Owning an iPhone X can be a rewarding experience. The device offers top-of-the-line hardware paired with Apple’s polished iOS operating system. However, you may encounter situations where you need to bypass the lock screen when you can’t recall your passcode.
Whether you simply forgot your password or want to help a friend regain access to their locked iPhone X, this guide will walk you through several methods to unlock the device without needing the correct passcode.
We’ll cover various options, from using Siri voice commands to restoring through iTunes, along with detailed instructions. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to get past that pesky lock screen and restore full use of your iPhone.
Key Takeaways:
- Forgetting your passcode doesn’t mean you’ve lost access to your iPhone X forever. There are ways to bypass the lock screen.
- You can use Siri voice commands to access certain iPhone features without unlocking the device.
- Restoring your iPhone X in Recovery Mode through iTunes will remove the passcode, but also wipe the data.
- Specialized unlocking tools like iToolab UnlockGo provide a convenient way to bypass the lock screen without data loss.
- After regaining access, remember to immediately set a new passcode to keep your iPhone secure.
Overview of iPhone X Lock Screen Security
Since the original iPhone’s release over 10 years ago, Apple has continued to enhance their lock screen security with each new model. The iPhone X represents the pinnacle of these efforts thus far.
To protect user data, Apple implemented these security layers on the iPhone X lock screen:
- Six-digit passcode – This alphanumeric code unlocks the device. Without it, you can’t access features beyond the lock screen.
- Touch ID – Allows unlocking with your fingerprint on models equipped with a Home button.
- Face ID – Uses facial recognition to unlock the iPhone X without needing to enter a passcode.
While this system safeguards your information, it also causes headaches if you ever misplace that passcode.
Luckily, various techniques exist to bypass the lock screen if you find yourself locked out of your iPhone X. Let’s explore some of the top options.
When You Might Need to Unlock iPhone X Without the Passcode
Before jumping into the step-by-step unlocking instructions, it helps to understand common scenarios where you’d need to get past the lock screen without the passcode:
- Forgotten passcode – By far the most common reason. We all forget passwords from time to time.
- Used wrong passcode too many times – Input the passcode wrong 10 times, and your iPhone disables itself.
- Malfunctioning Home/Side button – Can’t input the passcode if these buttons stop working.
- Software crashed – A glitch could cause your iPhone to get stuck at the lock screen.
- Purchased a used/found iPhone – Want to erase the old owner’s data and use the device yourself.
- Parental control – Parents may need to access a child’s iPhone that has a lock.
- Repairs – Technicians often need to bypass the lock screen to fix hardware issues.
When faced with any of these scenarios, the instructions in this guide will help you regain access to your locked down iPhone X.
Method 1: Using Siri Commands to Bypass Lock Screen
Apple’s Siri voice assistant provides one way to interact with certain iPhone features without unlocking the device. Here’s the general process:
- Press and hold either volume button or the Side button to activate Siri.
- Once Siri is listening, make commands like “Read my notifications” or “Send a text to Mom.”
- Siri will complete these tasks through the phone’s external speaker without unlocking the screen.
While limited, this approach grants access to some iPhone capabilities without entering the passcode. And best of all, it doesn’t modify or erase any data.
What You Can Do with Siri When iPhone Is Locked:
- Read/send texts
- Make phone calls
- Create calendar events
- Set alarms
- Check weather, stocks
- Play music
- Search the web
However, many newer iPhone models have restrictions that block Siri when the device is locked. Depending on your iOS version, the voice assistant may not work without first entering the passcode.
So before fully relying on this method, test it to confirm Siri responds on your locked screen. If not, move onto other options covered next.
Method 2: Force Restart Your iPhone
Force restarting your iPhone X can solve some lock screen issues caused by software crashes or freezing. And best of all, it doesn’t delete any of your data.
- To force restart iPhone X and newer:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button
- Immediately press and quickly release the Volume Down button
- Finally, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo
- For older iPhone models:
- Press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons for at least 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears
After force restarting, input your passcode to reopen your iPhone. This should resolve any software glitches that caused the lock screen problems.
Method 3: Unlock with iTunes Restore in Recovery Mode
The nuclear option is restoring your iPhone X through iTunes. This completely wipes your device and removes any passcode, essentially resetting it to factory conditions.
Requirements: Computer with iTunes installed, USB cable, Internet connection, most recent iOS update file.
Follow these steps to restore iPhone through iTunes:
- Install the latest version of iTunes on your computer. Open iTunes.
- Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
- Force restart your iPhone X into Recovery Mode:
- Press and quickly release Volume Up button
- Immediately press and quickly release Volume Down button
- Finally, press and hold Side button until you see Connect to iTunes screen
- In iTunes, a message will say “iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode.” Click OK.
- iTunes will alert you that it must restore iPhone before it can be used. Select Restore to confirm.
- On the next screen, click Restore and Update to download the latest iOS software file. This takes 5-15 minutes.
- Once finished, your iPhone will restart without a passcode or any personal data. You can set it up as a new device.
The main downside to this method is completely erasing your iPhone X. However, it’s a surefire way to remove any passcode from the lock screen.
Important Note: Restoring your iPhone using iTunes creates a backup during the process. Make sure to manually delete this backup from iTunes after removing the passcode if you don’t want that data stored.
Method 4: Remove Passcode with iToolab UnlockGo (Recommended)
For an efficient process that retains your data, specialized unlocking tools like iToolab UnlockGo are your best option. This software bypasses the iPhone’s lock screen without any data loss.
It’s fast, reliable, and preserves the contents of your device – unlike the iTunes restore method. Plus, it removes all passcodes and Apple IDs that may be locking your iPhone.
Here are the steps to use iToolab UnlockGo:
- Download, install, and launch iToolab UnlockGo on your computer.
- Connect your locked iPhone X to the computer via USB and select “Unlock Screen Passcode.”
- The correct iPhone firmware will be detected and you’ll download it through the software.
- Once the firmware finishes downloading, click “Start Unlock” to remove the passcode.
- After a few minutes, your iPhone will restart without the passcode or Apple ID. You can set up a new lock screen.
The simple unlocking process takes less than 10 minutes in most cases. It solves the headache of a locked device without deleting your apps, photos, messages, and other irreplaceable data.
For maximum convenience, iToolab UnlockGo is your best bet to easily regain access to your iPhone X when locked out.
Important Note: After using this unlocking tool, immediately set a new passcode for your iPhone X to keep it secure moving forward.
Method 5: Unlock with Tenorshare 4uKey
Tenorshare 4uKey is another software tool that removes iPhone lock screens without data loss. It can bypass passwords, PIN codes, fingerprints, and Face ID.
Follow these steps:
- Download and install 4uKey on your computer. Open the software.
- Connect your locked down iPhone X via USB cable.
- The software will download the required firmware file for your device model.
- Once downloaded, click Remove Lock Screen and 4uKey will bypass the iPhone passcode.
The straightforward process takes only a few minutes to complete. Afterwards, your iPhone X is accessible again without losing your personal data.
FAQs About Unlocking iPhone X Without Passcode
Still have some questions about these unlocking methods? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Can I unlock my iPhone without losing data?
Yes, options like iToolab UnlockGo and Tenorshare 4uKey retain your data while removing the passcode. iTunes restore erases all content and settings.
What if I can’t remember my Apple ID password?
Use Apple’s account recovery options or contact support to regain access. Alternatively, unlocking software can remove the Apple ID paired with your iPhone.
Is it legal to unlock an iPhone without consent?
You need the owner’s permission to unlock an iPhone legally. Exceptions apply in some cases like parents unlocking a child’s device.
Why doesn’t Siri bypass the lock screen on newer iOS versions?
Apple continuously improves security in updates. Bypass methods that worked before often get patched in new iOS releases.
How do I keep my iPhone secure after removing the passcode?
Immediately set a new passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID after unlocking your iPhone. This safeguards your data if the device is lost or stolen.
By the way, you will find out how to unlock LG phones.
Conclusion
Temporarily losing access to your iPhone X due to a forgotten passcode or malfunction can certainly be frustrating. Thankfully, this guide outlined several DIY methods to regain entry into your locked down device.
Whether you use Siri voice commands, recovery mode restore, or a dedicated unlocking tool, putting these instructions into action will help you bypass your iPhone’s lock screen when locked out.
Just remember that unlocking your iPhone without consent raises legal issues in some cases. And once you regain access, immediately setup a new passcode or enable Face ID to keep your data secure.
Now you have the knowledge to painlessly unlock iPhone X without the passcode when necessary. Never struggle with a locked down device again!
