“Unlock an iPhone” can refer to two different things: getting past the Lock Screen with the device passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID, or removing a carrier restriction so the phone can use another wireless provider. The procedures are not interchangeable.
Unlock the iPhone Screen
- Wake the iPhone.
- Use Face ID or Touch ID if configured.
- Enter the device passcode when requested.
The passcode is still required in certain security situations even when biometric unlocking is enabled.
If You Forgot the Passcode
There is no supported procedure that simply bypasses a forgotten passcode while leaving unrestricted access to the protected local data. Apple’s recovery process can erase the iPhone so you can set it up again and restore a backup if one exists.
Unlock the iPhone From a Carrier
- Open Settings > General > About.
- Find Carrier Lock.
- Look for No SIM restrictions. If you see it, the iPhone is already carrier unlocked.
- Contact the current carrier if it is locked. Only the carrier can authorize the unlock.
- Follow the carrier’s completion instructions.
Activation Lock Is Different
Activation Lock is tied to Find My and the owner’s Apple Account. A screen passcode reset or carrier unlock does not remove another person’s Activation Lock. If you bought a used iPhone that remains Activation Locked, the previous owner generally needs to remove it from their account.
Do Not Pay for Passcode-Bypass Claims
Be skeptical of software or websites promising to remove a forgotten iPhone passcode while preserving access to encrypted local data. Apple’s supported recovery path is designed around erasing the device when the passcode cannot be recovered. Tools that request payment, unknown profiles, or Apple Account credentials can create additional security risks.
If You Bought a Used iPhone
Before paying for a used phone, confirm both the carrier status and Activation Lock status. A carrier-unlocked iPhone can still be unusable to you if it remains associated with the previous owner’s Apple Account.