In 2024, How To Unlock A Found Apple iPhone 12 mini?

In 2024, How To Unlock A Found Apple iPhone 12 mini?

Sophia Lv12

How To Unlock A Found Apple iPhone 12 mini?

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 12 mini 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.

i found an iphone how do i unlock it

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 12 mini in Recovery Mode. This built-in feature of the Apple iPhone 12 mini allows you to turn your device to its factory settings.

unlock found iphone in recovery mode with itunes

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.

put iphone 7 plus or older in recovery mode

  1. First, connect your Apple iPhone 12 mini to the computer with a lightning cable and launch iTunes.
  2. Now, turn off your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini will be unlocked.

Now, set up your Apple iPhone 12 mini, 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.

put iphone 8 and newer iphones in recovery mode

  1. First, connect your Apple iPhone 12 mini to the computer with a lightning cable and launch iTunes.
  2. Now, turn off your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini will be unlocked.

Now, set up your Apple iPhone 12 mini, 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.

found iphone how to unlock via dns

  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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini to the computer with a lightning cable and launch Dr.Fone on your computer.

drfone screen unlock

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

unlock found iphone via unlock ios screen

  1. Now, put your Apple iPhone 12 mini in DFU mode or Recovery mode according to your Apple iPhone 12 mini model.
  2. If you have no idea about it, don’t worry. The software will provide on-screen instructions to help you put your Apple iPhone 12 mini in DFU mode or Recovery mode.

dfu mode

  1. Once your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini model.

unlock ios screen by drfone

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

start unlocking found iphone

  1. Once the process is completed, your Apple iPhone 12 mini will be unlocked, and you can set it up again.

unlock ios screen

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 12 mini to them.

contact the owner with the phone number in lost mode

The rightful owner of the Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini known as medical ID. This feature can help you contact the owner of the found iPhone if they are unavailable.

contact the owner with the help of emergency medical id

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.

contact the owner with the picloud share photo library

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 12 mini 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.

3 Easy Ways to Factory Reset a Locked Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini and want to ensure that all your data is wiped from the Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini in Recovery Mode and Make it connected to the Computer:

You must put your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini:

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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini.

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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini.

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 12 mini, 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 12 mini 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.

How Can I Unlock My Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini 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.

erase iphone

  • 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 12 mini into DFU recovery mode.
  • Then, connect it to a PC or Macintosh through a Lightning link.
  • Select your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini and start once more.

click restore

  • Disconnect your Apple iPhone 12 mini, 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 12 mini 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 12 mini device you need to unlock.

Step 4. Click the “Erase iPhone” button. Subsequently, set up the Apple iPhone 12 mini device and set another lock screen PIN. With iCloud, you can unlock your iDevice without even touching your device.

icloud unlock

3. Unlock it with iTunes

Suppose you use iTunes to restore the Apple iPhone 12 mini in recovery mode; it will install the latest iOS to your device. Doing so will erase all user data from the Apple iPhone 12 mini device, including the lock screen. So, this is also an excellent way to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini. 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 12 mini 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 12 mini device. Next, press and hold the power button and connect your Apple iPhone 12 mini to the PC. Hold the button until the Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini device to the PC. Continue to hold the button until you see the recovery mode screen.

Step 2. Restore your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

After you connect your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini and follow the on-screen directions. That will allow you to set up and utilize your device.

itunes unlock

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.

select screen unlock

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.

unlock ios screen

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.

enter recovery mode

Step 3. Confirm Your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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.

select phone model

Step 4. Remove the Screen Lock Passcode

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

unlock now

Simply in almost no time, your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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.”

passcode menu

  • 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.

turn on off passcode

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.


Also read:

  • Title: In 2024, How To Unlock A Found Apple iPhone 12 mini?
  • Author: Sophia
  • Created at : 2024-12-06 17:01:54
  • Updated at : 2024-12-12 17:10:20
  • Link: https://ios-unlock.techidaily.com/in-2024-how-to-unlock-a-found-apple-iphone-12-mini-by-drfone-ios/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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In 2024, How To Unlock A Found Apple iPhone 12 mini?