How to Unlock iPhone X With an Apple Watch & What to Do if It Doesnt Work | Dr.fone

How to Unlock iPhone X With an Apple Watch & What to Do if It Doesnt Work | Dr.fone

Amelia Lv12

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

man wearing apple watch with Apple iPhone X by him

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 X’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 X’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 X.

Now, you cannot just unlock any Apple iPhone X 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 X?

phone, earphones, and apple watch on a table

The Apple iPhone X 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 X 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 X With Apple Watch

unlock requirements

Unfortunately, not every Apple iPhone X can be unlocked with your Apple Watch, and not every Apple Watch can unlock your Apple iPhone X. 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 X with Face ID – Apple iPhone X 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 X 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 X Face ID.

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

a cyclist wearing an apple watch

If you meet all the aforementioned criteria, setting up the feature to unlock your Apple iPhone X 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 X;

iphone face id and passcode settings

  • 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

apple watch wrist detection settings

Now that you’ve enabled the option to unlock your Apple iPhone X 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 X 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 X. If you accidentally unlock your phone, simply tap on the Lock Apple iPhone X 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 X, you’ll first need to type in your passcode.

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

person wearing face mask unlocking their Apple iPhone X

Generally speaking, unlocking your Apple iPhone X 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 X with your Apple Watch.

If you’re using the correct versions of Apple iPhone X (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 X.

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

2. Restart Your WiFi/Bluetooth Connection

Your Apple iPhone X 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 X’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 X 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 X

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 X 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;

unlock-iphone-with-watch-8.jpg

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

dr.fone 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.

dr.fone finishing ios repair

If it was a system mistake preventing you from unlocking your Apple iPhone X 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 X’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 X 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 X 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 X 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.

Apple iPhone X Asking for Passcode after iOS 17/14 Update, What to Do?

If you’ve recently updated your iOS iPhone and iPad to the iOS 17/14 operating system, you may notice a bit of a bug where the Apple iPhone X displays the passcode lock, even if you haven’t got a security code in place.

This obviously means you won’t be able to access your phone, and in many cases, you’re going to want to get back into your phone as quickly as possible. However, this may be easier said than done. Fortunately, today we’re going to go through multiple solutions to help you get your device working as it should!

Part 1. Don’t try passcodes blindly

One of the worst things you can do when faced with this situation is to enter passcodes blindly. Perhaps you’re trying random numbers and letters, or you’re trying passwords you’ve used in the past. If you get it wrong, you’re going to be locked out of your device for a long time.

The more times you get your code wrong, the longer you’ll be locked out, so avoid doing this at all costs, so make sure you move straight onto these approaches to get your phone working as quickly as possible.

Part 2. 5 ways to unlock iPhone after iOS 17/14 Update

2.1 Try a default passcode in your family

While we said, you shouldn’t type in random numbers to try and guess the password, of course, if you have a standard family passcode that you use across all iOS devices, perhaps an admin password or just something you use for everything, it can be well worth a try.

iphone random passcodes

In reality, you get three attempts to put a passcode in before it locks you out, so try two passcodes that your family uses to see whether this will easily unlock your device. If you brought your device preowned and still have contact with the owner, they may have a passcode you can try.

2.2 Unlock iPhone with an unlock tool

The second approach you can take if you don’t know the passcode and can’t get it unlocked is to use a powerful software solution known as Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) . This Wondershare software application completely unlocks your phone, even if you don’t know the passcode.

This software is easy to use and incredibly simple, yet it gets the job done. If you’re looking for a quick way to get your iOS device back up and running with full access after an iOS 17/14 update, it doesn’t get much better than this. Here’s how it works;

Step 1. Download and install the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) software to either your Mac or Windows PC and open it, so you’re on the homepage. Connect your iOS device to your computer using the USB cable and wait for the software to recognize your device.

When it does, close iTunes if it automatically opens and clicks the Screen Unlock option from the main menu.

drfone home

Step 2. Click the Unlock iOS Screen option.

android ios unlock

Step 3. You will now need to put your device in DFU mode, also known as Recovery Mode. Fortunately, this is easy thanks to the on-screen instructions where you will hold down the volume down and power button for a few seconds.

ios unlock

Step 4. Once Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) has detected your device in DFU Mode. You’ll be able to select which device you’re using and what firmware you want to be repaired; in this case, iOS 17/14.

ios unlock

Step 5. Once everything has been confirmed and you’re happy to continue, press the Unlock option. The program will do its thing, and when it’s done, the software will say you’re able to disconnect your Apple iPhone X and use it without a lock screen!

That’s how easy Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) makes the entire unlock process!

drfone advanced unlock

2.3 Restore an old backup from iTunes

Another key way that some users have found to unlock their device after an update is to restore their device to an older version, aiming to put your device back into a position where it didn’t have a lock screen.

It’s only possible to do this if you’ve backed up your iOS device in the past (which is why you’re encouraged to back up regularly), and it can all be done through the iTunes software on either your Mac or Windows computer. Here’s how it works;

Step 1. Ensure you’re running the latest version of iTunes and then connect your iOS device to your Mac or Windows computer using the official USB cable. This should automatically open the iTunes window.

Step 2. In iTunes, click the symbol representing your device and then click Summary. On this screen, you’ll be able to choose the Restore iPhone option at the top to begin the restoring process.

Step 3. Follow the onscreen instructions where you’ll choose which backup file you want to use before iTunes, then restores your device. When the software has completed the process, you’ll be able to disconnect your Apple iPhone X and use it without a lock screen!

drfone home

2.4 Restore in recovery mode

In some cases, restoring your device using just iTunes will not be good enough, and it won’t have the effect you’re looking for; in this case, restoring your device with no lock screen after an iOS 17/14 update.

If the above method of restoring your device via iTunes doesn’t work, or you haven’t got a backup file to load, you’ll need to restore your device using a move known as Recovery Mode, or DFU mode. This will hard reset your device and get it working to its full potential.

Here’s how to do it. (Note, the process will differ slightly depending on which model of iPhone you’re using).

Step 1. Press and hold the volume up button for about one second, and then switch and press the Volume Down button for the same amount of time. You can then hold the side button (on devices without a home button), and the following screen should appear after a few seconds.

drfone home

Step 2. Now connect your Apple iPhone X to your computer with iTunes and wait for iTunes to open. Make sure you’re running the latest version of iTunes before connecting up your device. Also, make sure you’re using the official USB cable for the most stability.

Step 3. iTunes should automatically detect that your device is in Recovery Mode and automatically restore your device to a default state without a lock screen. Wait until this process is completed before disconnecting your device and using it as normal.

2.5 Use Find My iPhone feature in iCloud

The fifth and final approach you can take to removing a lock screen from your recently updated iPhone or iPad when faced with the iOS 17/14 glitch is taking advantage of the integrated Apple technology and features are known as Find My iPhone.

While this feature originally allows you to literally find your Apple iPhone X in the situation where it’s lost and offers many other security features to help ensure your device and data don’t fall into the wrong hands, you can also use it to remove your device unwanted lock screen.

Of course, this will only work if the Find My iPhone features have been enabled in the past, so make sure you’re using it to get it to work. Here’s how to use the feature to get your phone access back.

Step 1. From your computer, iPad, tablet, or mobile web browser, head over to iCloud.com and log into your iCloud account using the login in button at the top of the screen.

find my iphone

Step 2. Once signed in, scroll down the menu of features and select the Find iPhone feature. Click on the All Devices option at the top.

Step 3. From the list of devices connected to your account, click the Apple iPhone X device name with the locked screen and then click the Erase option. This will clear everything from your device, much like the process we’ve spoken about in the methods above.

Leave the Apple iPhone X device to erase, and once completed, you’ll be able to pick up and use your phone as normal without a lock screen. You should also now be able to update to iOS 17/14 without any problems!

Summary

And there you go, the five key ways you need to know when it comes to removing an unwanted lock screen from your iOS device after an iOS 17/14 update. We highly recommend the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) since the software makes the whole process incredibly easy, especially when managing any problems you may have on your iOS device!

How To Unlock A Found Apple iPhone X?

What to do if you find an iPhone? If you are here, you might have found an iPhone, and now you want to know how to unlock someone’s iPhone. Well, you should first try to find the owner, but if you can’t find the owner, it’s probably because you need help finding information about them.

That is why you want to unlock that iPhone. So, in this article, we will teach you how to unlock someone’s iPhone with different methods. These methods will be constructive for you to quickly unlock the Apple iPhone X so you can return it to the rightful owner.

So, let’s get started.

3 Efficient Ways to Unlock a Found iPhone

Unlocking an iPhone seems challenging, especially when it’s not yours, but it’s not impossible. You have various ways to unlock a found iPhone, but most are a waste of time. So, to save time and energy, we have compiled 3 efficient ways to unlock a found iPhone.

i found an iphone how do i unlock it

These methods will be easy to follow because of the detailed step-by-step guide.

1.Unlock it from Recovery mode

Many people need to realize that you can unlock your Apple iPhone X in Recovery Mode. This built-in feature of the Apple iPhone X allows you to turn your device to its factory settings.

unlock found iphone in recovery mode with itunes

But there are two ways to unlock a found iPhone from recovery mode. The old iPhones, like iPhone 5 to iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, can be unlocked from recovery mode differently, and the newer iPhone models have different methods.

So, let’s discuss both of them in detail.

Unlock iPhone 7 Plus and Older in Recovery Mode

If you want to unlock an iPhone 7 or older model in Recovery Mode, follow these instructions.

put iphone 7 plus or older in recovery mode

  1. First, connect your Apple iPhone X to the computer with a lightning cable and launch iTunes.
  2. Now, turn off your Apple iPhone X and then press and hold the Home button and Sleep/Wake button simultaneously. Keep holding both buttons until you see the recovery mode screen.
  3. Once you see the recovery mode screen, release both buttons. Now, you will see a message in iTunes saying, “There is a problem with the Apple iPhone X that requires it to be updated or restored.”
  4. Click on the Update button, and iTunes will try reinstalling iOS erasing your data. Once the process is completed, your Apple iPhone X will be unlocked.

Now, set up your Apple iPhone X, and you are good to go.

Unlock iPhone 8 and Update Models in Recovery Mode

The process of unlocking an iPhone 8 or newer model differs from the older models. So, follow these instructions if you want to unlock an iPhone 8 or later in Recovery Mode.

put iphone 8 and newer iphones in recovery mode

  1. First, connect your Apple iPhone X to the computer with a lightning cable and launch iTunes.
  2. Now, turn off your Apple iPhone X and press and quickly release the Volume Up button. After that, press and release the Volume Down button immediately, and hold the Side button until you are in the recovery mode screen.
  3. Once you see the recovery mode screen, release the Side button. Now, you will see a message in iTunes that says, “There is a problem with the Apple iPhone X that requires it to be updated or restored.” Or another message that says restore this iPhone. You can click on any option.
  4. Click on the Update or Restore button, and iTunes will try reinstalling iOS while also erasing your data. Once the process is completed, your Apple iPhone X will be unlocked.

Now, set up your Apple iPhone X, and you are good to go.

2. Unlock it via the DNS server

If the above method doesn’t work or iTunes is not detecting that iPhone, you can follow this method.

found iphone how to unlock via dns

  1. This method is easy to follow and doesn’t require any technical skills.
  2. All you need is the DNS server IP address.
  3. Connect your Apple iPhone X to the Wi-Fi network and go to Settings -> Wi-Fi. Now, tap the “i” button next to the Wi-Fi network you need to connect to.
  4. Scroll down and tap on the Configure DNS option. Now, select the Manual option and enter the DNS server IP address.
  5. For US servers, you can use 74.82.42.42 or 208.67.222.222
  6. For UK servers, you can use 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4
  7. For Canadian servers, you can use 199.85.126.10 or 208.67.222.222
  8. For Australian servers, you can use 1.1.1.1 or 208.67.222.222
  9. After that, tap the Save button and connect to the Wi-Fi network. Now, open the Safari browser, redirecting you to the activation screen.
  10. Follow the instructions on the screen, and your Apple iPhone X will be unlocked.

3. Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock

If none of the above methods can be used for you, there is an ultimate method that will surely help you if you want to unlock a found iPhone.

Here are the simple steps that can help you.

  1. First, connect your Apple iPhone X to the computer with a lightning cable and launch Dr.Fone on your computer.

drfone screen unlock

  1. Now, click on the Screen Unlock option from the main interface.
  2. After that, click on the iOS Screen Unlock to begin the process.

unlock found iphone via unlock ios screen

  1. Now, put your Apple iPhone X in DFU mode or Recovery mode according to your Apple iPhone X model.
  2. If you have no idea about it, don’t worry. The software will provide on-screen instructions to help you put your Apple iPhone X in DFU mode or Recovery mode.

dfu mode

  1. Once your Apple iPhone X is in DFU mode or Recovery mode, the software will ask you to start downloading the necessary firmware for your device. So, choose an appropriate firmware according to the Apple iPhone X model.

unlock ios screen by drfone

  1. After downloading the firmware, click the Unlock Now button to begin the unlocking process.

start unlocking found iphone

  1. Once the process is completed, your Apple iPhone X will be unlocked, and you can set it up again.

unlock ios screen

So that’s how you can easily unlock a found iPhone. This method has been tested, and it will surely work for you. So, if you have an iPhone that is locked or disabled, you can use this method to unlock it without any problem.

What Can I Do to Contact Its Owner?

Once the found iPhone is successfully unlocked, you can contact its owner in many ways.

Following are some of them that work.

Contact the owner with the phone number in lost mode

Many iPhone owners habitually put their phone numbers in lost mode. So, you can check if any phone number is available in the lost mode. If a phone number is available, you can contact the owner and return the Apple iPhone X to them.

contact the owner with the phone number in lost mode

The rightful owner of the Apple iPhone X activates lost mode. You can see the lost mode on the notification panel, where a message will show that the phone is lost. The owner can also remotely lock the phone using this mode.

Check medical ID in an emergency call

There is a feature in the Apple iPhone X known as medical ID. This feature can help you contact the owner of the found iPhone if they are unavailable.

contact the owner with the help of emergency medical id

To do this, go to the emergency call screen and tap on the Medical ID option. Here, you can find out the name and phone number of the owner. So, you can use this information to contact the owner and return the iPhone.

Take photos to communicate with the owner via iCloud

This is a great way to contact the owner of a lost iPhone. You can use this method if you cannot find the owner’s phone number in the lost mode or medical ID.

contact the owner with the picloud share photo library

To do this, go to Settings -> iCloud -> Photos and turn on the iCloud Photo Library. Now, take some pictures with the found iPhone, and they will be automatically uploaded to iCloud.

Most people who have lost their iPhones often check their iCloud, and once they find out that someone is taking pictures and uploading them to their iCloud, they will try to communicate with you.

And that’s how you can also communicate with them and ask for contact details so that you can return their phone and be a good citizen.

The Bottom Line

So, that’s how you can unlock a found iPhone and contact its owner. I hope this article will help you find the lost iPhone owner and return it to them.

All the methods mentioned above have a high success ratio, but the last ultimate method is better than all because it will unlock the Apple iPhone X within minutes.

Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock is one of the most effective ways can help you to unlock a found iPhone. This method has been tested, and it will surely work for you. So, if you have an iPhone that is locked or disabled, you can use this method to unlock it without any problem.


  • Title: How to Unlock iPhone X With an Apple Watch & What to Do if It Doesnt Work | Dr.fone
  • Author: Amelia
  • Created at : 2024-07-15 05:30:16
  • Updated at : 2024-07-16 05:30:16
  • Link: https://iphone-unlock.techidaily.com/how-to-unlock-iphone-x-with-an-apple-watch-and-what-to-do-if-it-doesnt-work-drfone-by-drfone-ios/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.