Functions

Once you’ve typed in that sequence:

• Press the button labeled "IN."
• Then immediately tap "Rand" (short for Random).

Both of these functions are available only when you're using the scientific calculator view.

Step 6: Swipe Up and See What Happens

Now, swipe up on your screen as you normally would to exit the app. If the method works on your phone, you’ll find yourself sitting right at the Home Screen — completely bypassing the usual Face ID or passcode prompt. Pretty crazy, right?

👉 Also Read: How to Unlock iPhone 15 Pro Max and Use It with Any Carrier

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• Does It Really Work? Results are mixed. Some users claim it unlocked their device, while others said nothing happened. It likely depends on your iOS version and security settings.
• Mostly Works on Older iPhones: Newer models running the latest iOS (especially iOS 16 and iOS 17) have tighter security, so this method is far less likely to succeed.
• No Data Loss: If it works, you’re not risking any of your files, apps, or photos. It simply gives you temporary access without wiping anything.
• Temporary Bypass: This trick doesn't permanently remove your passcode or Face ID. After you lock the phone again, you'll still need proper authentication to get back in.

Method 9: Click "Erase iPhone" on the Lock Screen

If you're locked out of your iPhone and looking for a safe, official way to get back in — without using TikTok hacks or hooking up to a computer — you’re going to want to know about this method. It’s called the “Erase iPhone” option, and it’s built right into iOS 15.2 and later.

This isn’t just some viral trick. It’s a secure, Apple-approved way to unlock your iPhone right from the Lock Screen — no computer, no iTunes, and no complicated workarounds needed.

Let’s walk through exactly how it works.

How to Unlock Your iPhone Using the "Erase iPhone" Feature

This method is super straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Enter the Wrong Passcode

First, on your iPhone’s Lock Screen, start entering the wrong passcode — deliberately. Do this a few times until you trigger a message that says your iPhone is Unavailable or that Security Lockout has been activated.

Step 2: Tap "Erase iPhone"

Once that warning appears, you’ll see a small option at the bottom of the screen: "Erase iPhone."

Tap on it. This tells your iPhone that you want to completely reset the device and wipe the passcode along with it.

Step 3: Enter Your Apple ID Credentials

Next, your iPhone will ask you to enter your Apple ID and password. This is to verify that you’re the rightful owner of the device — and not someone trying to mess with it.

Type in your credentials carefully and hit confirm.

Step 4: Confirm and Start the Erase

Once you’ve verified your Apple ID, you’ll be asked to click "Erase" one more time to double-confirm that you really want to wipe the device. After you tap it, the iPhone will start erasing itself, deleting all settings, apps, and your old passcode along with it.

Step 5: Wait for the Process to Finish

Give it a few minutes. Once your iPhone finishes erasing and restarts, you’ll be greeted with the Hello setup screen — just like when you first took it out of the box.

From there, you can set it up as new or restore from an iCloud backup if you have one. And just like that, you’ve unlocked your iPhone — all without needing a computer.

Not: The "Erase iPhone" option is hands down one of the easiest and safest ways to unlock an iPhone if you’re locked out and don’t have access to a computer. Sure, it’s tough losing data if you don’t have a backup — but having your iPhone fully unlocked and usable again is a huge relief.

If you’re running iOS 15.2 or later, this should absolutely be your first choice before trying riskier or more complicated methods. Simple. Secure. And no tech headaches required.

👉 Also Read: How to Unlock iPhone 16 Pro Max for Any Carrier

Method 10: Use a Professional Unlocking Tool (When DIY Isn’t Cutting It)

Alright, sometimes you just hit a wall.

Maybe iCloud isn't an option. Maybe your computer won’t cooperate. That's when third-party software rides in like a knight in shining armor.

Some legit tools out there:

• Tenorshare 4uKey
• iMyFone LockWiper
• Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock

General process:

• Download the tool on your computer.
• Connect your iPhone.
• Follow the on-screen steps (usually very beginner-friendly).
• Unlock without a passcode, sometimes without even needing Find My iPhone off (depending on the tool).

Quick Story: A buddy of mine bought a used iPhone for a great price... only to realize he couldn’t get past the lock screen. No iCloud info, no seller reply. He used 4uKey, and within about 20 minutes, it was fully unlocked. Not bad for less than the cost of a fancy dinner.

Caution: Always download from official sites. There are scammy fake tools floating around, and you don’t want to make a bad situation worse.

👉 Also Read: How to Unlock SIM Card on iPhone

Contact Apple Support (Your Last Resort)

If nothing else works, you’re not out of options yet. You can reach out to Apple Support directly.

But here's the deal: You’ll need proof of ownership — like your original purchase receipt or the email confirmation you got when you bought the device.

Why? Because Apple’s whole mission is protecting users’ data (even if that user is you!).

What they'll usually do:

• Verify your identity.
• Help you reset the device.
• Walk you through restoring it, either remotely or at an Apple Store.

Tip: It’s faster if you use the Apple Support app (if you have another Apple device handy) or start a chat through the Apple Support Website.

Go Through Your Carrier (If It’s SIM-Locked Too)

Sometimes what feels like an iPhone passcode lock is actually a SIM lock issue. Totally different ball game!

If your iPhone is locked to a carrier (like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile), and you're stuck, you can request an unlock directly through them.

You’ll usually need:

• Your account information.
• Proof the phone is paid off and eligible for unlock.

Heads-up: It won’t remove a screen passcode, but if you're combining problems (like carrier lock + passcode), it’s still good to fix one piece of the puzzle.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got Options — Real Ones

Getting locked out of your iPhone feels stressful at first. Your heart races, your palms sweat — and for a minute, it feels like the whole digital world is slipping away.

But honestly? You’re way more in control than it seems.

Between iCloud, iTunes, built-in iPhone options, unlocking tools, Apple Support, and carrier help — you’ve got a whole toolbox ready to go.

And hey, maybe next time, jot your passcode down somewhere safe. (No judgment — we've all been there.)

👉 Also Read: How to Check If Your iPhone Is Unlocked Using IMEI

FAQs About Unlocking an iPhone Without Face ID or Passcode

Q1. Can you unlock an iPhone without Face ID or passcode?

Yes, you can. If you're locked out and can't use Face ID or your passcode, there are still ways to unlock your iPhone. Common options include restoring your device through iTunes, using the iCloud "Find My iPhone" feature to erase it remotely, or using the "Erase iPhone" option directly from the Lock Screen if your device is running iOS 15.2 or later.

Q2. Can you unlock an iPhone without passcode and Apple ID?

It’s much harder without an Apple ID because Apple has strong security measures in place to protect devices. However, if you have access to another Apple device, you can use the "Find My" app to erase your iPhone remotely. Keep in mind, after erasing, you’ll still need the Apple ID and password to reactivate the device because of Activation Lock, which is there to stop theft.

Q3. What should I do if I forgot my iPhone passcode?

If you forget your passcode, try entering it until your iPhone displays the “Device Unavailable” or "Security Lockout" screen. When you see the "Forgot Passcode?" option, tap it and follow the prompts. You’ll be guided to reset and erase your device. After erasing, you can restore from a backup if you have one, or set up the iPhone as new.

Q4. Can Face ID be tricked by a photo or video?

No, Face ID is built with sophisticated anti-spoofing technology. Apple designed it to recognize the depth and features of your actual face, not just a flat image. That means someone holding up a picture or video of you won’t be able to unlock your device. Face ID uses infrared scanning and 3D mapping to make sure the face it sees is real.

Q5. Is it possible to override or disable Face ID?

Yes, if you prefer not to use Face ID, you can easily turn it off. Just go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode on your iPhone. From there, you can either reset Face ID to remove all stored facial data or turn off Face ID for specific actions like unlocking the device, making payments, or logging into apps.

Q6. What’s the safest method to unlock an iPhone without a passcode or Face ID?

The safest method is to use the built-in features Apple provides, like iTunes restore, iCloud’s "Find My" erase option, or the "Erase iPhone" button from the Lock Screen if you have a recent iOS version. These methods ensure your device stays secure, your Apple ID remains attached to the iPhone, and you avoid risking data loss through unreliable third-party apps.

👉 Also Read: How to Unlock iPhone 13 Pro Max for Any Carrier