How to Unlock Apple iPhone XR 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 XR’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 XR’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 XR.

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

The Apple iPhone XR 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 XR 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 XR With Apple Watch

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

Part 3. How To Unlock Apple iPhone XR With an Apple Watch

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Restart Your WiFi/Bluetooth Connection

Your Apple iPhone XR 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 XR’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 XR 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 XR

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 XR 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 XR 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 XR 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 XR’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 XR 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 XR 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 XR 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 A Found Apple iPhone XR?

What to do if you find an iPhone? If you are here, you might have found an iPhone, and now you want to know how to unlock someone’s iPhone. Well, you should first try to find the owner, but if you can’t find the owner, it’s probably because you need help finding information about them.

That is why you want to unlock that iPhone. So, in this article, we will teach you how to unlock someone’s iPhone with different methods. These methods will be constructive for you to quickly unlock the Apple iPhone XR so you can return it to the rightful owner.

So, let’s get started.

3 Efficient Ways to Unlock a Found iPhone

Unlocking an iPhone seems challenging, especially when it’s not yours, but it’s not impossible. You have various ways to unlock a found iPhone, but most are a waste of time. So, to save time and energy, we have compiled 3 efficient ways to unlock a found iPhone.

These methods will be easy to follow because of the detailed step-by-step guide.

1.Unlock it from Recovery mode

Many people need to realize that you can unlock your Apple iPhone XR in Recovery Mode. This built-in feature of the Apple iPhone XR allows you to turn your device to its factory settings.

But there are two ways to unlock a found iPhone from recovery mode. The old iPhones, like iPhone 5 to iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, can be unlocked from recovery mode differently, and the newer iPhone models have different methods.

So, let’s discuss both of them in detail.

Unlock iPhone 7 Plus and Older in Recovery Mode

If you want to unlock an iPhone 7 or older model in Recovery Mode, follow these instructions.

1. First, connect your Apple iPhone XR to the computer with a lightning cable and launch iTunes.
2. Now, turn off your Apple iPhone XR and then press and hold the Home button and Sleep/Wake button simultaneously. Keep holding both buttons until you see the recovery mode screen.
3. Once you see the recovery mode screen, release both buttons. Now, you will see a message in iTunes saying, “There is a problem with the Apple iPhone XR that requires it to be updated or restored.”
4. Click on the Update button, and iTunes will try reinstalling iOS erasing your data. Once the process is completed, your Apple iPhone XR will be unlocked.

Now, set up your Apple iPhone XR, and you are good to go.

Unlock iPhone 8 and Update Models in Recovery Mode

The process of unlocking an iPhone 8 or newer model differs from the older models. So, follow these instructions if you want to unlock an iPhone 8 or later in Recovery Mode.

1. First, connect your Apple iPhone XR to the computer with a lightning cable and launch iTunes.
2. Now, turn off your Apple iPhone XR and press and quickly release the Volume Up button. After that, press and release the Volume Down button immediately, and hold the Side button until you are in the recovery mode screen.
3. Once you see the recovery mode screen, release the Side button. Now, you will see a message in iTunes that says, “There is a problem with the Apple iPhone XR that requires it to be updated or restored.” Or another message that says restore this iPhone. You can click on any option.
4. Click on the Update or Restore button, and iTunes will try reinstalling iOS while also erasing your data. Once the process is completed, your Apple iPhone XR will be unlocked.

Now, set up your Apple iPhone XR, and you are good to go.

2. Unlock it via the DNS server

If the above method doesn’t work or iTunes is not detecting that iPhone, you can follow this method.

1. This method is easy to follow and doesn’t require any technical skills.
2. All you need is the DNS server IP address.
3. Connect your Apple iPhone XR to the Wi-Fi network and go to Settings -> Wi-Fi. Now, tap the “i” button next to the Wi-Fi network you need to connect to.
4. Scroll down and tap on the Configure DNS option. Now, select the Manual option and enter the DNS server IP address.
5. For US servers, you can use 74.82.42.42 or 208.67.222.222
6. For UK servers, you can use 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4
7. For Canadian servers, you can use 199.85.126.10 or 208.67.222.222
8. For Australian servers, you can use 1.1.1.1 or 208.67.222.222
9. After that, tap the Save button and connect to the Wi-Fi network. Now, open the Safari browser, redirecting you to the activation screen.
10. Follow the instructions on the screen, and your Apple iPhone XR will be unlocked.

3. Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock

If none of the above methods can be used for you, there is an ultimate method that will surely help you if you want to unlock a found iPhone.

Here are the simple steps that can help you.

1. First, connect your Apple iPhone XR to the computer with a lightning cable and launch Dr.Fone on your computer.

2. Now, click on the Screen Unlock option from the main interface.
3. After that, click on the iOS Screen Unlock to begin the process.

4. Now, put your Apple iPhone XR in DFU mode or Recovery mode according to your Apple iPhone XR model.
5. If you have no idea about it, don’t worry. The software will provide on-screen instructions to help you put your Apple iPhone XR in DFU mode or Recovery mode.

6. Once your Apple iPhone XR is in DFU mode or Recovery mode, the software will ask you to start downloading the necessary firmware for your device. So, choose an appropriate firmware according to the Apple iPhone XR model.

7. After downloading the firmware, click the Unlock Now button to begin the unlocking process.

8. Once the process is completed, your Apple iPhone XR will be unlocked, and you can set it up again.

So that’s how you can easily unlock a found iPhone. This method has been tested, and it will surely work for you. So, if you have an iPhone that is locked or disabled, you can use this method to unlock it without any problem.

What Can I Do to Contact Its Owner?

Once the found iPhone is successfully unlocked, you can contact its owner in many ways.

Following are some of them that work.

Contact the owner with the phone number in lost mode

Many iPhone owners habitually put their phone numbers in lost mode. So, you can check if any phone number is available in the lost mode. If a phone number is available, you can contact the owner and return the Apple iPhone XR to them.

The rightful owner of the Apple iPhone XR activates lost mode. You can see the lost mode on the notification panel, where a message will show that the phone is lost. The owner can also remotely lock the phone using this mode.

Check medical ID in an emergency call

There is a feature in the Apple iPhone XR known as medical ID. This feature can help you contact the owner of the found iPhone if they are unavailable.

To do this, go to the emergency call screen and tap on the Medical ID option. Here, you can find out the name and phone number of the owner. So, you can use this information to contact the owner and return the iPhone.

Take photos to communicate with the owner via iCloud

This is a great way to contact the owner of a lost iPhone. You can use this method if you cannot find the owner’s phone number in the lost mode or medical ID.

To do this, go to Settings -> iCloud -> Photos and turn on the iCloud Photo Library. Now, take some pictures with the found iPhone, and they will be automatically uploaded to iCloud.

Most people who have lost their iPhones often check their iCloud, and once they find out that someone is taking pictures and uploading them to their iCloud, they will try to communicate with you.

And that’s how you can also communicate with them and ask for contact details so that you can return their phone and be a good citizen.

The Bottom Line

So, that’s how you can unlock a found iPhone and contact its owner. I hope this article will help you find the lost iPhone owner and return it to them.

All the methods mentioned above have a high success ratio, but the last ultimate method is better than all because it will unlock the Apple iPhone XR within minutes.

Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock is one of the most effective ways can help you to unlock a found iPhone. This method has been tested, and it will surely work for you. So, if you have an iPhone that is locked or disabled, you can use this method to unlock it without any problem.

How Can I Unlock My Apple iPhone XR After Forgetting my PIN Code?

Unlocking a phone using a passcode is a great way to keep your data safe. To secure your device, you can set a 4-digit, 6-digit, fingerprint, or Face ID. However, what will happen if you forgot iPhone PIN? You will not be able to unlock and use the services of your device.

Furthermore, you can’t manage any vital task if you have scheduled it. In such cases, you need to unlock the lock through an efficient procedure. This article elaborates on such practical techniques for iPhone PIN code removal. We will also introduce the top tool available in the market.

All the solutions mentioned here are highly secure and work almost every time. So, if you are worried about the security of your device, we suggest you use Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock. It is the best tool in case of a forgotten iPhone PIN.

Part 1: 4 Simple Ways to Unlock iPhone without Pin

1. “Erase iPhone” option

The steps below work if your Apple iPhone XR or iPad runs iOS 15.2 or later and is connected to the internet. Here’s what you need to do when you forgot iPhone PIN:

• Please enter your password a few times from your device’s Lock Screen until it requests that you attempt another time. Then repeat this activity until you see the Erase iPhone choice in the corner of the screen.
• Tap Erase iPhone, then click again to confirm your activity.

• Enter your Apple account details to sign out of your Apple ID on the phone.
• Tap Erase iPhone back to erase all your user data and settings for all time.
• At the point when the iOS device restarts, adhere to the on-screen directions. Set your phone once more, and restore your data and settings from a backup. Now set a new password for your device.

Instructions to Restore a Locked iPhone Running iOS 15.1 or Prior

• To begin with, put your Apple iPhone XR into DFU recovery mode.
• Then, connect it to a PC or Macintosh through a Lightning link.
• Select your Apple iPhone XR in the Finder sidebar on Mac or iTunes on the PC.
• Pick Restore when you see the choice to Restore. Let the download finish if the download takes over 15 minutes and your device leaves the recovery mode screen. Then, at that point, turn off your Apple iPhone XR and start once more.

• Disconnect your Apple iPhone XR, then, at that point, turn it on and set it up. That’s all you need to do.

2. Use Find My iPhone in iCloud

Apple allows clients to erase iPhone data to safeguard it from others remotely. However, your lock screen can still protect your data if you don’t erase the iPhone. No one can unlock the screen unless they enter the correct password. After too many wrong password attempts, your Apple iPhone XR will be locked. So no one can then touch your user data.

If you have enabled the “Find My” option before forgotten iPhone PIN, there is a chance for you to remove the lock. That is to utilize iCloud.

To unlock iPhone through iCloud:

Step 1. Visit the iCloud.com web page and log in with your Apple ID and passcode.

Step 2. Click the “Find iPhone” option from the different choices available.

Step 3. Click “All Devices” and pick the Apple iPhone XR device you need to unlock.

Step 4. Click the “Erase iPhone” button. Subsequently, set up the Apple iPhone XR device and set another lock screen PIN. With iCloud, you can unlock your iDevice without even touching your device.

3. Unlock it with iTunes

Suppose you use iTunes to restore the Apple iPhone XR in recovery mode; it will install the latest iOS to your device. Doing so will erase all user data from the Apple iPhone XR device, including the lock screen. So, this is also an excellent way to unlock your Apple iPhone XR. However, you must keep a backup of your important files before doing so.

Utilizing iTunes will wipe out the iPhone. You can restore the data from there if you have a previous backup. If you have nothing, you will lose every data on the iPhone.

Additionally, ensure that you keep your iDevices’ Apple ID details safe. Else, you will not have the option to use the iDevice again. Using iTunes will erase the screen’s password but not the firmware. Considering that, you must keep the information in mind to set up and utilize the Apple iPhone XR device.

To sidestep iPhone password with iTunes:

Step 1. Go to Recovery mode

On iPhone 8/8 Or more and Above: Hold the power/side button and press any of the volume buttons until a slider appears. Move the slider to turn off the Apple iPhone XR device. Next, press and hold the power button and connect your Apple iPhone XR to the PC. Hold the button until the Apple iPhone XR device shows the recovery mode screen.

On iPhone 7/7 Or Below: Press and hold the power button until you see the power off slider. Next, move the slider to turn off the iPhone. Then, press the Volume (-) button and connect the Apple iPhone XR device to the PC. Continue to hold the button until you see the recovery mode screen.

Step 2. Restore your Apple iPhone XR.

After you connect your Apple iPhone XR to the PC, you will see a popup window in iTunes. It will warn about an issue with the “Your iPhone name” and ask you to restore it. In that window, select “Restore” to erase the iPhone. If iTunes doesn’t run naturally, open iTunes by double tapping it.

Step 3. Set up iPhone.

Keep waiting until the restoration completes. Then, a short time later, go to your Apple iPhone XR and follow the on-screen directions. That will allow you to set up and utilize your device.

4. Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock

What to do if you forgot iPhone PIN code? As a reference, you have to erase your device to remove the lock. Aside from iTunes, you can use an outsider iPhone unlocker like Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock to unlock your device without a code.

With such software, you don’t have to master some professional skills. Instead, stick to the on-screen directions in Wondershare Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock. Then, you can reset your locked device without any problem. Dr.Fone will eliminate it for you, whether it’s a four-digit code, six-digit code, Contact ID, or Face ID. Here’s how:

Step 1. Get your Device Connected

Install and open the program on a computer, i.e., Mac or Windows. Then, tap the “Screen Unlock” option.

Get your locked iPhone connected to the system utilizing a lightning USB connector. Following these steps, click the “Unlock iOS Screen” feature on the program.

Step 2. Boot the Recovery/DFU Mode on your Device

To unlock iPhone, you need to boot it in Recovery/DFU mode by following the guidelines on your screen. Therefore, the Recovery mode is a better choice for iPhone unlock. Yet, if you face problems while going for the Recovery mode, you may enact the DFU mode.

Step 3. Confirm Your Apple iPhone XR Model

After opening the recovery mode, you can see your Device Model and iOS version. You must select the correct data from the dropdown menu if the information is incorrect. After doing so, click download to download the suitable firmware package for your phone model.

Step 4. Remove the Screen Lock Passcode

After getting the required firmware, click the “Unlock Now” button to begin the process.

Simply in almost no time, your Apple iPhone XR will be unlocked effectively. However, kindly note this unlocking system will likewise wipe all the files and settings on your device. Therefore, you must have a backup of your essential documents beforehand.

Part 2: FAQs

How can I change my PIN on my iPhone?

• Open your Settings app and peer down until you see the passcode menu. On iPhones with a home button, this will be named “Touch ID and Passcode.” On new ones, it is “Face ID and Passcode.”

• Enter your existing code or create a new one.
• Toggle on the “Turn Passcode Off” option.
• Click again to agree, and you’re good to go.

What to do after unlocking my iPhone?

There are certain things you must do after unlocking your iDevice. First, you must immediately set a new PIN for your iDevice. Apart from that, restore your previous data if you have a backup. Having done so, you are good to go.

Can I access my locked iPhone without data loss?

No, you cannot unlock a locked iDevice without losing your data. Apple has made some outstanding security features in their phones. Therefore, you must erase all its content and settings if you need to get your hands on an unlocked phone again.

The Bottom Line

Due to one reason or another, you may have forgotten iPhone PIN. However, it is not that big a deal. In this article, we have proposed some of the best ways you can employ to erase this issue. However, we strongly recommend you use Dr.Fone for a quick solution.