In 2024, How to Unlock Apple iPhone XS With an Apple Watch & What to Do if It Doesnt Work

In 2024, How to Unlock Apple iPhone XS With an Apple Watch & What to Do if It Doesnt Work

Sophia Lv12

How to Unlock Apple iPhone XS With an Apple Watch & What to Do if It Doesn’t Work

man wearing apple watch with Apple iPhone XS by him

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’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’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.

Now, you cannot just unlock any Apple iPhone XS 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?

phone, earphones, and apple watch on a table

The Apple iPhone XS 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 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 With Apple Watch

unlock requirements

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

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

a cyclist wearing an apple watch

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

iphone face id and passcode settings

  • 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

BLUETTI NEW LAUNCH AC240

apple watch wrist detection settings

Now that you’ve enabled the option to unlock your Apple iPhone XS 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 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. If you accidentally unlock your phone, simply tap on the Lock Apple iPhone XS 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, you’ll first need to type in your passcode.

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

person wearing face mask unlocking their Apple iPhone XS

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

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

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

2. Restart Your WiFi/Bluetooth Connection

Your Apple iPhone XS 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’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 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

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 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;

unlock-iphone-with-watch-8.jpg

  • Step 3: Connect your Apple iPhone XS to your PC using a cable connection;
  • Step 4: Select your device type in the new window that opens;
  • Step 5: Select iOS repair;

dr.fone 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.

dr.fone finishing ios repair

If it was a system mistake preventing you from unlocking your Apple iPhone XS 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’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 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 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 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 Apple iPhone XS, Apple’s New iPhone

It has happened to all of us at some point in the other. The chances of it happening are notoriously higher when you just started using it. We are talking of passcodes on iPhones. Apple requires setting up a 6-digit passcode to use some features such as Face ID on your Apple iPhone XS. So, you thought it was a great idea to set up your new Apple iPhone XS with a new passcode, right? The only problem is that the 6 digits you thought are bulletproof and no one will be able to come up with them in relation to you, are not coming to you either. You forgot the newly set passcode, entered the incorrect passcode more times than the software was happy about, and the Apple iPhone XS is locked now. What to do? Read on.

Part I: Why Is Your Apple iPhone XS Locked?

There can be a few reasons why your Apple iPhone XS is locked, the primary ones being that you bought a second-hand Apple iPhone XS from someone who set it up with a passcode and decided it wasn’t for them and was nonchalant enough to sell it to you without removing the passcode from the Apple iPhone XS, or that you forgot the passcode to your new Apple iPhone XS and entered it incorrectly a few times. In any case, help is at hand.

We understand how frustrating it can be when your newly purchased Apple iPhone XS does not unlock because of a passcode entry issue, and all you want to do is get the screen unlocked. At Wondershare, we strive to create meaningful differences in the lives of the people that use our software and keeping that in mind, we have a solution for you to unlock your Apple iPhone XS passcode screen using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS).

II.I Using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) to Unlock the Locked Apple iPhone XS

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Dr.Fone is a set of modules that make life easy for you. Any kind of problem you can think of, it is likely that Dr.Fone has a remedy for it ready in its arsenal. A locked Apple iPhone XS is no different. Here is how to use Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) to unlock Apple iPhone XS passcode:

Step 1: Install Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) on your computer.

Step 2: Connect your locked Apple iPhone XS to the computer.

Step 3: Launch Dr.Fone and select the Screen Unlock module.

Apple iPhone XS unlock

Step 4: Select Unlock iOS Screen.

enter recovery mode

Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to boot the Apple iPhone XS in Recovery Mode. If for some reason you are unable to boot into Recovery Mode, there are instructions at the bottom to enter DFU mode.

Step 6: Dr.Fone will tell you the phone model and the software installed on it. If it is incorrect, use the dropdown lists to select the correct information.

device model

Click Download to download the firmware file for your device.

download firmware

Step 7: Select the firmware package after the download completes. After the download completes, you can click Unlock Now to start unlocking the Apple iPhone XS.

In a short while, your Apple iPhone XS will be unlocked. It is important to note that unlocking a locked Apple iPhone XS cannot be done without wiping data.

II.II How to Unlock Apple iPhone XS with Find My (iPhone)

Find My allows you to unlock your Apple iPhone XS remotely if you want to. So, if you have forgotten the passcode and are unable to unlock your Apple iPhone XS, there is a way you can unlock it using Find My. Doing this will wipe your data from the Apple iPhone XS device and set it up as new, though. Here is how to do that:

Step 1: If you have any other Apple device that is logged in with the same Apple ID as the Apple iPhone XS, you can launch Find My on that device. Else, you can visit https://icloud.com and log into the same iCloud account/ Apple ID as the locked Apple iPhone XS.

Step 2: Under Find My (or Find My iPhone if you are using the iCloud website), select your Apple iPhone XS and click Erase iPhone and confirm.

find my iphone

That’s it. You will have wiped and unlocked your Apple iPhone XS and it will start with factory settings. Note that this works only if the Apple iPhone XS was connected to Find My in the first place. If not, then you always have Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) to help you out.

II.III Put The Apple iPhone XS in Recovery Mode

You can unlock your Apple iPhone XS using Recovery Mode, yourself.

Step 1: Connect your Apple iPhone XS to the computer and open iTunes. If you are on a Mac that runs macOS Catalina or higher, open Finder.

Step 2: Press the volume up button and let go. Press the volume down button and let go. Press the side button (power button) and keep holding it till Finder or iTunes detects the phone in Recovery Mode.

press volume botton

Step 3: Select Restore to download and reinstall the latest iOS on your Apple iPhone XS and unlock Apple iPhone XS.

Part III: How to Turn Off Passcodes in Apple iPhone XS

If after reading all this and going through so much hassle to unlock the Apple iPhone XS, you feel that passcodes are not worth your time, we feel you. We designed Dr.Fone to help you be at ease and be safe with passcodes for when you forget them, but if you would rather not use passcodes at all, we understand where you’re coming from. Here is how to turn off passcodes for good on Apple iPhone XS:

Step 1: Launch Settings.

Step 2: Scroll down to Face ID and Passcode.

Step 3: Enter your passcode.

Step 4: Scroll down and select Turn Passcode Off.

turn passcode off

Step 5: Enter your passcode one last time.

You’re done. Now go ahead and forget the passcode forever. You will not need it again. Do note, however, that not using a passcode on your Apple iPhone XS leaves not only your data but your Apple iPhone XS itself in a highly vulnerable state. Anyone with access to your device can do anything on the Apple iPhone XS device that you could, including setting up a passcode that you will then have to use this guide to unlock.

Part IV: More information about Apple iPhone XS/Apple iPhone XS mini/Apple iPhone XS Pro

The ways mentioned before should help you get out of the locked Apple iPhone XS now. Here is a shortlist of the features of the Apple iPhone XS range. You may learn more information about Apple iPhone XS range that you may never know before.

5G Capability and Dual eSIM Support

The Apple iPhone XS range builds on the Apple iPhone XS 12 range for 5G capability by supporting more bands than the Apple iPhone XS 12 lineup. 5G modems are the same across the Apple iPhone XS lineup. the Apple iPhone XS lineup supports dual eSIM for the first time ever in iPhones. You do get a physical SIM tray for one nano-SIM though, so don’t sit up.

Cinematic Mode

You might be wondering if you will get the highlight Cinematic Mode if you were to pick the cheapest of the Apple iPhone XS lineup, that is, the Apple iPhone XS mini. The answer is yes, you will. All Apple iPhone XS models support Cinematic Mode.

Water Resistance and Charging

All Apple iPhone XS models feature the same IP68 water resistance (that is a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes) and feature MagSafe charging. No differences here, except that the Apple iPhone XS mini is still capped at 12W charging with MagSafe, just like the Apple iPhone XS 12 mini was.

Part V: The Bottom Line

A locked Apple iPhone XS is never a pretty sight. Fortunately, there are a couple of things you can do to try and unlock your Apple iPhone XS and remove the passcode from your Apple iPhone XS. There is also Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) to unlock your Apple iPhone XS for you when you need help removing the passcode from your Apple iPhone XS and unlocking it.

How to Unlock Apple iPhone XS Passcode without Computer?

“How to unlock Apple iPhone XS passcode without computer? I have been locked out of my iPhone and can’t seem to remember its passcode!”

Lately, we have got plenty of queries like this from users who have forgotten their iPhone passcode and can’t access it. If you are also going through the same and wish to learn how to bypass iPhone 5 passcode without computer, then you have come to the right place. In this post, we will make you familiar with two different solutions to unlock your Apple iPhone XS and that too without using your computer. In this way, you don’t need to use any third-party tool to learn how to unlock iPhone 5 passcode without computer. We have provided a stepwise solution for the same in the coming sections.

Part 1: How to unlock Apple iPhone XS passcode without computer using iCloud?

If you remember your iCloud credentials, then you can easily learn how to unlock Apple iPhone XS passcode without computer. Though, this comes with a catch. Since Apple doesn’t allow a direct way to reset iPhone passcode, you need to erase your device. It will reset your device’s passcode and your data would be lost. Therefore, before we proceed, make sure that you have a backup of your device ready. In this way, you can restore the backup and won’t suffer from any kind of data loss. To learn how to bypass iPhone 5 passcode without computer, follow these steps:

1. To start with, you need to log-in to iCloud’s official website right here: https://www.icloud.com/ . You can do this on any other handheld device.

2. Provide the iCloud credentials of your account that is already linked to your Apple iPhone XS.

3. The iCloud home page will provide various options. Just click on the “Find iPhone” to proceed.

iCloud find iPhone

4. This will launch the Find my iPhone interface on the screen. To choose your Apple iPhone XS, click on the “All Devices” option and select the Apple iPhone XS that is locked.

select iPhone

5. As you would select your Apple iPhone XS, it will display various options related to it.

6. Simply click on “Erase iPhone” and confirm your choice.

erase iPhone

7. Wait for a while as it will reset your Apple iPhone XS remotely.

As you can see, the Find my iPhone service was majorly introduced to discover the location of a lost iOS device. Though, you can use it to ring your device or erase it remotely as well. In this way, you can learn how to unlock iPhone 5 passcode without computer. The technique can also be implemented in other iPhone versions like Apple iPhone XS, 6 Plus, 7, 7 Plus, and more.

Attention: All your data will be erased while you are unlocking with this tool.

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Part 2: How to unlock Apple iPhone XS passcode without computer using Siri bug?

This might surprise you, but there is a loophole in Siri that can be exploited to unlock the Apple iPhone XS device. Even though the solution might not work every time, there is no harm in giving it a try. By following this technique, you would be able to learn how to unlock Apple iPhone XS passcode without computer while experiencing no data loss. Essentially, it works for iOS devices running on iOS 8.0 to iOS 10.1. You would be needed to follow these stepwise instructions to learn how to bypass iPhone 5 passcode without computer.

1. To start with, you need to activate Siri on your device. This can be done by simply long pressing the Home button.

2. Now, ask Siri about the present time by giving a command like “Hey Siri, what time is it?”

ask siri the time

3. This will make Siri display the present time with a clock icon adjoining to it. Just tap on the clock.

4. This will let you access the World clock feature on your device. From here, you can view the clock interface. Tap on the “+” icon to add another clock.

add world clock

5. The interface will provide a search bar from where you can look for a city. Just write anything to provide a textual entry.

6. Tap on the text to get various options related to it. Go with the “Select all” option to proceed.

select all text

7. This will again provide various options like cut, copy, define, etc. Tap on the “Share” button.

share the text

8. From here, you can get various options to share this text. Out of all the provided options, tap on the Message icon.

message the text

9. This will open a new interface from where you can draft a new message. On the “To” field, you can type any text and tap on the return button on your keyboard to continue.

add contact

10. This will make the text go green. As it would be selected, tap on the add icon (“+”) once again.

11. As you would tap it, it will launch a new interface. Tap on the “Create new Contact” to proceed.

create new contact

12. This will launch a new interface to add a contact. You can just tap on the “Add Photo” option.

add photo

13. From the provided options, tap on the “Choose Photo” button to select a photo from the library.

14. As the photo library will be launched, you can browse the album of your choice.

access iphone photo library

15. Wait for a few seconds and tap on the Home button one more time. This will lead you to the Home screen of your device.

iphone unlocked

By following these simple steps, you can learn how to unlock iPhone 5 passcode without computer. The same procedure can also be applied to other versions of iPhone as well to unlock it without any data loss.

You can follow either of these solutions to learn how to unlock iPhone 5 passcode without computer. Since iCloud will erase your iOS device, you can take advantage of Siri’s vulnerability. This will let you unlock your device without losing your data. Go ahead and give these solutions a try and let us know about your experience in the comments below.


  • Title: In 2024, How to Unlock Apple iPhone XS With an Apple Watch & What to Do if It Doesnt Work
  • Author: Sophia
  • Created at : 2024-07-15 00:50:21
  • Updated at : 2024-07-16 00:50:21
  • Link: https://ios-unlock.techidaily.com/in-2024-how-to-unlock-apple-iphone-xs-with-an-apple-watch-and-what-to-do-if-it-doesnt-work-by-drfone-ios/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.