How to Unlock Apple iPhone XS With an Apple Watch & What to Do if It Doesnt Work

How to Unlock Apple iPhone XS With an Apple Watch & What to Do if It Doesn’t Work

There are plenty of reasons why Apple devices are in such high demand. The quality of the products is unquestionable – few can argue the superior quality of the Apple iPhone XS’s camera, for instance. Almost all devices are long-lasting. They have a great resale value. They offer cutting-edge features.

However, perhaps the greatest advantage of Apple products is just how well they integrate with one another and work together.

With a quick little tap, you can have your Apple iPhone XS’s camera working as your Mac’s webcam. You can use your iPad as a second Mac display. Take calls using any device.

Moreover, you might be able to use the Apple Watch to unlock your Apple iPhone XS.

Now, you cannot just unlock any Apple iPhone XS with your Watch. The devices must be paired, and you’ll need to follow a few steps to enable this option. Here’s how to unlock your phone using your Apple Watch like a pro.

Part 1. Can I Use an Apple Watch To Unlock My Apple iPhone XS?

The Apple iPhone XS face ID is one of the simplest, most practical ways to unlock your phone. While you’ll need a passcode just as another security layer, you won’t have to worry about someone else breaking in if they know it, going through your messages, or collecting your private information.

With face ID, only you can unlock your phone, sign in to your favorite apps, and even authenticate purchases.

The problem is that neither face ID nor traditional passcodes aren’t always the most convenient option. If you wear sunglasses, safety goggles, a face mask, or other face coverings and can’t take them off for some reason, face ID won’t work. If you have gloves on and can’t type in your passcode, your passcodes won’t work.

What could work is your Apple Watch.

Depending on the Apple Watch version you own and your Apple iPhone XS model, you could use your watch to unlock your phone in any circumstances. It’s easy, secure, and convenient, above all else.

Part 2. Requirements for Unlocking Apple iPhone XS With Apple Watch

Unfortunately, not every Apple iPhone XS can be unlocked with your Apple Watch, and not every Apple Watch can unlock your Apple iPhone XS. Both devices must meet some requirements before you can adjust your settings to enable this option.

To be able to use your Apple Watch to unlock your phone with the utmost ease, you’ll need:

An Apple iPhone XS with Face ID – Apple iPhone XS X and newer models;
iOS 14.5 and newer versions;
An Apple Watch series 3 and newer models;
watchOS 7.4 and newer versions.

Additional requirements you’ll need to meet include:

Your Apple iPhone XS and Apple Watch need to be paired;
Both devices need to have WiFi and Bluetooth turned on (but a connection to a WiFi network isn’t necessary);
You need to have a passcode on your Apple Watch;
Wrist detection on your watch needs to be turned on;
The watch needs to be on your wrist and unlocked.

You’ll also need to wear items such as sunglasses, face coverings, ski masks, or others that prevent you from using your Apple iPhone XS Face ID.

Part 3. How To Unlock Apple iPhone XS With an Apple Watch

If you meet all the aforementioned criteria, setting up the feature to unlock your Apple iPhone XS using an Apple Watch is easy. You’ll just have to follow a few steps:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcodeon your Apple iPhone XS;

Step 2: Type in your passcode;
Step 3: Find and enable Unlock with Apple Watch.

Remember that your Apple Watch’s wrist detection must be turned on for this option to work. When you tap to enable Unlock with Apple Watch, if your wrist detection isn’t turned on, you’ll get a prompt on your phone asking you to turn it on.

You can turn on wrist detection on your watch by following these steps:

Step 4: Go to Settingson your Apple Watch;
Step 5: Tap on the Passcode;
Step 6: Toggle Wrist Detection

Now that you’ve enabled the option to unlock your Apple iPhone XS using your Apple Watch, it’s time to simply start using the feature. To unlock your phone, you’ll need to:

Have your Apple Watch on your wrist, unlocked;
Tap on your Apple iPhone XS or raise it to your face to activate it;
Glance at your phone while wearing a face mask, sunglasses, or another item that’s preventing you from using Face ID;
Swipe up on your phone’s screen.

Your Apple Watch will send an alert when you’ve used it to unlock your Apple iPhone XS. If you accidentally unlock your phone, simply tap on the Lock Apple iPhone XS on the screen of your watch to lock it.

However, remember that the next time you want to use your Apple Watch to unlock your Apple iPhone XS, you’ll first need to type in your passcode.

Part 4. What To Do if You Can’t Unlock Your Apple iPhone XS With a Watch

Generally speaking, unlocking your Apple iPhone XS with an Apple Watch should be a simple, seamless task. Unfortunately, though, that’s not always the case. A glitch or a bug could be preventing you from enjoying this feature, so take a look at a few things you could try to fix it.

1. Check All Settings & Reconfigure

As mentioned earlier, there are a few requirements that your devices need to meet to unlock your Apple iPhone XS with your Apple Watch.

If you’re using the correct versions of Apple iPhone XS (iPhone X, iOS 14.5 and newer) and Apple Watch (series 3, watchOS 7.4 and newer), try to reconfigure your settings.

Make sure that you have:

A passcode on your watch;
Wrist detection turned on;
Feature Unlock with Apple Watchturned on on your Apple iPhone XS.

If all the settings are correct, try one of the following options.

2. Restart Your WiFi/Bluetooth Connection

Your Apple iPhone XS and your Apple Watch need to have both WiFi and Bluetooth turned on. If they’re turned on on both devices, try turning them off and back on again to restart the connection.

Remember, you only need WiFi and Bluetooth on but don’t need to be connected to a WiFi network.

If the problem persists, you could also restart your devices and try again.

3. Reset Your Face ID

In some instances, it’s the Face ID feature that’s causing trouble, so you might want to try and reset it. It’s much easier than it may sound, you just need to follow the next few steps:

Step 1: Go to your Apple iPhone XS’s Settings;
Step 2: Select Face ID & Passcode;
Step 3: Tap Reset Face ID.

When you tap on this, you’ll need to go through the process of setting your Face ID as usual. You’ll need to type in your passcode, hold your Apple iPhone XS in front of you (in portrait orientation), tap to get started, and put your face in the provided frame.

Move your face to complete the circle, then tap on Continue. Repeat the face scan process the second time and select Done.

4. Do a System Repair on Your Apple iPhone XS

If your Apple Watch unlock is still misbehaving, you might need to do a full system repair. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to use verified apps like Dr.Fone to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Dr.Fone Apple iPhone XS system repair is designed to be fast, efficient, and safe. It can repair virtually any system glitch in less than five minutes, ensuring your phone operates seamlessly.

To perform a standard system repair with Dr.Fone, follow the next few steps:

Step 1: Download and launch Dr.Fone on your computer;
Step 2: From the Toolboxon your left-hand side, select System Repair;

Step 3: Connect your Apple iPhone XS to your PC using a cable connection;
Step 4: Select your device type in the new window that opens;
Step 5: Select iOS repair;

Step 6: Select Standard Repair Mode;
Step 7: Follow the on-screen instructions and select Enter Recovery Mode;
(Alternatively, select Guideif your phone is unresponsive);
Step 8: Select the iOS firmware you want to download and install on your device;
Step 9: Wait for the download to finish, then select Repair Now;
Step 10: Wait until the process is complete, then select Done.

If it was a system mistake preventing you from unlocking your Apple iPhone XS with your Apple Watch, the option should be functioning well after the Dr.Fone iOS repair.

5. Reset Network Settings

If the problem wasn’t due to a system glitch, you should try resetting your Apple iPhone XS’s network settings. The process is simple, just:

Step 1: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network;
Step 2: Type in your passcode.

Resetting your network settings will clear out data from your internet, local network, and devices, including WiFi passwords, some Bluetooth connections, and more. However, your paired devices, such as the Apple Watch, shouldn’t be removed.

6. Reset Your Watch and Pair It Again

Finally, if you’re still experiencing issues, you might need to reset your Apple Watch and pair it with your Apple iPhone XS again.

It’s all quite simple:

Step 1: Press and hold the power button;
Step 2: Drag the slider under Power offto the right;
Step 3: Press and hold the power button to turn the Apple iPhone XS device back on.

To perform a hard reset, simultaneously press and hold the power button and digital crown.

Conclusion

Using your Apple Watch to unlock your Apple iPhone XS is convenient when you cannot use the Face ID feature. It allows you to seamlessly unlock your phone when wearing sunglasses, goggles, face masks, or other face coverings that prevent the Face ID from working.

Enabling this option is a straightforward process, and if there’s ever a glitch, there are several options you could try to repair it.

How Can I Unlock My Apple iPhone XS After Forgetting my PIN Code?

Unlocking a phone using a passcode is a great way to keep your data safe. To secure your device, you can set a 4-digit, 6-digit, fingerprint, or Face ID. However, what will happen if you forgot iPhone PIN? You will not be able to unlock and use the services of your device.

Furthermore, you can’t manage any vital task if you have scheduled it. In such cases, you need to unlock the lock through an efficient procedure. This article elaborates on such practical techniques for iPhone PIN code removal. We will also introduce the top tool available in the market.

All the solutions mentioned here are highly secure and work almost every time. So, if you are worried about the security of your device, we suggest you use Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock. It is the best tool in case of a forgotten iPhone PIN.

Part 1: 4 Simple Ways to Unlock iPhone without Pin

1. “Erase iPhone” option

The steps below work if your Apple iPhone XS or iPad runs iOS 15.2 or later and is connected to the internet. Here’s what you need to do when you forgot iPhone PIN:

Please enter your password a few times from your device’s Lock Screen until it requests that you attempt another time. Then repeat this activity until you see the Erase iPhone choice in the corner of the screen.
Tap Erase iPhone, then click again to confirm your activity.

Enter your Apple account details to sign out of your Apple ID on the phone.
Tap Erase iPhone back to erase all your user data and settings for all time.
At the point when the iOS device restarts, adhere to the on-screen directions. Set your phone once more, and restore your data and settings from a backup. Now set a new password for your device.

Instructions to Restore a Locked iPhone Running iOS 15.1 or Prior

To begin with, put your Apple iPhone XS into DFU recovery mode.
Then, connect it to a PC or Macintosh through a Lightning link.
Select your Apple iPhone XS in the Finder sidebar on Mac or iTunes on the PC.
Pick Restore when you see the choice to Restore. Let the download finish if the download takes over 15 minutes and your device leaves the recovery mode screen. Then, at that point, turn off your Apple iPhone XS and start once more.

Disconnect your Apple iPhone XS, then, at that point, turn it on and set it up. That’s all you need to do.

2. Use Find My iPhone in iCloud

Apple allows clients to erase iPhone data to safeguard it from others remotely. However, your lock screen can still protect your data if you don’t erase the iPhone. No one can unlock the screen unless they enter the correct password. After too many wrong password attempts, your Apple iPhone XS will be locked. So no one can then touch your user data.

If you have enabled the “Find My” option before forgotten iPhone PIN, there is a chance for you to remove the lock. That is to utilize iCloud.

To unlock iPhone through iCloud:

Step 1. Visit the iCloud.com web page and log in with your Apple ID and passcode.

Step 2. Click the “Find iPhone” option from the different choices available.

Step 3. Click “All Devices” and pick the Apple iPhone XS device you need to unlock.

Step 4. Click the “Erase iPhone” button. Subsequently, set up the Apple iPhone XS device and set another lock screen PIN. With iCloud, you can unlock your iDevice without even touching your device.

3. Unlock it with iTunes

Suppose you use iTunes to restore the Apple iPhone XS in recovery mode; it will install the latest iOS to your device. Doing so will erase all user data from the Apple iPhone XS device, including the lock screen. So, this is also an excellent way to unlock your Apple iPhone XS. However, you must keep a backup of your important files before doing so.

Utilizing iTunes will wipe out the iPhone. You can restore the data from there if you have a previous backup. If you have nothing, you will lose every data on the iPhone.

Additionally, ensure that you keep your iDevices’ Apple ID details safe. Else, you will not have the option to use the iDevice again. Using iTunes will erase the screen’s password but not the firmware. Considering that, you must keep the information in mind to set up and utilize the Apple iPhone XS device.

To sidestep iPhone password with iTunes:

Step 1. Go to Recovery mode

On iPhone 8/8 Or more and Above: Hold the power/side button and press any of the volume buttons until a slider appears. Move the slider to turn off the Apple iPhone XS device. Next, press and hold the power button and connect your Apple iPhone XS to the PC. Hold the button until the Apple iPhone XS device shows the recovery mode screen.

On iPhone 7/7 Or Below: Press and hold the power button until you see the power off slider. Next, move the slider to turn off the iPhone. Then, press the Volume (-) button and connect the Apple iPhone XS device to the PC. Continue to hold the button until you see the recovery mode screen.

Step 2. Restore your Apple iPhone XS.

After you connect your Apple iPhone XS to the PC, you will see a popup window in iTunes. It will warn about an issue with the “Your iPhone name” and ask you to restore it. In that window, select “Restore” to erase the iPhone. If iTunes doesn’t run naturally, open iTunes by double tapping it.

Step 3. Set up iPhone.

Keep waiting until the restoration completes. Then, a short time later, go to your Apple iPhone XS and follow the on-screen directions. That will allow you to set up and utilize your device.

4. Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock

What to do if you forgot iPhone PIN code? As a reference, you have to erase your device to remove the lock. Aside from iTunes, you can use an outsider iPhone unlocker like Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock to unlock your device without a code.

With such software, you don’t have to master some professional skills. Instead, stick to the on-screen directions in Wondershare Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock. Then, you can reset your locked device without any problem. Dr.Fone will eliminate it for you, whether it’s a four-digit code, six-digit code, Contact ID, or Face ID. Here’s how:

Step 1. Get your Device Connected

Install and open the program on a computer, i.e., Mac or Windows. Then, tap the “Screen Unlock” option.

Get your locked iPhone connected to the system utilizing a lightning USB connector. Following these steps, click the “Unlock iOS Screen” feature on the program.

Step 2. Boot the Recovery/DFU Mode on your Device

To unlock iPhone, you need to boot it in Recovery/DFU mode by following the guidelines on your screen. Therefore, the Recovery mode is a better choice for iPhone unlock. Yet, if you face problems while going for the Recovery mode, you may enact the DFU mode.

Step 3. Confirm Your Apple iPhone XS Model

After opening the recovery mode, you can see your Device Model and iOS version. You must select the correct data from the dropdown menu if the information is incorrect. After doing so, click download to download the suitable firmware package for your phone model.

Step 4. Remove the Screen Lock Passcode

After getting the required firmware, click the “Unlock Now” button to begin the process.

Simply in almost no time, your Apple iPhone XS will be unlocked effectively. However, kindly note this unlocking system will likewise wipe all the files and settings on your device. Therefore, you must have a backup of your essential documents beforehand.

Part 2: FAQs

How can I change my PIN on my iPhone?

Open your Settings app and peer down until you see the passcode menu. On iPhones with a home button, this will be named “Touch ID and Passcode.” On new ones, it is “Face ID and Passcode.”

Enter your existing code or create a new one.
Toggle on the “Turn Passcode Off” option.
Click again to agree, and you’re good to go.

What to do after unlocking my iPhone?

There are certain things you must do after unlocking your iDevice. First, you must immediately set a new PIN for your iDevice. Apart from that, restore your previous data if you have a backup. Having done so, you are good to go.

Can I access my locked iPhone without data loss?

No, you cannot unlock a locked iDevice without losing your data. Apple has made some outstanding security features in their phones. Therefore, you must erase all its content and settings if you need to get your hands on an unlocked phone again.

The Bottom Line

Due to one reason or another, you may have forgotten iPhone PIN. However, it is not that big a deal. In this article, we have proposed some of the best ways you can employ to erase this issue. However, we strongly recommend you use Dr.Fone for a quick solution.

3 Ways to Unlock Apple iPhone XS without Passcode or Face ID

“How to unlock Apple iPhone XS without passcode? I have forgotten the passcode of My Apple iPhone XS and can’t seem to unlock it after consecutive efforts.”

If you have been locked out of your Apple iPhone XS due to different reasons, then you have come to the right place. Lately, many users have told us that their Apple iPhone XS won’t unlock as they have forgotten the new passcode or bought someone else’s device. No matter the situation, you can learn how to unlock Apple iPhone XS without a passcode or Face ID.

As an expert, I tried and tested these methods to unlock iOS devices without using the pre-set passcode. So what are you waiting for? Read on and learn how to unlock iPhone X if you forgot its passcode.

Part 1: How to unlock Apple iPhone XS with a professional tool?

One of the easiest solutions to bypass a locked iPhone is using a dedicated tool like Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) . Developed by Wondershare, the tool provides a simple click-through process that can unlock iOS devices easily. It doesn’t matter if the Apple iPhone XS device is locked after consecutive wrong attempts or you have just forgotten your device’s passcode tool can help you in different situations.

Note： This tool may erase all your data from your iOS devices after unlocking

It is compatible with all the leading iOS devices, including the latest models like iPhone 15. Without any prior technical experience, you can use this tool and fix an Apple iPhone XS that won’t unlock. Here are some main features of this unlocking tool.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

Remove iPhone Lock Screen without Hassle.

Unlock an iPhone whenever the passcode is forgotten.
Save your Apple iPhone XS quickly from the disabled state.
Works for all models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Fully compatible with the latest iOS version.

3981454 people have downloaded it

Prerequisites:

Before you proceed, you need to turn off Find My iPhone if it’s enabled. To do this, go to iCloud’s website, log in to your Apple account, and select the “Find my iPhone” service. From all the provided lists of the connected devices, remove your Apple iPhone XS to disable the Find my iPhone service.

Follow these steps to learn how to unlock Apple iPhone XS without a passcode.

Step 1: Connect your iOS device to the system

Download Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) on your Mac or Windows PC and launch the application. Then go to Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS > Unlock iOS Screen to launch the specific tool on a new window.

Using a lightning cable, connect your Apple iPhone XS to the system. Once your Apple iPhone XS is detected, click on the “Start” button to commence the process.

Step 2: Put your Apple iPhone XS in Recovery mode.

You need to put your Apple iPhone XS in the Recovery mode using the right key combinations. The key combinations would be different for various iPhone models. The interface also provides quick instructions to do the same. Here’s how you can put your Apple iPhone XS in Recovery mode.

Step 3: Provide basic details of your device

As soon as your Apple iPhone XS would enter the Recovery mode, the application will detect it automatically. It will display the following window to provide basic details related to your Apple iPhone XS, like its model, iOS version, etc.

After proving the relevant information, click on the “Download” button and wait for a while as the application would download the firmware update for the Apple iPhone XS device.

Step 4: Unlock your device.

Once the respective firmware update has been downloaded, you will be notified. To fix your Apple iPhone XS won’t unlock, click on the “Unlock Now” button.

Sit back and wait for a while as the application will restart your device. There won’t be any lock on the Apple iPhone XS device now, and you can access it without any trouble.

In this way, you can learn how to unlock iPhone without a passcode or Face ID. Though, you should know that the existing data on your phone would be erased. Sadly, there is no solution to unlock an iOS device without deleting its existing data. Therefore, this is a risk you need to take if you wish to unlock your iOS device.

safe & secure

Part 2: How to unlock Apple iPhone XS with iTunes?

Just like Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS), you can also use iTunes to fix the Apple iPhone XS won’t unlock the problem. Though, the solution is not as user-friendly or effective as Dr.Fone’s. You need to take care of some prerequisites before following this technique. Also, to unlock your device with iTunes, you need to put your phone in recovery mode. The key combination would slightly vary among different iPhone models.

Prerequisites:

Just like Dr.Fone, this technique will only work if the Find My iPhone service is not enabled on your Apple iPhone XS. You can go to iCloud’s website and disable the feature under the “Find my iPhone” option.
Also, you need an updated version of iTunes to make it work. This is because an older version of iTunes won’t be compatible with iOS 13. Go to the iTunes menu, check for updates, and follow the simple on-screen instructions to update iTunes.

Step 1. Put your phone in the Recovery Mode

After meeting the basic prerequisites, you need to put your Apple iPhone XS in recovery mode by following these steps:

Connect your Apple iPhone XS to the system (Mac or Windows) and launch an updated version of iTunes on it.
Press the Volume Up key quickly. That is, press it only for a second and release it.
Similarly, quick-press the Volume Down key as well.
Once the Volume Down key is released, press the Side button.
Keep pressing the Side key until the connect-to-iTunes symbol would appear on the screen.

Make sure that all the key combinations should be pressed consecutively. That is, you should not take an evident pause in between.

Step 2. Restore Apple iPhone XS in Recovery Mode

As soon as your phone would enter the recovery mode, iTunes will detect an issue with your device and display the following prompt. Click on the “Restore” option and follow the simple on-screen instructions to reset your phone entirely.

Once your phone would be restored, it will be turned on without any existing lock.

Part 3: How to unlock Apple iPhone XS without a passcode using iCloud?

Another way to learn how to unlock Apple iPhone XS without a passcode or Face ID is by using iCloud. Instead of turning off the Find my iPhone service, we will use it to erase the Apple iPhone XS device remotely. Though, you should know your Apple ID and password to implement this technique.

Go to iCloud’s official website and log in with your Apple ID and password.
From here, click on the “Find my iPhone” service.
It will provide a list of all the Apple iPhone XS devices linked to your Apple account. Select your Apple iPhone XS.
Click on the “Erase” button and answer the security question correctly to confirm your choice.

If you get a prompt on your phone regarding the respective actions, agree to it and wait for a while as your phone would be restarted. Since this will erase all the existing data on your phone, you can later use a backup file to restore the lost content.

Part 4: Does the tricking Siri method unlocks Apple iPhone XS?

Lately, there have been a lot of articles about this method. As an expert, I would like to clear the air – you can’t trick Siri to unlock your Apple iPhone XS. In some iPhone models, we could trick Siri into unlocking our device and entering the home page without bypassing the lock screen. The trick worked for a few devices and was an instant hit as it retained our data while unlocking our device.

It was a loophole from Apple’s end, which was present in iOS 10.3. Therefore, if your device is still running on iOS 10.3, then you might give it a try. Sadly, the only way to bypass an Apple iPhone XS that won’t unlock now is the restore your device (erasing its existing content). Since Apple iPhone XS currently runs on iOS 14, the trick won’t work.

Part 5: Tips for protecting your Apple iPhone XS X/Apple iPhone XS from being unlocked by thieves

It would help if you always protected your Apple iPhone XS from being misused by others. If your device is lost or stolen, you should make sure that the perpetrator won’t be able to unlock it. If they can bypass the security lock on your phone, then they can easily resell it. To protect your device, we recommend following these suggestions.

5.1 Enable Find my iPhone

This is the most important thing to do to protect your phone from being misused. As you can see, a perpetrator can only unlock your device if the Find my iPhone service is turned off. Therefore, you should make sure that the feature is on. To turn it off, they would need to access your iCloud account first, which would require a lot of effort.

Just go to the iCloud settings on your phone and turn on the “Find my iPhone” service. Also, enable the “Send Last Location” feature. This will automatically send the last location of your device whenever its battery would be critically low.

5.2 Use Find my Friends

Just like Find my iPhone, Find my Friends is a native location-sharing feature developed by Apple. You should have at least 2-3 people with whom you are sharing your location. Go to the Find my Friends app on your device, enable the location sharing feature, and add your close friend and family.

In this way, if your device is stolen, you can track it immediately with the help of your friends.

5.3 Enable two-factor authentication

Your iCloud account should be protected at any cost. By infiltrating your iCloud account, anyone can erase your phone remotely. It is recommended to enable the two-factor authentication on your account to strengthen its security. Go to your device’s Settings > Apple ID > Passcode & Security and enable the two-factor authentication feature.

5.4 Erase data after failed unlocking attempts

This is a crucial setting that you should enable to protect your data from unknown perpetrators. If someone tried to unlock your device and get 10 failed attempts, your data would automatically be erased from your phone.

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and turn on the “Erase Data” option. Though, if you have enabled the option and have forgotten the passcode of your phone, then you should be alarmed.

When you know how to unlock Apple iPhone XS without the passcode, you can easily fulfill your requirements. Out of all the provided options, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is recommended. This is because using the Dr.Fone toolkit is extremely easy. You won’t face any compatibility issues or need to have the technical experience to use this reliable tool. Try it for free and download it on your system to bypass a locked Apple iPhone XS right away.