How to Unlock iPhone XS Without Passcode or Face ID (10 Easy Methods for 2025)

Got locked out of your iPhone XS? Don’t worry—it happens more often than you’d think. Maybe you forgot your passcode. Or maybe Face ID just won’t recognize your face anymore. The good news? There are several ways to unlock your iPhone XS even without a passcode or Face ID.

Let’s break it all down in the simplest way possible. You’ll find 10 easy methods here. Some methods erase your data, while others might help you keep it. Ready? Let’s dive in.

>> How to Unlock iPhone Free with IMEI Number (Easy Ways) <<

1. Use Recovery Mode with iTunes or Finder

If your iPhone is locked, the classic way to unlock it is through recovery mode. It works best if you’ve synced your iPhone with iTunes or Finder before.

Here’s how it works:

1. Plug your iPhone XS into your computer using a lightning cable.
2. Open iTunes if you’re on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier. If you’re on macOS Catalina or later, open Finder.
3. Press and release Volume Up, then press and release Volume Down.
4. Now press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen (it shows a cable and a laptop).
5. On your computer, you’ll get a popup to Restore or Update your iPhone.
6. Click Restore.

This will completely erase your iPhone and remove the passcode. Afterward, you can set it up as new or restore from a backup.

Heads up: This method deletes all your data if you don’t have a backup. But it’s the official Apple method and works every time.

2. Erase iPhone Using iCloud’s Find My iPhone

If “Find My iPhone” is turned on, you’re in luck. You can erase your iPhone remotely from iCloud. This removes the passcode.

Here’s how to do it:

• Go to iCloud.com and log in using your Apple ID.
• Click on Find iPhone.
• At the top, click All Devices, then choose your iPhone XS.
• Click Erase iPhone.

That’s it. Your iPhone will reset to factory settings, removing the passcode.

You can now set it up from scratch. If you had a backup in iCloud, you can restore it during the setup process.

>> How to Unlock iPhone Without Passcode or Face ID: 6 Easy Methods <<

3. Use the “Erase iPhone” Feature on iOS 15.2 or Later

Apple added a super handy feature in iOS 15.2+. If you enter the wrong passcode too many times, you’ll see an Erase iPhone button at the bottom of the lock screen.

Here’s what to do:

• Keep entering the wrong passcode until you see iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout.
• Tap Erase iPhone.
• Enter your Apple ID password when asked.

Your iPhone will reset itself, removing everything—including the passcode.

It’s quick and doesn’t require a computer. But again, it wipes your data. You’ll need a backup if you want your files back.

4. Try Siri Trick (Only Works on Old iOS Versions)

This method is more of a glitch than an official method. It worked on iPhones running iOS 8.0 to iOS 10.1.

It’s not reliable on newer devices, but worth knowing.

Here’s the trick:

• Press and hold the Side button to activate Siri.
• Ask Siri: “What time is it?”
• Tap the clock icon that shows up.
• Tap the + symbol to add a new clock.
• In the search field, type random text. Then tap it and select Share.
• Choose the Messages app.
• In Messages, start a new message, then press the Return key a few times.
• Tap the Home button.

Sometimes this gives you access to the home screen.

Note: This glitch was fixed in newer updates. It’s more of a fun hack than a real solution, but still interesting.

>> How to Unlock iPhone Without Password (Easy Methods) <<

5. Use AnyUnlock or Third-Party Tools

If the official Apple methods aren’t working for you, you can try a third-party unlock tool. One popular option is AnyUnlock by iMobie. Others include Tenorshare 4uKey or Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock.

They’re easy to use but not always free. Most offer a free trial to scan your phone, but full unlock usually needs a paid license.

Steps to use AnyUnlock:

1. Download and install AnyUnlock on your computer.
2. Connect your iPhone XS via USB.
3. Choose Unlock Screen Passcode.
4. Follow the on-screen steps to download the right firmware.
5. Click Unlock Now.

It will remove your lock screen and let you access your iPhone.

These tools are beginner-friendly, so no tech skills are needed.

6. Use the “Find My” App on Another Apple Device

If you have another Apple device (like an iPad or another iPhone), you can use the Find My app to erase your locked iPhone XS.

Here’s what to do:

• Open the Find My app.
• Tap Devices at the bottom.
• Choose your locked iPhone XS from the list.
• Scroll down and tap Erase This Device.

It will reset your phone and remove the passcode. You’ll still need your Apple ID during setup to pass Activation Lock.

>> How to Unlock iPhone Without Passcode or Face ID With Calculator in 2025 <<

7. Contact Apple Support for Help

If none of the above methods work, you can always reach out to Apple Support. They can walk you through the recovery process or even unlock the device if you provide proof of ownership.

They may ask for:

• The purchase receipt.
• The device’s serial number or IMEI.
• Your Apple ID and proof it belongs to you.

This method is slower but very secure. It’s your best option if you bought the iPhone second-hand and don’t know the original Apple ID.

8. Use DFU Mode (Device Firmware Update)

This method is similar to recovery mode but digs deeper. DFU mode is often used when recovery mode doesn’t work.

To enter DFU Mode on iPhone XS:

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes or Finder.
2. Quickly press and release Volume Up.
3. Quickly press and release Volume Down.
4. Press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black.
5. While holding the Side button, also press and hold Volume Down for 5 seconds.
6. Then release the Side button but continue holding Volume Down for about 10 more seconds.

If the screen stays black and your iPhone shows up in iTunes/Finder, you’re in DFU mode.

Click Restore iPhone to reset it and remove the passcode.

>> How to Unlock a Disabled iPhone Without iTunes, iCloud, or a Computer <<

9. Use Quick Start to Transfer Data to a New iPhone

Got a new iPhone? You can use Quick Start to move data from your locked iPhone XS to a new one—if Face ID or passcode is the only thing blocking you.

You’ll need both iPhones close together and connected to Wi-Fi.

Steps:

• Turn on the new iPhone and place it near the locked one.
• On the locked iPhone, you’ll see the Quick Start screen. Tap Continue.
• Use the camera to scan the animation.
• Follow the instructions to transfer data.

This won’t unlock the old iPhone, but it lets you move your stuff to the new one.

10. Use iRemove (iCloud Bypass Tool) for iCloud Locked Devices

This one’s a bit advanced and mainly for iCloud-locked devices. If your iPhone is stuck on the Activation Lock screen, iRemove is a tool designed for that.

It bypasses the iCloud lock, but it doesn’t remove the original Apple ID permanently. So, features like FaceTime and iMessage might not work fully.

Only use this if:

• You legally own the device.
• You can’t get in touch with the previous owner.
• Apple won’t unlock it for you.

Download the tool from the iRemove official website and follow the instructions. It’s not free, but many users say it works for older devices.

>> How to Unlock an iPhone from a Carrier in 2025 <<

FAQs: Unlocking iPhone XS Without Passcode or Face ID

Q1: Is it possible to unlock an iPhone without Face ID or passcode?

Yes, it's possible. If you can’t use Face ID or don’t remember your passcode, you can still unlock your iPhone. Many users go through this. You can use iTunes, iCloud, or a third-party unlock tool to reset and unlock your iPhone.

Q2: Can a locked iPhone XS be unlocked?

Yes, a locked iPhone XS can be unlocked. One way is to put the device into Recovery Mode. Then connect it to a computer and click Restore in iTunes or Finder. This will erase the iPhone and remove the lock screen, letting you set it up again.

Q3: How to unlock an iPhone if I forgot the passcode?

If you forgot the passcode, enter the wrong code several times until you see “iPhone Unavailable” or “Security Lockout”. When available, tap Forgot Passcode?, then follow the steps to Erase iPhone. This will reset your phone and remove the passcode.

>> How to Unlock a Disabled iPhone Without iTunes or WiFi <<

Q4: Can I legally unlock my iPhone?

Yes. You can legally unlock your iPhone by contacting your carrier (the company you bought the phone from). They’ll guide you through the unlock process. It may take a few days to complete the request.

Q5: Can my iPhone be unlocked without a password?

Yes. If Find My iPhone is turned on, you can use the Find My app on another Apple device. It lets you erase the iPhone remotely, which also removes the password. After that, you can set it up again.

Q6: How do I restore an iPhone without the passcode?

You can restore your iPhone through iTunes or Finder:

• Plug your iPhone into a computer using a USB cable.
• Open iTunes or Finder and select your device.
• Click Restore iPhone.
• Confirm the reset and wait for it to finish.

This will remove the passcode, but it also erases everything on the phone.

>> How to Unlock a Phone to Any Network for Free (2025) <<

Q7: How many attempts do I get before my iPhone is locked or erased?

iPhones give you 10 attempts. After 5 wrong tries, it starts to lock you out for longer. After 10 failed attempts, the phone will erase itself—only if you turned on the auto-erase feature in Settings.

Q8: How do I unlock my Apple ID if it’s locked?

Go to Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security > Unlock Account. Follow the instructions. If someone else may know your password, choose Change Password and set a new one to protect your account.

Q9: Can a locked phone be unlocked?

Yes. Most locked phones can be unlocked. You’ll need to contact your wireless carrier to get an unlock code or request the device to be unlocked through their system. They’ll let you know the steps and requirements.

Q10: How to unlock an iPhone if I forgot the passcode again?

If you forgot your passcode again, just keep trying until you see the Forgot Passcode? option on the lock screen. Tap it, then select Start iPhone Reset. Follow the instructions to erase and unlock your phone.

>> How to Unlock a Straight Talk Phone: Easy Methods for 2025 <<

Final Thoughts

Getting locked out of your iPhone XS is frustrating. But as you’ve seen, there are plenty of ways to unlock it without needing the passcode or Face ID.

Some methods are official and safe, like recovery mode or using iCloud. Others use third-party software, which can be helpful if Apple’s tools don’t work for you.

Just remember:

• Most methods will erase your data unless you have a backup.
• Always try to keep Find My iPhone enabled.
• Back up your iPhone often to avoid losing data in the future.

Now that you know these 10 easy ways, you’re better prepared. Whether it’s for you or someone else, unlocking an iPhone XS without a passcode is no longer a mystery.