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.

Unlock Apple iPhone XS Max With Forgotten Passcode: Different Methods You Can Try

Have you forgotten the passcode iPhone 6? We know forgetting your Apple iPhone XS Max passcode can be a frustrating experience, but luckily it is possible to unlock your device. Using different methods, we will show you how to unlock your Apple iPhone XS Max 6 with a forgotten passcode.

So let’s get started.

Top 3 Ways to Unlock iPhone 6 without Forgotten Passcode

Your iPhone passcode can be reset in a variety of ways, depending on whether you have a backup. Below, we’ll go over the three most common methods for resetting an iPhone passcode.

1. Use Find My iPhone

If you’ve activated Find My iPhone, you can use it to reset your passcode. Resetting your passcode this way is probably the simplest method, as it doesn’t require any technical knowledge or special tools.

Just follow the steps below and get started.

• Step 1: Via a computer or other iOS devices, go to icloud.com/find and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
• Step 2: Select “All Devices” at the top of the screen and find out your Apple iPhone XS Max from the list of devices.
• Step 3: Click “Erase iPhone” and confirm that you want to erase your device.

Once your Apple iPhone XS Max has been erased, it can be set up as a new device and you can choose a new passcode.

2. Unlock it via Recovery mode with iTunes

You can use Recovery mode to reset your device if you’ve synced your Apple iPhone XS Max with iTunes. This method will erase all of the data on your Apple iPhone XS Max, so confirm you have a backup before proceeding.

Just go with the steps below.

• Step 1: To begin with, you need to connect your Apple iPhone XS Max to a computer and turn on iTunes.
• Step 2: While your Apple iPhone XS Max is connected, restart it by pressing and holding the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons simultaneously. Keep holding these buttons until the recovery mode screen shows up.
• Step 3: When the “Restore” or “Update” appears, please choose “Restore”.

iTunes will now begin downloading the software for your device. Once it’s finished, you can set up your device as new and choose a new passcode.

3. Use Siri

If you’re running iOS 8 or later, you may be able to use Siri to bypass the lock screen. This method doesn’t work on all devices, and it can be patched with a software update, so it’s not a guaranteed way to reset your passcode.

Just follow the instructions.

• Step 1: Press and hold the Home button to activate Siri.
• Step 2: Say something like “Siri, what time is it?” or “Siri, who am I?”
• Step 3: Siri will likely respond with an error message saying that she can’t answer these questions while your device is locked. However, she will also give you the option to “Tap to open Clock”.
• Step 4: Tap on “Clock,” and you’ll be taken to the Clock app. From here, you can access other apps like Calendar, Reminders, and more.

While this method doesn’t give you direct access to the home screen, it does allow you to bypass the lock screen and access some of your device’s features.

Bonus Tips: Easy Tool to Unlock iPhone 6 without Passcode

If none of the above-mentioned methods works for you, or you don’t want to use them, there is another method that will surely work for you. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock is a powerful software that can unlock your Apple iPhone XS Max without a passcode. The software is extremely easy to use and supports all iOS devices.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Unlock iPhone Without Passcode

• Unlock Face ID, Touch ID, Apple ID without password.
• Bypass the iCloud activation lock without hassle.
• Remove iPhone carrier restrictions for unlimited usage.
• No tech knowledge required, Simple, click-through, process.

3,981,454 people have downloaded it

How To Unlock iPhone Without Passcode Using Dr.Fone?

Step 1: When you have Dr.Fone on your PC, then launch the program and select “Screen Unlock”.

Step 2: To connect your Apple iPhone XS Max to the computer, you require a USB cable.

Step 3: Follow the instructions below to put your device in DFU or Recovery mode.

Step 4: Once your device enters into DFU mode or Recovery mode, Dr.Fone will ask you to choose the right firmware for your Apple iPhone XS Max 6.

Step 5: Upon selecting the right firmware, Dr.Fone will start downloading the firmware for your device. Once it’s finished, click “Unlock Now” to remove the passcode.

You need to wait as the process may take several minutes. So be patient and don’t interrupt the process; otherwise, it may permanently damage your Apple iPhone XS Max. Once the process is completed, your Apple iPhone XS Max will be unlocked, and you can choose a new passcode.

This is a very easy-to-use way to reset your Apple iPhone XS Max passcode. So, if you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, this is the one you should obtain.

As we told you earlier, any method you follow will lose your data, as there is no way to unlock your Apple iPhone XS Max 6 without losing the data. So, how can you back up your Apple iPhone XS Max to avoid forgetting the passcode? Let’s find out.

How Can I Back Up My Apple iPhone XS Max to Avoid Forgetting Passcode Again?

Wondershare Dr.Fone is an excellent tool that can help you keep your Apple iPhone XS Max data to avoid losing it. The software is extremely easy to use and supports all iOS devices.

Step #1: Launch Dr.Fone App on Your Computer

Firstly, you need to download and install Dr.Fone on your computer. Once it’s installed, launch the program and select “Backup Device” from the main interface.

Step #2: Connect your Apple iPhone XS Max 6

Now you will need to connect your Apple iPhone XS Max 6 to the computer with a lightning cable and click “Back Up Now” to start backing up your device. Dr.Fone will now start scanning your Apple iPhone XS Max for data. Once it’s finished, you can move on to the next step.

Step #3: Hit Backup Button

Once it’s finished, you can safely disconnect your Apple iPhone XS Max and keep the backup file safe. So that is how you can safely back up your Apple iPhone XS Max without losing any data.

safe & secure

FAQs

1. I forgot my iPhone passcode, and it’s disabled. How can I fix this?

If your Apple iPhone XS Max is disabled, restoring your device using above mentioned methods is the only way to fix it. However, this will erase all your data, so ensure you have a backup before proceeding.

2. How can I reset my iPhone if I forget my passcode without losing any data?

As we mentioned before, there is no way to reset your device without losing your data unless you have a backup. So, ensure you have a backup before proceeding with the reset process.

3. Can I unlock my iPhone 6 without a passcode?

You can unlock your Apple iPhone XS Max 6 without a passcode by following the steps mentioned in this article. However, this will erase all your data, so ensure you have a backup before proceeding.

4. I tried unlocking my iPhone using iTunes, but it’s not working. What should I do?

If you cannot unlock your Apple iPhone XS Max using iTunes, you can try Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock. This software is extremely easy to use and supports all iOS devices. Plus, it won’t erase your data if you have a backup.

Conclusion

We hope this article helped you reset your Apple iPhone XS Max if you forgot the passcode iPhone 6. As you can see, there are several ways to do it; however, any method you follow will result in data loss. So, ensure you have a backup before proceeding.

Also, if you’re looking for an easy and effective way to unlock your device, we recommend you try Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) software. It’s extremely easy to use and supports all iOS devices. Plus, it won’t erase your data as long as you have a backup.

Full Guide to Unlock Apple iPhone XS Max with iTunes

With such countless passwords, forgetting passwords on occasion isn’t surprising. What are your possibilities for iTunes unlock phone if you run over such circumstances and lose your password? Certainly, when this question springs up, you must not get terrified. We are here to direct you through the process of fixing this issue.

Losing a passcode is entirely normal and can happen to anyone. So, if you are also among the lot, we will elaborate on how to unlock iPhone with iTunes. After thorough research, our experts have laid out some essential unlocking methods for our readers. So, if you need to get things straight, read this detailed guide to go over your issue.

Part 1: Why Was My iPhone Disabled?

Using a lock screen passcode to secure your iDevice is an excellent way. However, it can become troublesome when you forget the key to your phone. Moreover, you may get stuck even if your screen breaks. On the other hand, someone may take your phone and type a few incorrect passcodes.

If your screen displays “iPhone disabled,” the most probable reason is an excess of wrong passcode attempts. However, this can sometimes occur without you understanding if the phone is in your pocket.

It would help if you erased your Apple iPhone XS Max to eliminate the lock and passcode, then re-sync it with iTunes. Then, you can restore your phone from an iCloud or an iTunes backup, but if you have never used a backup on your phone, your phone will have nothing. This guide illustrates how to unlock disabled iPhone with iTunes.

Part 2: How to Unlock iPhone with iTunes

At first, iTunes was only a media software used to play, download and see sound and video documents. Later in 2011, it became a valuable tool to support information and adjust it across numerous devices.

It added the ‘Restore’ option that can assist clients with unlocking their iPhones when they forget their passcode.

In any case, one has to know that iTunes is not an expert unlocking tool. Apple seldom updates iTunes, and its last update was long ago. Consequently, it has numerous tech bugs. As a result, the unlocking process using iTunes takes a lot of time. During the process, you may experience different error codes like 3004, 1100, 3194, 4000, and 4013. That makes it a tedious process.

Requirements for Windows PC:

• For iTunes unlock phone, your PC should have installed Windows 8 or later and the most recent iTunes variant.

Requirements for Mac:

• Open the Finder window if you have macOS Catalina or a more recent one.
• Open the most current version of iTunes using macOS Mojave or older.
• You must have a USB connector.

Steps (For Windows)

Step 1. Connect the locked Apple iPhone XS Max to the PC

Connect your locked Apple iPhone XS Max to your PC through a lightning or USB connector. Open iTunes on Windows PC.

Step 2. Put your Apple iPhone XS Max in recovery mode

To enter a Recovery Mode, press a combination of buttons on your Apple iPhone XS Max. Doing such, you will see a recovery mode screen on your Apple iPhone XS Max. To place the Apple iPhone XS Max in Recovery mode, follow these:

• iPhone 8 or above (second and third generation): Press and release the volume (+) button. Press and release the volume (-) button. Hold power/side button until seeing the recovery mode on your screen.
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press the top (or side) and volume down buttons simultaneously until the recovery screen shows up.
• iPhone SE (first generation) and iPhone 6S: Hold the home button and the power/side button simultaneously until the recovery mode screen shows up.

Note: If you see the passcode screen, switch off your Apple iPhone XS Max and do the process again until you see the Recovery mode screen.

Step 3. Restore your Apple iPhone XS Max

As the recovery Mode screen shows up on the iPhone, you will find your Apple iPhone XS Max on iTunes unlock phone screen. Then, a box shows up with a message saying there is an iPhone issue. It will expect you to update or restore your phone. So, click on Restore.

Step 4. It then asks you to confirm whether you are sure you need to restore the Apple iPhone XS Max to its default factory state. It does so because your media and data will be all erased. Then, click on Restore and Update.

Step 5. Then, “iPhone Software Update” may spring up. Click Next, and afterwards, click Agree. iTunes will begin downloading the software and restore your Apple iPhone XS Max when the download is finished.

When the “iPhone software update” is downloaded, iTunes will show that it will erase your Apple iPhone XS Max and restore it to iOS 15.4.1. Then click on Restore.

The above bar will show “Extracting software… “. It implies iOS 15.4.1 iTunes is planning to restore the software on this iPhone.

Step 6. Your Apple iPhone XS Max will show the restore progress bar with the white apple logo. The length of the process relies upon how much data is on your cell phone. Generally, it takes 20 to 120 minutes. When done, your Apple iPhone XS Max will restart naturally. Furthermore, after your Apple iPhone XS Max restarts, you can reset your Apple iPhone XS Max. For example, you can make a new passcode.

Part 3: Unlocking iPhone without iTunes

1. Unlock it with Find My in iCloud

Find My is a famous element in Apple devices that allows you to find your lost phone through Maps. The component has been updated from that point forward, and presently it can be utilized to erase your Apple iPhone XS Max. Additionally, you can use it to erase your information without a passcode.

Steps to Unlock:

Step 1. Open iCloud.com on a mobile or internet browser.

Step 2. Enter your Apple ID and password as inquired.

Step 3. After signing in effectively, click on Find My and enter your Apple ID and password. Click on Sign In.

Pick your locked gadget under the “All Devices” area.

Step 4. Click on ‘Erase iPhone’. Click on ‘Erase’ again.

Step 5. Enter the Apple ID password to proceed.

Step 6. A check code will be sent to unlock your locked gadget. Enter the code to proceed.

Step 7. Presently, enter your number. Then, click Next and then Done.

Step 8. The iCloud will effectively begin the erase, and you can see the Apple sign with a white advancement bar noticeable on your locked iPhone. After an effective erase process, your Apple iPhone XS Max will restart.

Step 9. Swipe up on the Apple iPhone XS Max screen to begin once more.

Step 10. iPhone will show that it is locked to the owner. You have to sign in with your Apple ID again, enter the password, and tap on Next. You will currently be enabled to make your new passcode.

2. Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock

If you are searching for an elective way to unlock your Apple iPhone XS Max with iTunes, you can pick Wondershare Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock.

This software is an ideal iTunes elective that doesn’t need a passcode to unlock the iPhone. Whatever the situation, Dr.Fone can determine the issue in no time. It can eliminate Face ID, Touch ID, or a 4 to 6-digit passcode in no time. Moreover, it works with almost any iOS version at the moment. Here’s the alternate way to iTunes unlock phone:

Step 1. Connect your iDevice to the PC

From the Dr.Fone program on your PC, select “Screen Unlock” the tool.

Then use a USB connector to connect your iOS gadget to the PC. Then, click the “Unlock iOS Screen” option on your screen.

Step 2. Boot your iDevice in Recovery/DFU Mode

Before deleting the Apple iPhone XS Max screen, it is necessary to boot it in Recovery/DFU. You can follow the steps on your screen to do so. Moreover, the Recovery mode is the suggested way for your situation. However, you can use the DFU mode if this doesn’t work.

Step 3. Confirm Phone Model

After turning the DFU mode on, the program will show your phone information. In addition, it will show its model and software version. You can choose the correct data from the dropdown menu if it isn’t accurate. Then, it is time to download the firmware required for your phone model.

Step 4. Remove the Lock

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

Doing so will unlock your Apple iPhone XS Max within no time. However, kindly note this unlocking process will likewise wipe your Apple iPhone XS Max’s user data. Indeed, each solution removes your data. Therefore, you must be careful enough to back up your files before doing this process.

The Bottom Line

We hope you found out about how to unlock iPhone with iTunes. We likewise discussed what to do when you need an alternate method to iTunes. We know that using iTunes can be somewhat complicated; hence, the other options can help you a ton. However, we strongly suggest Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock for a more refined unlocking process.

Also read: