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6 Practical Ways to Unlock iPhone XS or XS Max Without Face ID or Passcode

I recently found myself locked out of my iPhone XS when I couldn’t remember my passcode, and Face ID wasn’t working.

If you’ve ever been in this situation, you know how frustrating it can be.

Through trial and error, research, and firsthand experience, I’ve put together this guide to help others in the same boat.

This step-by-step article includes:

  • Free passcode unlocking techniques.
  • Methods to retain your data during passcode reset.
  • Passcode unlocking without a computer.
  • Recommended software tools.
  • Using recovery mode effectively.
  • The official Apple unlocking process.
  • Resetting and using Face ID efficiently.
How To Unlock iPhone XS and XS Max
Left to right: iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max

Understanding iPhone XS / XS Max Locks

The iPhone XS includes advanced security features like Face ID and a passcode. While these are great for protecting your device, forgetting your passcode or encountering Face ID issues can leave you locked out.

I’ve personally faced this challenge, and I realized how crucial it is to know the right unlocking techniques.

If you forget your passcode and enter it incorrectly 10 times, your iPhone becomes disabled. You’ll see the message “iPhone is disabled. Connect to iTunes.” Apple’s official method wipes all your data unless you have a backup, which can be a nightmare.

Thankfully, I found alternative solutions that worked for me.

Unlocking iPhone XS / XS Max Without a Passcode

Method 1: No Backup or Restore

If you don’t have a backup, resetting your passcode using Apple’s method will erase all data. I explored two options to address this:

Free Method

A free tool called IPSW worked for some older iPhone models, and it might work for your iPhone XS. I gave this a shot, but it didn’t work for me.

However, it’s worth trying as a free option.

Watch the video below for guidance:

Paid Method

When the free option failed, I turned to paid tools. LockWiper and D-Back Data Recovery were lifesavers. They helped me recover lost data and unlock my device.

Here’s the process I followed:

  1. Downloaded and tested the data recovery tool to ensure it could retrieve my files.
  2. Used the passcode removal tool to unlock the screen, wiping the phone’s data.
  3. Restored the erased data using the recovery tool.

Method 2: No Computer

If you don’t have access to a computer, here’s what worked for me:

  • I borrowed a friend’s device to access iCloud and erased my iPhone passcode remotely.
  • Downloaded the Find My app on another Apple device and erased the passcode using it.
  • Visited an Apple Store, where staff helped me reset the passcode using their systems.

Method 3: Using Find My or iCloud

I’ve successfully used iCloud to unlock my iPhone XS.

This method erases all data, so I recommend checking your last backup first. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Logged into iCloud.com on another device.
  2. Selected “Find iPhone” and located my iPhone XS on the map.
  3. Clicked “Erase iPhone” to remove the passcode.
Select device

Method 4: Recovery Mode

Recovery Mode was a lifesaver when other methods didn’t work.

Here’s what I did:

  1. Connected my iPhone to a computer with iTunes installed.
  2. Entered Recovery Mode by pressing and holding the side button and volume down button.
  3. Used iTunes to restore my iPhone and remove the passcode.

Method 5: Unlocking with an Apple Watch

If you have a paired Apple Watch, you can use it to unlock your iPhone XS. I enabled this by going to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and toggling the “Unlock with Apple Watch” option.

Method 6: Using Face ID

When Face ID works, it’s the easiest way to unlock your phone. I reset Face ID by navigating to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and setting it up again.

Conclusion

Through trial and error, I found multiple ways to unlock my iPhone XS without a passcode or Face ID. Whether you use free methods, recovery tools, or seek help from Apple, there’s a solution for every situation.

I hope my experience helps you unlock your device and regain access to your data.

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