In 2024, 3 Ways to Erase iPhone SE When Its Locked Within Seconds

3 Ways to Erase Apple iPhone SE 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 SE 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 SE 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 SE 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 A Found Apple iPhone SE?

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 SE 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 SE in Recovery Mode. This built-in feature of the Apple iPhone SE 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.

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

Now, set up your Apple iPhone SE, 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.

First, connect your Apple iPhone SE to the computer with a lightning cable and launch iTunes.
Now, turn off your Apple iPhone SE 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.
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 SE that requires it to be updated or restored.” Or another message that says restore this iPhone. You can click on any option.
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 SE will be unlocked.

Now, set up your Apple iPhone SE, 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.

This method is easy to follow and doesn’t require any technical skills.
All you need is the DNS server IP address.
Connect your Apple iPhone SE 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.
Scroll down and tap on the Configure DNS option. Now, select the Manual option and enter the DNS server IP address.
For US servers, you can use 74.82.42.42 or 208.67.222.222
For UK servers, you can use 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4
For Canadian servers, you can use 199.85.126.10 or 208.67.222.222
For Australian servers, you can use 1.1.1.1 or 208.67.222.222
After that, tap the Save button and connect to the Wi-Fi network. Now, open the Safari browser, redirecting you to the activation screen.
Follow the instructions on the screen, and your Apple iPhone SE 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.

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

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

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

Once your Apple iPhone SE 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 SE model.

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

Once the process is completed, your Apple iPhone SE 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 SE to them.

The rightful owner of the Apple iPhone SE 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 SE 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 SE 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 To Fix Auto Lock Greyed Out on Apple iPhone SE

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

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

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

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

Low Power Mode

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

Screen Time Restrictions

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

MDM Profile Restrictions

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

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

Fix No.1: Disable Low Power Mode

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

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

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

Fix No.2: Check Screen Time Restrictions

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

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

Fix No.3: Remove MDM Configuration Profile

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

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

Step 1: See the configuration profiles you installed on your iOS device.
Go to Settings> General > VPN & Device Management on your Apple iPhone SE.
Go to Settings> General > Profiles & Device Management on your iPad.
Step 2: Select the configuration profile you need to delete.
Step 3: Tap Remove Profile, enter your device passcode, then tap Remove.

Fix No.4: Remove Network Settings Installed by MDM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s why you should try it:

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Setup Auto-Lock on iPad

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

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

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

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

Setup Auto-Lock on iPhone

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

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

Conclusion

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

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