3 Easy Ways to Factory Reset a Locked Apple iPhone 12 mini Without iTunes

There are a few causes that you might need to factory reset your locked iPhone without iTunes. Perhaps you forgot your passcode and can’t seem to remember it, no matter how many times you try. Maybe you’re selling your Apple iPhone 12 mini and want to ensure that all your data is wiped from the Apple iPhone 12 mini device before handing it over to someone else.

Whatever the reason, a few different ways can help you factory reset locked iPhones without iTunes.

Here are some ways to finish the factory reset on a locked iPhone without iTunes.

Let’s get started.

Easy App to Factory Reset Locked iPhone

If you search for a simple and effective way to factory reset your locked iPhone without iTunes, you should check out Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock. This professional iOS screen unlocks tool can help you erase all kinds of data from your Apple iPhone 12 mini and help you unlock your device within a few minutes.

For this, you will need to follow the steps given below.

Step #1: Download and Install Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock on a Computer or Mac:

First, download Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock on your computer or Mac. Once the software is downloaded, install it on your system and launch it.

Step #2: Select Screen Unlock:

On the main interface of Dr.Fone, you need to select “ Screen Unlock. “ You may see many options, but you will have to choose Screen Unlock because it will allow you to remove the passcode from your locked iPhone.

Step #3: Get your Apple iPhone 12 mini in Recovery Mode and Make it connected to the Computer:

You must put your Apple iPhone 12 mini in recovery mode and then connect it to the computer using a USB cable. If you don’t know how to put your Apple iPhone 12 mini into recovery mode, don’t worry, you will all the instructions on the screen.

Once Dr. Fone detects your device, you will see the following screen.

Step #4: Choose the Appropriate Firmware and Download it:

After your Apple iPhone 12 mini is in recovery mode, you need to select the appropriate firmware for your device. Once you have selected the firmware, click on the “ Download “ button to start downloading it.

Step #5: Reset your Apple iPhone 12 mini:

Once the firmware is downloaded, you can click on the “Unlock Now” button to begin resetting your device.

Your locked iPhone has now been successfully unlocked without iTunes after the reset process has been completed.

The process will take a few minutes if you have a strong internet connection because the Firmware may take some time to download. So be patient and wait for the process to be completed.

3 Simple Methods to Factory Reset Locked iPhone

Besides the above-given method, other methods can also help you factory reset your locked iPhone without iTunes.

These methods are as follows:

Method #1: Factory reset via the Find My feature on your device

Resetting your locked iPhone without iTunes is one of the most effective methods. You can use this method if you have set up the “ Find My iPhone “ function on your device.

To do this, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to icloud.com from any web browser and log in with your Apple ID and password.

Step 2: Select “ Find My iPhone “ and select “ All Devices. “

Step 3: Choose the Apple iPhone 12 mini device you wish to erase and click “Erase iPhone.”

Step 4: Enter your Apple ID password when prompted, and click the “ Erase “ button to proceed.

Now that your device has been erased, you can reset it as a new one.

Method #2: Use the Find My feature via another device to remotely factory reset your device (your apple id, password, and Internet required)

This is another method you can use if you have the “ Find My iPhone “ feature on your device. You can use this method to remotely factory reset your locked iPhone without iTunes by using another iOS device.

To do this, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: On another iOS device, go to iCloud and log in with your Apple ID and password.

Step 2: Select “ Find My iPhone “ and select “ All Devices. “

Step 3: Click on “Erase iPhone” after selecting the Apple iPhone 12 mini device you want to erase.

Step 4: Enter your Apple ID password when prompted, and click on the “ Erase “ button to proceed.

Your device will now be erased, and you can set it up as a new device.

Method #3: Enter the Recovery Mode of the Finder

If you want to factory reset your locked iPhone without iTunes and any data loss, then this is the method you should use. This method will put your device into recovery mode, and then you can restore it from a previous backup.

To do this, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Finder on your computer and connect your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

Step 2: Click “ General “ and then “ Reset. “

Step 3: Choose the “ Erase All Content and Settings “ option and confirm by clicking “ Erase Now “.

Your device will now be erased, and it’ll become a new device.

FAQs

1. Can a Factory Reset Bypass the Lock screen Passcode on iPhone?

Yes. A factory reset will bypass the lock screen passcode on your Apple iPhone 12 mini and allow you to access it without a passcode. However, all your data will disappear, so make sure you have a backup.

2. Can I Factory Reset my iPhone without Losing the Data?

No. If you want a factory reset, all your data will be erased, so make a backup before proceeding.

But if you want your Apple iPhone 12 mini set to return to the default without losing your data, you can do a “Reset All Settings.” This will not touch your data but will return all the default settings.

3. What is the Difference Between a Soft Reset and a Hard Reset?

A soft reset is when you restart your device, and a hard reset is when you factory reset all the settings on your device and start fresh. A factory reset is a type of hard reset without losing the data.

4. How do I force my iPhone 6 to factory reset with buttons?

To force your Apple iPhone 12 mini to factory reset with buttons, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Press and hold the “ Sleep/Wake “ button and the “ Home “ button simultaneously for about 10 seconds.

Step 2: After 10 seconds have passed, release the “ Sleep/Wake “ button but keep holding the “ Home “ button.

Step 3: Keep holding the “ Home “ button until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.

Step 4: Here, you will be in recovery mode, and now you can reset your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

Your device will now be reset, and you will have a phone like a new one.

5. How can I get into a locked iPhone?

If you have lost the passcode of your Apple iPhone 12 mini, then you can use the Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock tool to factory reset your device. To do this, you need to proceed with the steps given above. They are easy to follow and will help you reset your device without risk.

The Bottom Line

These are some of the most effective methods that can help you factory reset your locked iPhone without iTunes. You can use any of these methods to reset your device and get rid of the lock screen.

However, if you want to factory reset your Apple iPhone 12 mini because you have forgotten your passcode, we recommend using Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock app because it is the most effective and safe method.

This app can help you factory reset your locked iPhone without iTunes in just a few minutes, and it is very easy to use. So, if you want to reset your device without any data loss, we recommend using this app.

How To Fix Auto Lock Greyed Out on Apple iPhone 12 mini

Auto-lock on iOS devices serves multiple purposes - it conserves battery life, secures your data, and more. But have you encountered the Auto-Lock greyed-out dilemma, fixed at 30 seconds? When this setting becomes inaccessible, it limits your control over screen timeout.

Read on if you’ve encountered a similar problem on your iOS device. In this guide, we’ll explore the possible reasons and offer steps to fix Auto-Lock greyed out on iPhone and iPad devices. If force restarts or settings resets haven’t worked for you, we’ve got alternative solutions. Let’s get started.

Part 1: Why Is Auto-Lock Greyed Out on iOS Device?

There are a few reasons why the Auto-Lock might be greyed out on your Apple iPhone 12 mini or iPad device, preventing you from adjusting the duration. Here are the most common culprits:

Low Power Mode

When you activate Low Power Mode on your iOS device, you might notice the screen automatically locking after 30 seconds of inactivity. This quick sleep setting, implemented to minimize power usage, explains why the Auto-Lock option appears greyed out and inaccessible.

Screen Time Restrictions

Screen Time restrictions can impact Auto-Lock. For instance, if your downtime schedule blocks all apps, the screen locks itself, even if the Auto-Lock timer hasn’t run out.

MDM Profile Restrictions

If the Auto-Lock is greyed out on your iPad or iPhone and you use it for work or school, a Mobile Device Management (MDM) profile might be the reason. This profile restricts settings, including Auto-Lock. To fix this, contact your IT administrator and ask if they can adjust the MDM profile settings.

Alright, you know the possible reasons why the Auto-Lock option is not working on your iOS device. Still, you might be wondering how to fix the Auto-Lock greyed-out issue. Below are several ways to get your iPad or iPhone Auto-Lock working normally again.

Fix No.1: Disable Low Power Mode

Your iPhone Auto-Lock greyed out because Low Power Mode limits background activities, including the Auto-Lock option. In this mode, you cannot change the Auto-Lock settings. Turn off Low Power Mode to fix this issue and choose your preferred timeout. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Go to your Apple iPhone 12 mini or iPad’s Settings app.
• Step 2: Scroll down and tap Battery. It will show you your device’s battery usage and available settings.
• Step 3: Turn off the Low Power Mode. Now, the greyed-out Auto-Lock option in Settings should be available again.

Low Battery Mode can stretch your battery life further. But if you need your screen to stay on longer, like while reading an article or watching a video, you can turn it off. It lets you adjust the screen timeout in Settings so it stays awake for as long as you like.

Fix No.2: Check Screen Time Restrictions

You’ve ruled out the Low Power Mode, but the Auto-Lock greyed out on iPad or iPhone remains. If Low Power Mode isn’t causing the problem, your screen time settings might be the issue. Some app restrictions can limit your screen use to specific times, causing it to lock automatically. Resolve this by removing limits, such as downtime and app restrictions, or turning it off.

• Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
• Step 2: Go to Screen Time, then scroll down.
• Step 3: Tap Turn Off Screen Time.

Fix No.3: Remove MDM Configuration Profile

A configuration profile is a file that contains settings and restrictions that can be applied to an iOS device. Organizations, schools, or IT administrators often use it to manage devices remotely and enforce specific configurations. Once installed, the settings within a profile override the Apple iPhone 12 mini device’s default settings. It can include restrictions related to security, network access, app usage, and more.

Since an MDM configuration profile causes limitations, like the greyed-out Auto-Lock on iPad, removing it can be the solution. Doing so frees your iOS device from external settings imposed by the profile. Then, it could allow you to adjust the Auto-Lock time setting as you normally would.

• Step 1: See the configuration profiles you installed on your iOS device.

• Go to Settings> General > VPN & Device Management on your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

• Go to Settings> General > Profiles & Device Management on your iPad.

• Step 2: Select the configuration profile you need to delete.

• Step 3: Tap Remove Profile, enter your device passcode, then tap Remove.

Fix No.4: Remove Network Settings Installed by MDM

Businesses often use Mobile Device Management (MDM) to remotely manage their employees’ iPhones and iPads. MDM lets IT admins push software updates, restrict apps, and remotely wipe a lost device. This keeps corporate data safe and devices under control, whether the company or the employee owns them.

If you’re having trouble with a greyed-out Auto-Lock timeout setting, disassociating your device from MDM might be an option. But remember, this is a big step. Make sure you follow your company’s authorized procedures to avoid unintended consequences.

If your IT team gives the green light, you might also be able to remove the network settings installed by MDM. Just proceed with caution, as messing with these settings could lead to instability or data loss. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
• Step 2: Navigate to General > Profile or VPN & Device Management (or a similar section).
• Step 3: Select the management and tap Remove Management.

If the option is unavailable, only the person who used Apple Configurator 2 or handles your company’s mobile device management platform can remove it.

Fix No.5: Use Dr.Fone To Bypass MDM Lock Without Data Loss

Unfortunately, manually removing profiles can be tricky, especially if they’re associated with MDM, Apple School Manager, or supervised configurations. These often require the removal of passwords, admin privileges, or complete data wipes. But there’s good news. Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) provides a simpler and safer solution.

Here’s why you should try it:

• **Speedy and Efficient:**No more endless troubleshooting. Dr.Fone bypasses the MDM lock in minutes, saving you precious time.
• **Data Stays Safe:**Unlike factory resets, Dr.Fone keeps all your precious photos, messages, and apps right where they belong.
• **No Jailbreaking:**Say goodbye to complex hacks and warranty voiding. Dr.Fone works without jailbreaking your Apple iPhone 12 mini, keeping it healthy and secure.
• **Universal Compatibility:**Whether you own the latest iPhone with iOS 17 or an older version, Dr.Fone has your back. It supports all iOS devices and versions starting from iOS 7.0.

Have you ever bought a used iPad or Apple iPhone 12 mini to find the Auto-Lock option greyed out and isn’t working? Mobile Device Management (MDM) profiles, often deployed by companies or schools, can restrict functionality. If you lack the credentials to bypass or remove it, Dr.Fone can help remove all MDM restrictions on your iOS device. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Download and open Dr.Fone on your computer. Next, connect your Apple iPhone 12 mini or iPad to the computer using a USB cable and navigate to Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS.

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• Step 2: Within the Screen Unlock tool window, select Unlock MDM iPhone.

• Step 3: Select Bypass MDM, then click Get Start to proceed.

• Step 4: Please review the message carefully before initiating the MDM bypass process. Once you’ve read it, click Start to Bypass to proceed.

• Step 5: If prompted, go to your device’s Settings > Apple ID > iCloud and turn off the Find My feature. Next, click OK to initiate the MDM bypass.

• Step 6: The software will display the progress of the bypass. Wait for it to complete.

• Step 7: You’ll see a confirmation message once the bypass is successful. Click Done to exit. Your device should now be free from MDM restrictions.

Fix No.6: Check and Adjust Auto-Lock Settings

Once you’ve tried all the fixes above, you might need to set up the Auto-Lock timeout again.

1. Setup Auto-Lock on iPad

Here are the steps on how to change Auto-Lock on iPad devices:

• Step 1: Within the Settings app, scroll down the list on the left-hand side and tap Display & Brightness.
• Step 2: On the right-hand side of the Display & Brightness screen, tap the Auto-Lock option.

• Step 3: A list of time options will appear, ranging from 2 minutes to 15 minutes, as well as Never. Select the time you want your iPad to wait before automatically locking the screen after inactivity. If you want the screen to stay on indefinitely, choose Never.

Step 4: Once you’ve selected your preferred auto-lock duration, you can exit the Settings app. The change will be applied automatically.

1. Setup Auto-Lock on iPhone

Here’s how to change Auto-Lock on iPhone devices:

• Step 1: Open the Settings app.
• Step 2: Tap on Display & Brightness, scroll down, and tap Auto-Lock.
• Step 3: Choose the desired time interval for your Apple iPhone 12 mini to automatically lock. The available options typically range from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. You may also have the option to select Never if you prefer to have the screen stay on indefinitely until you manually lock it.

Conclusion

There you have it. This guide has equipped you with the knowledge and solutions to fix the Auto-Lock greyed out on your Apple iPhone 12 mini or iPad devices. From identifying the reasons like Low Power Mode and MDM configurations to implementing actionable fixes, you can now change your screen timeout. So, turn off those restrictions, remove MDM profiles, and head back to Settings.

For an easy solution, use Dr.Fone Screen Unlock to bypass MDM restrictions, giving you control over your device. Whether it’s a work phone or a personal device under MDM, Dr.Fone can offer an efficient solution. With a few clicks, you’ll have the Auto-Lock back on track, ensuring your iOS device works again just how you want it.

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How To Unlock Stolen Apple iPhone 12 mini In Different Conditionsin

Whenever your Apple iPhone 12 mini gets stolen, multiple concerns involve accessing the Apple iPhone 12 mini device and stored data. However, you might get it back after some time only to find that your stolen iPhone is now locked. The reasons could be long inactivity or someone who has entered the wrong passcode multiple times.

These cases most probably lead you to search for how to unlock stolen iPhones. For this, we have outlined the best methods to unlock stolen iPhones in this detailed guide. From using built-in old methods to third-party tools, this article covers it all with easy-to-follow steps.

Part 1. [Easiest Way] Unlock Easily With Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

Now that we are familiar with certain scenarios, the first method that provides the simplest way to unlock a stolen iPhone is using Wondershare Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS) . Users can easily continue using their locked device once they find it back after getting stolen. It is also possible that you might have activated Lost Mode by yourself to secure the data of the stolen device. But no need to worry, as Wondershare Dr.Fone offers a universal unlocking solution.

Wondershare Dr.Fone can unlock all lock screens, including Face ID and passcodes for the latest iOS models. If you have forgotten your Apple ID, this tool helps you remove it without any password. Even if MDM restrictions are imposed on your device, you can remove them without any data loss.

Notable Features of Wondershare Dr.Fone

1. This tool is compatible with the latest iOS version and models, such as iPhone 15 and iOS 17.
2. Wondershare Dr.Fone removes iTunes backup encryption without asserting any damage to the data.
3. If your iOS device faces any carrier or SIM locks , Dr.Fone helps you remove it without any data loss.

Steps To Unlock Stolen iPhone With Wondershare Dr.Fone

After learning about the various iOS unlocking features Wondershare Dr.Fone offers, it is time to learn how to unlock a stolen iPhone. The steps below can help you quickly resolve the “I found my lost iPhone how do I unlock it” query:

• Step 1. Install Dr.Fone and Access the Built-In Toolbox

After installing Wondershare Dr.Fone, launch and navigate to the “Toolbox” section from the left panel. Continue to select “Screen Unlock” and continue by choosing “iOS” as the Apple iPhone 12 mini device type.

• Step 2. Start Unlocking iOS Screen Lock

From the available features, proceed with “Unlock iOS Screen” and click “Start” to initiate the unlocking process.

• Step 3. Put iOS Into Recovery Mode and Specify Details

Moving on, you must put your iOS device into Recovery Mode. For this, follow the instructions on the screen based on your Apple iPhone 12 mini model. Once it is in Recovery Mode successfully, you need to verify the Apple iPhone 12 mini device details. Verify the “Device Model,” select the specific “System Version,” and continue to device unlocking by clicking “Start.”

• Step 4. Confirm the Unlocking Process and Successfully Execute

As the respective iOS firmware downloads, wait a few minutes and press the “Unlock” button. A prompt window appears where you have to enter the code “00000” to confirm the screen unlocking process. Once the iOS unlocking process is concluded, tap the “Done” button to check if you can access your Apple iPhone 12 mini. Users with unsuccessful processes have the option to “Try Again” if required.

Part 2. [Old Ways] Using Siri To Unlock Stolen iPhone

It might come as a surprise to you that Siri can be used to unlock a lost iPhone. When you seek the answer to how to unlock a lost iPhone with Siri, you need to be aware of a very specific pointer. It is necessary to note that this method only works for devices operating between iOS 8 and 11.

This later turned out to be an anomaly in Siri that led users to unlock their iOS devices. If you have a device running within this iOS version range, learn how to unlock it with the provided steps:

• Step 1. Start by activating the Siri on your iOS device. Ask a simple question about time, like “What time is it?” Once Siri is active, a clock will display on your device screen. Next, access the clock and find the “World Clock” screen on your Apple iPhone 12 mini. Tap the “+” button at the screen’s top right corner. Enter the name of any city in the “Search Bar,” tap Select All, and choose “Share.”

Click here

• Step 2. In the sharing options, look for “Messages.” As you access the next screen, type anything in the “To” section and continue to select it by navigating to the “Create a New Contact” option. When providing the contact details, tap the “Add Photo” button. Lead into the Photos app from there and swipe up the screen or press the “Home” button to access the home screen.

Part 3. [All Data Lost] Trying Recovery Mode for Unlocking Stolen iPhone

Another lifesaver method to unlock stolen iPhones is by utilizing the Recovery Mode. For this purpose, users need to connect their iPhones to their PC using iTunes . Its ability to facilitate data restoration makes it an effective method to unlock iOS devices. Rather than searching for “I bought a lost iPhone how do I unlock it,” simply follow the instructions below:

• Step 1. Connect your locked stolen Apple iPhone 12 mini to the computer using a USB cable. To enter the Recovery Mode, you need to follow the steps below, depending on your Apple iPhone 12 mini model:

• For iPhone 8 and Later: Press and release the “Volume Up” button, followed by the “Volume Down” button. Press and hold the “Side” button on the right side of the Apple iPhone 12 mini device to activate Recovery Mode.

• For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the “Volume Down” and “Side/Power” buttons to enable Recovery Mode in iPhone 7 models.

• For iPhone 6 and Earlier: To activate Recovery Mode, press and hold the “Home” and “Side/Power” buttons until the respective screen displays.

• Step 2: Once your Apple iPhone 12 mini is in Recovery Mode, iTunes will detect it automatically. A pop-up window will appear within iTunes to detect some problems with the Apple iPhone 12 mini device. Tap the “Restore” button to start the process and unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini by erasing all settings and content.

Part 4. Using Third-Party Unlocking Service To Unlock Stolen iPhone

In certain scenarios, when an iPhone gets stolen, it might enable the “Activation Lock.” This usually occurs to prevent the unauthorized access and usage of the Apple iPhone 12 mini device. When you face such a situation, third-party unlocking services can help you bypass the Activation Lock.

These services include IMEIUnlockSIM , IMEICHECK.CO and Apple iPhone Unlock . Below, we have outlined steps for using Apple iPhone Unlock to help you with how do I unlock a stolen iPhone issue:

Instructions: First, access the Apple iPhone Unlock official website and enter the IMEI number of the Apple iPhone 12 mini device. Select the particular iOS device model and continue to select “Remove Activation Lock.” Following this, review the order summary and pay the fee with the required option. Upon successful completion of payment, the service will contact you for instant unlocking within 24 hours.

Conclusion

Getting a stolen iPhone back is surely the best thing, but facing a device unlock situation worsens things. However, to help you with how to unlock a stolen iPhone, we have discussed 4 effective methods. Wondershare Dr.Fone is the best among these options. This screen unlock tool facilitates users with various screen unlocking options using the simplest methods.

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