3 Ways to Erase Apple iPhone 12 mini When It’s Locked Within Seconds

Over the last few years, Apple has made remarkable progress with its flagship iPhone series. There are plenty of ways for users to back up, erase, and restore their data. It doesn’t matter if you are moving from one device to another or would like to reset your phone. You should know how to erase iPhone when locked. Too many times, after getting locked out of their device, users find it hard to wipe locked iPhone. If you are also going through the same dilemma, then don’t worry. Read on and learn how to wipe a locked iPhone in this extensive guide.

Part 1: Erase locked iPhone with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

One of the best ways to wipe locked iPhone is by using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) tool. It is an extremely secure and reliable application. It is already compatible with every leading version of iOS and runs on almost all major iOS devices. Available for both Windows and Mac, the tool can be used to remove activation lock and Apple ID. The tool also provides an easy-to-use interface that can help you reset the activation lock on your device.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Erase the data of an iPhone even if it is locked

• Erase iPhone data together with the lock screen.
• Remove the 4-digit/6-digit passcode, Touch ID, and Face ID , and activation lock.
• A few clicks and the iOS lock screen are gone.
• Fully compatible with all iDevice models and iOS versions.

4,395,216 people have downloaded it

To learn how to erase iPhone when locked, follow these steps:

Step 1. Download and install Dr.Fone.

Start by downloading Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) from its official website. Install it on your Windows or Mac and connect your Apple iPhone 12 mini to the system whenever you wish to resolve an issue with it. After launching the application, click on the “Screen Unlock” option from the welcome screen.

Step 2. Click Start button.

Wait for a while as the application will automatically recognize your phone. Click on the “Start” button to commence the process.

Step 3. Put the phone into DFU mode.

Follow the on-screen instructions to put your phone into the DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. It can be done by pressing the Home and Power button simultaneously for 10 seconds. Afterward, it would help if you released the Power button while pressing the Home button for another 5 seconds.

Step 4. Download firmware package.

After putting your device into the DFU mode, the application will automatically move to the next window. Here, you would be required to provide essential information related to your phone like device model, firmware update, and more. After filling in the correct information, click on the “Download” button.

Sit back and relax as the application will download the essential firmware update for your phone.

Step 5. Start to unlock.

Once it is done, the application will automatically start resolving the issue on your phone. Make sure that you don’t disconnect your phone while Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) will resolve the issue on your device.

Step 7. Unlock completed.

After completing the operation successfully, the interface will provide the following message.

You can check if you can unlock your phone or not. If you still have an issue, then click on the “Try Again” button. Else, you can safely remove your phone and use it without any constraint. By following this method, you would learn how to wipe a locked iPhone with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS).

One of the best things about this technique is that you would wipe locked iPhone without causing any damage. Since it is a secure and reliable method with a high success rate, it is sure to provide a hassle-free experience.

Part 2: Erase locked iPhone by restoring it with iTunes

If you are looking for an alternative way to learn how to erase iPhone when locked, you can also take the assistance of iTunes. It provides a free and simple method to restore your device. Since it would wipe your data, you might end up losing your essential files in the process. We recommend following this technique only when you have taken a backup of your data via iTunes beforehand. To learn how to wipe a locked iPhone with iTunes, follow these steps:

1. Firstly, put your Apple iPhone 12 mini into recovery mode. To do this, launch an updated version of iTunes on your system and connect it to a lightning cable. Now, long-press the Home button on your device and connect it to the other end of the lightning cable. Release the Home button once the iTunes logo would appear.

2. As soon as your phone would be connected, iTunes will recognize an issue with it. From here, you can choose to restore it.

3. If you don’t get the above pop-up on your screen, launch iTunes and visit its “Summary” section. From here, choose “Restore backup” under the Backup section.

4. agree to the pop-up message by clicking on the “Restore” button.

Part 3: Erase locked iPhone by Find My iPhone

If you haven’t already taken a backup of your phone, then you might find it hard to recover it with iTunes. Another popular way to wipe locked iPhone is by using the Find My iPhone tool. This is mostly implemented in case of a stolen or lost device. One of the best features of Find My iPhone is that it can be used to reset your device remotely. With this, you can protect your personal data without much trouble. Implement these steps to learn how to erase iPhone when locked using Find My iPhone.

1. To start with, log in to your iCloud account and visit the “Find My iPhone” section.

2. Under the “All Devices” section, you can choose the Apple iPhone 12 mini you wish to reset.

3. After selecting your device, you will be presented with various options. Select the “Erase iPhone” feature to reset your device.

Confirm your choice and wipe locked iPhone remotely using the Find My iPhone feature on iCloud.

After following this informative guide, you would learn how to wipe a locked iPhone without any trouble. Go ahead and pick your preferred option to wipe locked iPhone. We recommend using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) to resolve this issue securely. Though, if you wish to do it remotely, then you can also give Find My iPhone a try as well. If you are familiar with any other reliable method, please let us know how to erase iPhone when locked in the comments below.

How to Unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini’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 12 mini’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 12 mini.

Now, you cannot just unlock any Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini?

The Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini With Apple Watch

Unfortunately, not every Apple iPhone 12 mini can be unlocked with your Apple Watch, and not every Apple Watch can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini. 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 12 mini with Face ID – Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini Face ID.

Part 3. How To Unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini With an Apple Watch

If you meet all the aforementioned criteria, setting up the feature to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini;

• 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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini. If you accidentally unlock your phone, simply tap on the Lock Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini, you’ll first need to type in your passcode.

Part 4. What To Do if You Can’t Unlock Your Apple iPhone 12 mini With a Watch

Generally speaking, unlocking your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini with your Apple Watch.

If you’re using the correct versions of Apple iPhone 12 mini (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 12 mini.

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

2. Restart Your WiFi/Bluetooth Connection

Your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini’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 12 mini 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 12 mini

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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini’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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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.

Full Guide to Unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini with iTunes

With such countless passwords, forgetting passwords on occasion isn’t surprising. What are your possibilities for iTunes unlock phone if you run over such circumstances and lose your password? Certainly, when this question springs up, you must not get terrified. We are here to direct you through the process of fixing this issue.

Losing a passcode is entirely normal and can happen to anyone. So, if you are also among the lot, we will elaborate on how to unlock iPhone with iTunes. After thorough research, our experts have laid out some essential unlocking methods for our readers. So, if you need to get things straight, read this detailed guide to go over your issue.

Part 1: Why Was My iPhone Disabled?

Using a lock screen passcode to secure your iDevice is an excellent way. However, it can become troublesome when you forget the key to your phone. Moreover, you may get stuck even if your screen breaks. On the other hand, someone may take your phone and type a few incorrect passcodes.

If your screen displays “iPhone disabled,” the most probable reason is an excess of wrong passcode attempts. However, this can sometimes occur without you understanding if the phone is in your pocket.

It would help if you erased your Apple iPhone 12 mini to eliminate the lock and passcode, then re-sync it with iTunes. Then, you can restore your phone from an iCloud or an iTunes backup, but if you have never used a backup on your phone, your phone will have nothing. This guide illustrates how to unlock disabled iPhone with iTunes.

Part 2: How to Unlock iPhone with iTunes

At first, iTunes was only a media software used to play, download and see sound and video documents. Later in 2011, it became a valuable tool to support information and adjust it across numerous devices.

It added the ‘Restore’ option that can assist clients with unlocking their iPhones when they forget their passcode.

In any case, one has to know that iTunes is not an expert unlocking tool. Apple seldom updates iTunes, and its last update was long ago. Consequently, it has numerous tech bugs. As a result, the unlocking process using iTunes takes a lot of time. During the process, you may experience different error codes like 3004, 1100, 3194, 4000, and 4013. That makes it a tedious process.

Requirements for Windows PC:

• For iTunes unlock phone, your PC should have installed Windows 8 or later and the most recent iTunes variant.

Requirements for Mac:

• Open the Finder window if you have macOS Catalina or a more recent one.
• Open the most current version of iTunes using macOS Mojave or older.
• You must have a USB connector.

Steps (For Windows)

Step 1. Connect the locked Apple iPhone 12 mini to the PC

Connect your locked Apple iPhone 12 mini to your PC through a lightning or USB connector. Open iTunes on Windows PC.

Step 2. Put your Apple iPhone 12 mini in recovery mode

To enter a Recovery Mode, press a combination of buttons on your Apple iPhone 12 mini. Doing such, you will see a recovery mode screen on your Apple iPhone 12 mini. To place the Apple iPhone 12 mini in Recovery mode, follow these:

• iPhone 8 or above (second and third generation): Press and release the volume (+) button. Press and release the volume (-) button. Hold power/side button until seeing the recovery mode on your screen.
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press the top (or side) and volume down buttons simultaneously until the recovery screen shows up.
• iPhone SE (first generation) and iPhone 6S: Hold the home button and the power/side button simultaneously until the recovery mode screen shows up.

Note: If you see the passcode screen, switch off your Apple iPhone 12 mini and do the process again until you see the Recovery mode screen.

Step 3. Restore your Apple iPhone 12 mini

As the recovery Mode screen shows up on the iPhone, you will find your Apple iPhone 12 mini on iTunes unlock phone screen. Then, a box shows up with a message saying there is an iPhone issue. It will expect you to update or restore your phone. So, click on Restore.

Step 4. It then asks you to confirm whether you are sure you need to restore the Apple iPhone 12 mini to its default factory state. It does so because your media and data will be all erased. Then, click on Restore and Update.

Step 5. Then, “iPhone Software Update” may spring up. Click Next, and afterwards, click Agree. iTunes will begin downloading the software and restore your Apple iPhone 12 mini when the download is finished.

When the “iPhone software update” is downloaded, iTunes will show that it will erase your Apple iPhone 12 mini and restore it to iOS 15.4.1. Then click on Restore.

The above bar will show “Extracting software… “. It implies iOS 15.4.1 iTunes is planning to restore the software on this iPhone.

Step 6. Your Apple iPhone 12 mini will show the restore progress bar with the white apple logo. The length of the process relies upon how much data is on your cell phone. Generally, it takes 20 to 120 minutes. When done, your Apple iPhone 12 mini will restart naturally. Furthermore, after your Apple iPhone 12 mini restarts, you can reset your Apple iPhone 12 mini. For example, you can make a new passcode.

Part 3: Unlocking iPhone without iTunes

1. Unlock it with Find My in iCloud

Find My is a famous element in Apple devices that allows you to find your lost phone through Maps. The component has been updated from that point forward, and presently it can be utilized to erase your Apple iPhone 12 mini. Additionally, you can use it to erase your information without a passcode.

Steps to Unlock:

Step 1. Open iCloud.com on a mobile or internet browser.

Step 2. Enter your Apple ID and password as inquired.

Step 3. After signing in effectively, click on Find My and enter your Apple ID and password. Click on Sign In.

Pick your locked gadget under the “All Devices” area.

Step 4. Click on ‘Erase iPhone’. Click on ‘Erase’ again.

Step 5. Enter the Apple ID password to proceed.

Step 6. A check code will be sent to unlock your locked gadget. Enter the code to proceed.

Step 7. Presently, enter your number. Then, click Next and then Done.

Step 8. The iCloud will effectively begin the erase, and you can see the Apple sign with a white advancement bar noticeable on your locked iPhone. After an effective erase process, your Apple iPhone 12 mini will restart.

Step 9. Swipe up on the Apple iPhone 12 mini screen to begin once more.

Step 10. iPhone will show that it is locked to the owner. You have to sign in with your Apple ID again, enter the password, and tap on Next. You will currently be enabled to make your new passcode.

2. Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock

If you are searching for an elective way to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini with iTunes, you can pick Wondershare Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock.

This software is an ideal iTunes elective that doesn’t need a passcode to unlock the iPhone. Whatever the situation, Dr.Fone can determine the issue in no time. It can eliminate Face ID, Touch ID, or a 4 to 6-digit passcode in no time. Moreover, it works with almost any iOS version at the moment. Here’s the alternate way to iTunes unlock phone:

Step 1. Connect your iDevice to the PC

From the Dr.Fone program on your PC, select “Screen Unlock” the tool.

Then use a USB connector to connect your iOS gadget to the PC. Then, click the “Unlock iOS Screen” option on your screen.

Step 2. Boot your iDevice in Recovery/DFU Mode

Before deleting the Apple iPhone 12 mini screen, it is necessary to boot it in Recovery/DFU. You can follow the steps on your screen to do so. Moreover, the Recovery mode is the suggested way for your situation. However, you can use the DFU mode if this doesn’t work.

Step 3. Confirm Phone Model

After turning the DFU mode on, the program will show your phone information. In addition, it will show its model and software version. You can choose the correct data from the dropdown menu if it isn’t accurate. Then, it is time to download the firmware required for your phone model.

Step 4. Remove the Lock

After downloading the firmware, tap Unlock Now to begin the unlocking process.

Doing so will unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini within no time. However, kindly note this unlocking process will likewise wipe your Apple iPhone 12 mini’s user data. Indeed, each solution removes your data. Therefore, you must be careful enough to back up your files before doing this process.

The Bottom Line

We hope you found out about how to unlock iPhone with iTunes. We likewise discussed what to do when you need an alternate method to iTunes. We know that using iTunes can be somewhat complicated; hence, the other options can help you a ton. However, we strongly suggest Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock for a more refined unlocking process.