How to Unlock Apple iPhone SE With an Apple Watch & What to Do if It Doesnt Work

How to Unlock Apple iPhone SE With an Apple Watch & What to Do if It Doesnt Work

Sophia Lv12

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

man wearing apple watch with Apple iPhone SE 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 SE’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 SE’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 SE.

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

phone, earphones, and apple watch on a table

The Apple iPhone SE 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 SE 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 SE With Apple Watch

unlock requirements

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

Part 3. How To Unlock Apple iPhone SE 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 SE 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 SE;

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

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

person wearing face mask unlocking their Apple iPhone SE

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

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

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

2. Restart Your WiFi/Bluetooth Connection

Your Apple iPhone SE 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 SE’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 SE 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 SE

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 SE 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 SE 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](https://images.wondershare.com/drfone/guide/ios-system-repair-1.png)
  • 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 SE 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 SE’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 SE 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 SE 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 SE 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.

How to Unlock Disabled Apple iPhone SE/iPad Without Computer

Forgetting the Apple iPhone SE or iPad passcode could be the worst nightmare for plenty of iOS users. If you are also locked out of your Apple iPhone SE, then don’t worry. There are several ways to learn how to unlock a disabled Apple iPhone SE without a computer. Surprisingly, you don’t need to take the assistance of a computer to unlock your iOS device. This guide will make you familiar with how to unlock the iPad passcode without a computer. Read on and learn how to unlock the disabled Apple iPhone SE without a computer right away.

Part 1: How to unlock disabled Apple iPhone SE without computer using Siri?

Accessing Siri is the first thing that comes to iOS users’ minds whenever they get locked out of their Apple iPhone SE . It might surprise you, but you can also take the assistance of Siri to unlock your phone. Most users prefer this technique, as it doesn’t require a computer and can unlock an iOS device without erasing its data.

Though, before you proceed, you need to know the limitations of this method. Since it is considered a loophole in iOS, it doesn’t always yield desirable results. It has been observed that the method only works on devices running from iOS 8.0 to iOS 10.1. To learn how to unlock iPad passcode without a computer, follow these stepwise instructions:

Step 1. Activate Siri on your iOS device by holding the Home button. Ask for the present time by giving a command like “Hey Siri, what time is it?” to proceed. Siri will let you know the current time by displaying a clock. Tap on it.

hey siri

Step 2. Tap on the Add (plus) icon.

world clock

Step 3. From here, you can search for a city. Just type anything you want and tap again to get various options. Choose the “Select all” button to get more options.

select all

Step 4. Select the feature of “Share.”

share

Step 5. Tap on the message icon.

share on message

Step 6. It will open another interface to draft a new message. Wait for a while and write something in the “To” field. Once you are done, tap on the return button on the keyboard.

send to

Step 7. This will highlight your text in green. Now, tap on the add icon located nearby.

add contact

Step 8. A new interface would be launched to add a new contact. From here, tap on the “Create New Contact” button.

create new contact

Step 9. Instead of adding information regarding a new contact, tap on the photo icon, and choose the option of “Add Photo.”

add photo

Step 10. This will open your device’s gallery. You can browse your photo library from here.

iphone photo library

Step 11. After a while, press the Home button. If everything goes right, you will enter the Home screen of your iOS device after unlocking it.

iphone home

By following this technique, you would also learn how to unlock the disabled Apple iPhone SE 4. Though, you need to ensure that the iOS device you are using would support this feature.

Part 2: How to unlock disabled Apple iPhone SE using Find My Apple iPhone SE?

The chances are that your iOS device might not work with the above-stated solution, or it’s latest iOS version. Therefore, you would be required to take the assistance of another method to unlock your device. With the help of Apple’s official Find My Apple iPhone SE service, you can easily restore your device remotely. It is also used to locate an iOS device, play a sound, and lock it remotely.

After implementing this solution, your iOS device will reset, and your data would be erased. Nevertheless, in the end, it will automatically reset its lock as well. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Open iCloud’s website on any other handheld device of your choice. Not just your system, you can open the website on any other smart device as well. Use your Apple ID and password to log in to your iCloud account.

Step 2. Visit the Find My Apple iPhone SE service. Under the “All Devices” category, you can view all the iOS devices linked to your Apple ID. Select the Apple iPhone SE device you want to reset.

icloud all devices

Step 3. Select the feature of the Erase device and confirm your choice. Wait for a while as your Apple iPhone SE or iPad would be restored remotely.

erase Apple iPhone SE

By following this method, you can learn how to unlock the iPad passcode without a computer remotely.

Part 3: Unlock disabled Apple iPhone SE/iPad using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock?

Dr.Fone can help you to remove the screen from the disabled Apple iPhone SE or iPad. It can also unlock the Apple ID after you forgot the Apple ID email or password.

  • Easy operations to unlock the Apple iPhone SE without the passcode.
  • Removes the Apple iPhone SE lock screen without relying on iTunes.
  • Works for all models of Apple iPhone SE, iPad, and iPod touch.
  • Fully compatible with the latest iOS 14.New icon

Step 1. Install Dr.Fone on your computer.

Step 2. Open ‘Screen Unlock’. Select ‘Unlock iOS Screen.’

start to remove Apple iPhone SE lock screen

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instruction.

Boot your Apple iPhone SE into DFU mode.

boot device in dfu mode

Select device information on Dr.Fone

download Apple iPhone SE firmware

Step 4. Start to Unlock. The phone will be unlocked after that.

download Apple iPhone SE firmware

Part 4: Tips to protect your Apple iPhone SE from being unlocked by thieves

As you can see, anyone can learn how to unlock the disabled Apple iPhone SE 4 without a computer and other iOS devices as well. Therefore, if you don’t want your Apple iPhone SE and iPad to be misused by thieves, you should take some added measures. Follow these suggestions to increase security on your iOS device.

1. Disable Siri from the lock screen

If someone can’t access Siri from the lock screen, then they won’t be able to follow the above-mentioned process to unlock an iOS device. Therefore, it is highly recommended to disable Siri from the lock screen. To do this, visit your device’s Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, and under the “Allow access when locked” section, disable the option of “Siri.”

turn off siri

2. Enable Find My Apple iPhone SE service

There are times when users forget to enable the Find My Apple iPhone SE feature on their iOS device. To access this feature, make sure that it is turned on. To do this, go to your device’s Settings > iCloud > Find My Apple iPhone SE and turn on the feature of “Find My Apple iPhone SE.” Additionally, you should turn on the “Send the last location” option as well.

find my Apple iPhone SE

3. Set a strong alphanumeric password

One of the best ways to secure your iOS device is by adding secure passwords. To do this, visit your device’s Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Change Passcode and select the option of “Custom Alphanumeric Code.” Provide a strong alphanumeric passcode to boost the security of your device.

custom Alphanumeric code

Conclusion

By implementing the above suggestions, you can easily make your iOS device more secure. Additionally, we have also listed two stepwise solutions that can unlock your iPad or Apple iPhone SE without taking the assistance of a computer. Now when you know how to unlock a disabled Apple iPhone SE without a computer, you can easily make the most out of your iOS device.

3 Easy Ways to Factory Reset a Locked Apple iPhone SE 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 SE and want to ensure that all your data is wiped from the Apple iPhone SE 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 SE 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.

factory reset without itunes

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

You must put your Apple iPhone SE 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 SE 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.

how to factory reset disabled iphone

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

After your Apple iPhone SE 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.

factory reset locked iphone without itunes

Step #5: Reset your Apple iPhone SE:

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.

factory reset disabled iphone

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.

via the find My Apple iPhone SE feature

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 SE 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.

the find my iphone on another 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 SE 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.

the recover mode on finder

To do this, you need to follow these steps:

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

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 SE 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 SE 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 SE to factory reset with buttons, you need to follow these steps:

hard reset iphone 6 while locked

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 SE.

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 SE, 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 SE 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.


  • Title: How to Unlock Apple iPhone SE With an Apple Watch & What to Do if It Doesnt Work
  • Author: Sophia
  • Created at : 2024-07-15 00:13:15
  • Updated at : 2024-07-16 00:13:15
  • Link: https://ios-unlock.techidaily.com/how-to-unlock-apple-iphone-se-with-an-apple-watch-and-what-to-do-if-it-doesnt-work-by-drfone-ios/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
On this page
How to Unlock Apple iPhone SE With an Apple Watch & What to Do if It Doesnt Work