How to Unlock Apple iPhone XS Max 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 XS Max’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 XS Max’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 XS Max.

Now, you cannot just unlock any Apple iPhone XS Max 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 XS Max?

The Apple iPhone XS Max 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 XS Max 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 XS Max With Apple Watch

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

Part 3. How To Unlock Apple iPhone XS Max With an Apple Watch

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

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

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

Generally speaking, unlocking your Apple iPhone XS Max 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 XS Max with your Apple Watch.

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

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

2. Restart Your WiFi/Bluetooth Connection

Your Apple iPhone XS Max 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 XS Max’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 XS Max 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 XS Max

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 XS Max 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 XS Max 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 XS Max 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 XS Max’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 XS Max 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 XS Max 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 XS Max 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.

Did Your Apple iPhone XS Max Passcode Change Itself? Unlock It Now

The Apple iPhone XS Max changing passcodes itself is not a commonly reported issue, but it surely can happen to anyone. While the reasons are uncertain, the issue can be resolved without putting much strain on your device. If you face this iPhone passcode changed itself issue by any chance, it makes it hard for you to get into your Apple iPhone XS Max.

However, you don’t need to worry, as this well-organized guide provides authentic methods to solve this issue. You will also find a bonus tool to fix your iPhone/iPad passcode changed itself issue without any need of knowledge.

Part 1. What Are the Reasons for iPhone Passcode Changing by Itself

Before solving the Apple iPhone XS Max or iPad passcode changed itself issue, you should know the actual reason behind it. Here are some points that precisely explain why the Apple iPhone XS Max changed its passcode by itself:

1. Frequent iOS Updates: One major issue that can cause the problem of iPhone passcodes changing by itself is the ongoing iOS updates. An update can sometimes cause major glitches in the Apple iPhone XS Max device, which might automatically change the credentials.
2. iOS System Error: Many users are reportedly known for installing and using the Beta version of iOS on their iPhones/iPads. These versions are known to hold major glitches and bugs in the software. Usually, the Apple iPhone XS Max changing passcode issue is normally reported by users under such scenarios.
3. Malware: Malicious apps can damage your system security and make your iOS device change the passcode automatically. This can either happen due to device hacking or system security breaches.

Part 2. [The Simplest Solution] Remove iPhone Passcodes With Wondershare Dr.Fone

There are multiple ways to resolve the “iPhone changed passcode itself” issue, but they can be consistently difficult. Here, Wondershare Dr.Fone provides the simplest solution to fix your Apple iPhone XS Max without putting any effort. When fixing your Apple iPhone XS Max’s screen locks, Wondershare Dr.Fone caters to different scenarios. From Touch ID to Face ID and other basic screen locks, this tool unlocks it within minutes.

It clearly shows that you can easily get yourselves out of the miserable iPhone changed passcode itself issue. This is not only what Wondershare Dr.Fone offers its users. You can also find a high success rate for unlocking carrier and MDM locks.

Key Features of Wondershare Dr.Fone

1. Wondershare Dr.Fone is compatible with all iOS devices up to iOS 17, which allows everyone to get help using its advanced functionality.
2. If you lose access to your Apple ID, it can bypass the iCloud Activation Lock and help you set up your iOS device like a new one.
3. Without damaging the data, Wondershare Dr.Fone allows you to remove the iTunes backup encryption . This allows you to back up, restore, transfer, or easily wipe out your device’s data.

Comprehensive Guide To Unlock Screen Using Wondershare Dr.Fone

Wondershare Dr.Fone provides the simplest solution to unlock your Apple iPhone XS Max and remove the passcode change issue. Follow this step-by-step guide to complete the screen unlocking process without wasting any time:

• Step 1. Start Tool and Choose Screen Unlock Function

Initially, launch Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer and connect it to your concerned iPhone. Go into the “Toolbox” and choose the “Screen Unlock” function from the given options. Next, select “iOS” to run the process for the iOS device. Choose the “Unlock iOS Screen” option and hit the “Start” button to initiate the unlocking process.

• Step 2. Put Your Apple iPhone XS Max in Recovery Mode and Confirm Status

After that, follow the on-screen instructions to put your Apple iPhone XS Max in the Recovery Mode. In the next window, you can see your device model recognized. Then, enter your “System Version” and hit the “Start” button again to continue.

• Step 3. Download iOS Firmware and Confirm

Then, the system starts downloading the required iOS firmware according to your Apple iPhone XS Max model. Once the download is complete, click “Unlock Now” to implement the screen unlocking process. Enter the code in the confirmation box in the next window and choose the “Unlock” option.

• Step 4. Install iOS Firmware To Unlock Completely

After that, you can see a progress bar of the unlocking screen process. Then, it takes you to the next window after completion, where you click the “Done” button to accomplish the process.

Part 3. Set Up the Apple iPhone XS Max device Again Using the Security Lockout Procedure

Security Lockout or “iPhone Unavailable” happens when you attempt a wrong passcode 10 times. From there, you need to erase all your Apple iPhone XS Max data to regain access to the iOS device again.

While there is no direct way to regain access to your device when its passcode changes, you will have to perform a factory reset on your Apple iPhone XS Max to make it reusable. For that, look through the comprehensive guide on how to take your device out of this state:

• Step 1. After getting your iOS 17 device into the “iPhone Unavailable” stage, tap the “Forgot Passcode?” option in the bottom right corner.
• Step 2. To start the Apple iPhone XS Max reset, you need to tap on the “Start iPhone Reset.” Then, enter your Apple ID password in the given box and sign out your Apple ID. If you have an eSIM, you will be prompted with an option. Select the “Keep eSIM and Erase Data” or the “Delete eSIM and Erase Data” option according to your choice.

In another case, Apple allows you to temporarily sign in to your Apple iPhone XS Max using a recently changed passcode within 72 hours. But once you get into your device, set a new passcode immediately to retain your full access.

Part 4. Using iTunes To Set Up iOS Device Again

iTunes service allows you to reset your Apple iPhone XS Max to factory settings and unlock the screen lock if the Apple iPhone XS Max passcode changes on its own. Using iTunes to set up your Apple iPhone XS Max again is a good and safe method, but it removes your device data. If you can compromise losing data, you can follow these instructions to remove the Apple iPhone XS Max Passcode Changed Itself issue using iTunes:

Instructions. Firstly, launch iTunes on your desktop and connect your Apple iPhone XS Max. Then, you need to progress into putting your Apple iPhone XS Max in the Recovery Mode . Continuing this, iTunes detects your device in Recovery Mode and shows two options: “Update” or “Restore.” Click on the “Restore” option and hit the “OK” button to restore your Apple iPhone XS Max and regain access.

Part 5. Using iCloud To Set Up iOS Device Again

Using iCloud to unlock iOS devices is a safe and recommended method, but it also leads to complete data loss. If you wish to consider using the iCloud method, it is important for the Find My service to be active on the Apple iPhone XS Max device. Also, you need to be aware of your Apple ID and password before proceeding. Follow this comprehensive guide step-by-step to set up your iOS device again using iCloud.

• Step 1. First of all, open iCloud on your desktop web browser. Afterward, enter your “Apple ID” and “Password” to proceed. After trusting the Apple iPhone XS Max device, look for the “Grid” icon on the top right to find the “Find My” option in the list.

• Step 2. After that, choose the Apple iPhone XS Max device that you want to recover. Then, click the “Erase This Device” option to remove data and regain your device access.

Part 6. Using Find My App To Set Up iOS Device Again

This method needs you to have another iOS device signed into the same Apple ID with the Find My option enabled. After fulfilling these preconditions, you can follow these steps to set up your device whose iPhone passcode changed from 4 to 6 digits by itself:

• Step 1. Launch the Find My App on any other device, select the “Devices” tab from the bottom menu, find your locked iPhone in the list, and tap on that.
• Step 2. You must select the “Erase This Device” button to remove it from the iCloud account. This will instantly factory reset the Apple iPhone XS Max device as if it is a new iOS device.

Bonus Tip. How To Change Passcode on iPhone: A Simple Guide

We’ve discussed various reasons why the iPhone passcode changed itself above. However, there are several instances where you want to change the passcode yourself. What to do if you are looking for an effective way to change your Apple iPhone XS Max’s passcode? Follow the simple step-by-step guide to change the passcode from the iDevice’s “Settings:”

• Step 1. First, open iPhone “Settings” and go to the “Face ID & Passcode” option to access the Apple iPhone XS Max device’s security settings.

• Step 2. After that, tap “Change Passcode” and enter your six-digit passcode to see passcode options. Open “Passcode Options” and set a four-digit passcode easily or vice versa.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve gone through the scenario of iPhone/iPad passcode changing itself due to system glitches. To fix this problem, we have introduced some effective and reliable methods with simple steps. However, Wondershare Dr.Fone is the recommended tool to bypass this issue because it provides a high success rate with an easy-to-follow system.

Tips: Are you searching for a powerful Screen Unlock tool? No worries as Dr.Fone is here to help you. Download it and start a seamless unlock experience!

How To Remove Passcode From Apple iPhone XS Max? Complete Guide

If you have an iPhone, you’ve likely set a passcode to protect your device. While this is a great security measure, you may need to remove the passcode. Whether you want to get rid of your code or plan to sell your phone, these instructions will show you how to remove your passcode from your Apple iPhone XS Max in just a few steps.

Not just this, we will give you different methods so that you can select the most convenient one for you.

So let’s get started.

3 Useful Methods to Remove Passcode from iPhone

Following are some of the most effective methods to remove the passcode from iPhones:

1. Tape “Turn Passcode Off” in “Settings”

This is the most common and easy method to remove the passcode from iPhone. You can follow these steps:

1. Go to “Settings” and scroll down to find “Touch ID & Passcode (or Face ID & Passcode).”
2. Click on “Turn Passcode Off”
3. Confirm with your current passcode

However, this method can help you only when you know your Passcode. In case you have forgotten it, you can use the following methods.

2. Remove via iTunes (Erase iPhone)

This is another popular method that people use to remove Passcode from iPhones. However, it will delete all your data from the Apple iPhone XS Max device. So, if you want this method, make sure you have taken a backup of your data first.

You can follow these steps:

1. Connect your Apple iPhone XS Max to the computer and launch iTunes
2. Click on “Summary”> “Restore iPhone.”
3. Confirm “Restore” when prompted
4. iTunes will now start erasing your device, and once it’s done, you can set up your device as new.

3. Use the “Find My” feature to remove the Passcode

If you have enabled the “Find My” feature on your device, you can remove the passcode. Here’s how:

1. Get into iCloud.com from any web browser
2. Enter your Apple ID and password to log in
3. Click on “All Devices” at the top of the screen
4. Select your Apple iPhone XS Max from the list
5. Click on “Erase iPhone” and confirm when prompted

This way will erase all the data on your device, but it will also remove the passcode. Once it’s done, you can set up your device as new.

So these are some simple methods that you can use to remove passwords from your Apple iPhone XS Max. You can use these methods if your Apple iPhone XS Max is working fine and there is no software problem.

But if you are facing bugs in your Apple iPhone XS Max while erasing the passcode, you might do nothing because nothing will work fine on your Apple iPhone XS Max. In this case, you can follow the method given above.

Bonus Tips: Easy App to Remove Passcode from Your Apple iPhone XS Max

If you want a hassle-free solution to remove the passcode from your Apple iPhone XS Max, we recommend you use Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock . It is a widely used and trusted tool that can help remove any passcode from your device, including 4/6-digit passcodes, Face/Touch IDs, and even commercial codes.

Here are some of its key features:

• It can remove all passcodes from your device, including 4/6-digit codes, Touch/Face ID, etc.
• It can help you bypass the lock screen if you have forgotten your Passcode.
• It is compatible with all versions of iOS
• It’s not necessary to be a technician to use this tool. Anybody can use it with ease. Anybody can use it with ease.

These features show that this tool is really helpful, and you can use it to remove the passcode from your Apple iPhone XS Max without any problem.

So, let’s discuss how you can use it to remove the passcode on your Apple iPhone XS Max.

Step #1: Installation and Launch

First, you need to download and install the tool on your computer and launch it. To download, you can follow the link given below.

Download Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock for Windows or for Mac

Step #2: Set Up the Tool

Now you need to set up the tool by following the steps given below.

1. Once it’s done, select “Screen Unlock” from the main interface.
2. By going into the Screen Unlock feature, you will see another screen where you have to click on Unlock iOS Screen.

Step #3: Connect your Apple iPhone XS Max in DFU Mode

Now you need to connect your Apple iPhone XS Max to DFU mode.

Most people don’t know how to put their iPhones in DFU mode or recovery mode but don’t worry. You will see clear instructions on the screen about putting your Apple iPhone XS Max in DFU mode.

You can follow those instructions and proceed to the next step.

Step #4: Download Firmware Package

After you have put your Apple iPhone XS Max in DFU mode, the tool will detect it and show you some information about your device. You need to check that information about your Apple iPhone XS Max and Firmware and then click on the “Download“ button to download the firmware package for your device.

The downloading process might take some time according to your internet connection. So wait patiently until the process is completed.

Step #5: Unlock your Apple iPhone XS Max

Once the firmware package is downloaded, you need to click the “Start to Unlock” button and then confirm the command.

After the unlock process, you can use it without any passcode or restrictions. You can use it as you want and access all the features of your device.

This was the complete process of using the Wondershare Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock feature to remove the passcode from your Apple iPhone XS Max. You can follow this process if you face any problems while erasing the passcode from your device.

Besides, all the methods discussed in this article work fine with most iPhones, but the ideal method is to remove the Apple iPhone XS Max passcode using Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock (iOS). We have tested this method with various iPhones, and it worked perfectly fine. So, if you want a reliable and easy-to-use method, we recommend you use Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock (iOS) without hesitation.

FAQs

We know there might be lots of questions running through your mind about this process. So, we have tried responding to frequently asked questions about this process.

Can I remove the passcode from my iPhone without data loss?

No, removing the Passcode from iPhone without data loss is impossible. But we recommend you use iTunes. You can connect your Apple iPhone XS Max to iTunes and then create a backup of your device. After that, you can restore your device from the backup, and your device will be unlocked without any data loss.

Please remember, if you have already created a backup of your device, it will overwrite the existing backup. So make sure you create a new backup of your device before proceeding.

Can I remove the passcode via hard restart?

No, you can’t remove the passcode from your device via a hard restart. If you try to do it, it will erase all the data from your device, and there is no possibility of accessing it anymore. So, we recommend you not to try it.

Instead, you can try the method in this article to remove the Passcode from your device.

How to change the passcode on my iPhone?

If you want to change the passcode on your Apple iPhone XS Max, you can go to Settings-> Touch ID & Passcode (or Face ID & Passcode) and enter your current passcode.

After that, you can enter the new passcode that you want to set for your device.

Besides, there is no way to change the passcode on your device. So, if you forget your passcode, you will have to factory reset your device to access it again.

How to remove the passcode if I forgot it?

If you forgot the passcode of your device and you want to remove it, then you can follow the steps given in this article. We have explained the complete process of removing the passcode from your device if you forgot it.

The Bottom Line

That’s all about how you can remove the Passcode from your Apple iPhone XS Max. We have explained the complete process of how you can do it. You can follow those steps and easily remove the Passcode from your device. But remember, by doing this, all the data on your device will be erased. So make sure you create a backup of your device before proceeding.

If you have any other questions or doubts about this process, feel free to ask us. We would be sincerely happy to help you out.