How to Unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini’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 12 mini’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 12 mini.

Now, you cannot just unlock any Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini?

The Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini With Apple Watch

Unfortunately, not every Apple iPhone 12 mini can be unlocked with your Apple Watch, and not every Apple Watch can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini. 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 12 mini with Face ID – Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini Face ID.

Part 3. How To Unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini With an Apple Watch

If you meet all the aforementioned criteria, setting up the feature to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini;

• 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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini. If you accidentally unlock your phone, simply tap on the Lock Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini, you’ll first need to type in your passcode.

Part 4. What To Do if You Can’t Unlock Your Apple iPhone 12 mini With a Watch

Generally speaking, unlocking your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini with your Apple Watch.

If you’re using the correct versions of Apple iPhone 12 mini (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 12 mini.

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

2. Restart Your WiFi/Bluetooth Connection

Your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 12 mini’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 12 mini 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 12 mini

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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini’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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 Many Attempts To Unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini

Unlocking your Apple iPhone 12 mini involves a delicate balance to avoid pitfalls. Knowing how many attempts to unlock an iPhone is vital due to Apple’s security measures. Exceeding the limit triggers consequences, such as temporary disablement or even data erasure.

These restrictions highlight the need to learn how many attempts for iPhone passcodes are allowed before facing potential data loss. When dealing with failed passcode attempts, exploring methods for successful access is essential. Let’s delve into the intricacies of iPhone passcode security and unveil strategies for a seamless unlocking process. Read on to learn more.

Part 1. How Many Times Until the Apple iPhone 12 mini Is Permanently Disabled?

Unlocking an iPhone involves a series of attempts, each with distinct consequences. Here’s a breakdown of how many failed passcode attempts on an iPhone you can do before it locks you out:

First 5 Attempts

• No significant consequences.
• Users have the flexibility to enter their passcode without any penalties.

6th Attempt

• iPhone is disabled for 1 minute.
• An iPhone is Disabled message appears on the screen.

7th Attempt

• Disabled for 5 minutes.
• The same on-screen message persists, but the Apple iPhone 12 mini enforces a longer wait time.

8th Attempt

• Disabled for 15 minutes.
• Users must wait before attempting again. The escalating time delay discourages brute-force attacks.

9th Attempt

• Disabled for 60 minutes.
• A considerable waiting period is imposed. It increases the frustration for unauthorized users attempting to gain access.

10th Attempt

• iPhone is disabled.

Two things can happen on the tenth failed attempt to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini. If you have Erase Data enabled, your phone’s data gets wiped. If it’s disabled, the Apple iPhone 12 mini is permanently locked, requiring a connection to iTunes for restoration. It’s crucial to back up your data on iCloud or locally to avoid permanent loss.

Part 2. What Are the Consequences After Consecutive Failed Attempts?

When you exceed ten unsuccessful passcode entries, the Apple iPhone 12 mini device takes stringent actions to protect sensitive data. It can initiate a data wipe or lock the iPhone, needing a connection to iTunes for restoration. After a series of failed attempts, the Apple iPhone 12 mini can activate a security measure often referred to as a “self-destruct” mode.

To turn this mode on or off, follow these steps:

How To Enable Erase Data Mode

Safeguard your personal information with these simple steps to remotely wipe your device in case of loss or theft.

• Step 1: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, depending on your device. Enter your current passcode.

• Step 2: Scroll down and find the Erase Data option. Toggle the button to activate the feature.

How To Disable Erase Data Mode

Here are the steps to disable Erase Data Mode on your Apple iPhone 12 mini, ensuring controlled access to your device.

• Step 1: Follow the same steps to access the Erase Data toggle. Next, disable the toggle to turn off this feature.
• Step 2: Confirm your choice, ensuring the “self-destruct” mode is deactivated to prevent accidental data loss.

Part 3. Top 5 Methods To Unlock an iPhone After Too Many Attempts

When wondering how many tries to unlock an iPhone, consider the following methods to restore functionality. The section below explores the most effective ways to regain access to your device. Let’s start with the use of a dedicated screen unlock tool.

Method 1: Using a Dedicated Screen Unlock Tool

When facing a disabled iPhone, Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) stands out as a reliable solution. It’s a comprehensive platform that unlocks iOS devices without a passcode. Here are some of the tool’s key features to help you get started:

• Removes all types of lock screens. Fone Screen Unlock tackles various lock screen types, like pattern lock, etc. It offers a comprehensive solution for different scenarios.
• Unlock Apple ID without a password. The tool provides a secure method to unlock Apple ID without needing a password.
• No data loss. Users can regain access without losing data, a crucial aspect of dealing with a disabled iPhone.
• High success rate.Fone Screen Unlock boasts a high success rate, instilling confidence in users seeking a swift and effective solution.

How To Unlock iPhone With Dr.Fone

After many failed passcode attempts on your Apple iPhone 12 mini,Dr.Fone can help you access it again in no time. Follow the steps:

• Step 1: Download and install Dr.Fone on your computer. Next, click Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS to start. In the next window, choose Unlock iOS Screen.

• Step 2: Follow the on-screen instructions. Dr.Fone will automatically detect your Apple iPhone 12 mini model. If necessary, choose the System Version according to your preference. Next, click Start to start the iOS firmware download.

• Step 3: Wait for the iOS firmware to download successfully. Click on Unlock Now to initiate the unlocking process. Follow the on-screen instructions again and wait for Dr.Fone to unlock your device. If unsuccessful, click on the Try again option.

Method 2: Using iTunes To Unlock a Locked or Disabled iPhone

An alternative method to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini when locked or disabled involves using iTunes. Note that if your iTunes is not synchronized with the iPhone, you risk losing your existing data. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Launch iTunes on your computer. Connect your locked iPhone using a cable and let iTunes identify the Apple iPhone 12 mini device. Next, navigate to the Summary section and select the Restore iPhone option.

• Step 2: Allow iTunes to identify your device. Start the restoration of previous data by selecting Restore Backup. Your Apple iPhone 12 mini will be unlocked with all the associated data if you have backed up your information on iTunes. Otherwise, you will need to set it up as a new iPhone.

Method 3: Using Recovery Mode To Unlock a Locked or Disabled iPhone

Activating Recovery mode is another useful method for accessing a locked phone. The approach erases all data on the phone, restoring it to factory settings. Any data not backed up will be lost using this method. Follow the steps:

• Step 1: Download and Launch iTunes on your computer. Connect your Apple iPhone 12 mini with a USB cable.
• Step 2: For iPhone 8 models or newer, press and release the volume up button, followed by the volume down button. Next, press and hold the power button. If executed, the iTunes connect screen will appear. For earlier iPhone models, you can refer to here.

• Step 3: iTunes will prompt you to either restore or update your Apple iPhone 12 mini. Choose the Restore iPhone option to reset your device to its factory settings. If the restoration process extends beyond 15 minutes and your Apple iPhone 12 mini exits recovery mode, you’ll need to repeat the steps.

Method 4: Using iCloud To Unlock a Lock or Disabled iPhone

After many failed passcode attempts on your Apple iPhone 12 mini，it got disabled, but iCloud offers a convenient solution. Your phone must have the Find My iPhone option enabled for the method to work. You should be aware of the Apple ID password associated with your iCloud account. Once these prerequisites are fulfilled, access the iCloud account from another device. Here’s how.

• Step 1: Go to iCloud.com using another device, such as a computer, and log in with your Apple ID and password.

• Step 2: Select All Devices, and pick the locked iPhone from the dropdown menu. Once you’ve chosen the Apple iPhone 12 mini device, click the Erase iPhone icon in the lower-right corner. Although the action deletes the data on the phone, you can retrieve it from your iCloud backup once the Apple iPhone 12 mini device is operational again.

Method 5: Contact Apple Support or Visit an Apple Store

If all methods fail or you don’t have access to Dr.Fone, consider contacting Apple Support. You can also try visiting an Apple Store. Apple experts will guide you through the appropriate steps based on your unique situation.

Conclusion

If you are wondering how many passcode attempts on iPhone will lock your device and not sure how to fix this issue, here is the way to go. Methods like iTunes, Recovery Mode, iCloud, or seeking Apple Support all offer potential solutions.

Consider using Dr.Fone Screen Unlock (iOS) for a secure and data-preserving unlock. It safeguards your data even if you forget your passcode. Remember that surpassing the allowed attempts could result in data loss or permanent device disablement. Safeguard your data wisely by exploring these methods.

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!

How To Unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini Without Passcode? 4 Easy Methods

The Apple iPhone 12 mini are high-end smartphones with many features and capabilities. However, if you forget your passcode, these phones are nothing more than a paperweight. So, if you have also forgotten your passcode, you may be wondering how to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini 11/12 or 13 without a passcode.

This blog post will discuss several methods to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini without a passcode. So, this article will be very helpful if you have forgotten your Apple iPhone 12 mini’s passcode or are just looking for ways to unlock iPhones without a passcode.

Is It Possible to Unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini without a Passcode?

Unlocking an iPhone without a passcode is possible, but it’s not as simple as entering a code. Besides, there are different methods that you can follow to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini on 11/12/13.

And we are going to teach all those methods with some simple steps. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

5 Easy Ways to Unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini without Passcode by Yourself

Use Find My iPhone

Once you have activated the Find My iPhone function, then you can try it to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini without a passcode. This is an easy and effective method to complete this task. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Go to icloud.com from any web browser on your computer or another iOS device.

Step 2: Enter your Apple ID and password to log into your iCloud account.

Step 3: Click on the ‘Find My iPhone’ option.

Step 4: Select the ‘All Devices’ option at the top of the screen and select your Apple iPhone 12 mini from the list of devices.

Step 5: Click the ‘Erase’ option to confirm your action.

Step 6: Once your device has been erased, you can set it up again and use it without a passcode.

Unlock it with iTunes

Another way to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini without a passcode is by using iTunes. For this method to work, you must have synced your device with iTunes at least once. If you haven’t done that, this method won’t work. Here’s how you can use iTunes to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini:

Step 1: Connect your Apple iPhone 12 mini to the computer you previously used to sync your device with iTunes.

Step 2: Open the iTunes application on your computer and wait for it to recognize your device.

Step 3: Once recognized, your Apple iPhone 12 mini will appear in the iTunes window. Click on the ‘Summary’ option present in the left sidebar.

Step 4: Now, click on the ‘Restore iPhone’ button in the right sidebar.

Step 5: Confirm your action and wait for the process to be completed. Once done, you can set up your device as new and use it without a passcode.

Unlock iPhone in Recovery Mode

If you have never tried to sync your device with iTunes or used the Find My iPhone feature, you can use recovery mode to unlock your device. This more complex method will erase all the data on your device. So, ensure that you have backed up your data before proceeding with this method. Here’s how you can use recovery mode to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini:

Step 1: Connect your Apple iPhone 12 mini to the computer and launch the iTunes application.

Step 2: Press and hold down the ‘Volume’ and ‘Power’ buttons simultaneously for a few seconds.

Step 3: As soon as you see the Connect to iTunes screen, release the buttons.

Step 4: On your computer, you will now see a message that iTunes detected an iPhone in recovery mode. Click on the ‘OK’ button.

Step 5: Now, click on the ‘Restore iPhone’ button in the Summary tab.

Step 6: Confirm your action and wait for the process to be completed. Once done, you can set up your device as new and use it without a passcode.

Use Siri (only iOS version 10)

You can use this hack to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini without a passcode. But it just functions on devices running iOS 10 or lower. So, if you are using a newer version of iOS, this method won’t work for you.

Here’s how you can use Siri to bypass the Passcode:

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.

But this method will not work on newer iPhones 11/12/13 and iPhone 14 because they run on the latest iOS.

Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Unlock iPhone Without Passcode.

• Simple, click-through process.
• Unlock screen passwords from all iPhones and iPad.
• No tech knowledge is required. Everybody can handle it.
• Supports iPhone 14/13/12/XS (Max) / iPhone XR / iPhone X / 8 (Plus)/ iPhone 7(Plus)/ iPhone6s(Plus), iPhone SE, and the latest iOS version fully!

4,395,217 people have downloaded it

If no method is applicable, the ultimate solution is Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock. It is a professional tool that can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini without a passcode. It is elementary to manipulate and can unlock any iPhone within minutes. Plus, it doesn’t cause any damage to the Apple iPhone 12 mini device, which is always a good thing.

If you are interested in using this tool, then here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Start Dr.Fone on your computer. Then, launch the program and select “Screen Unlock.

Step 2: Create the connection from your Apple iPhone 12 mini to the computer with a lightning cable.

Step 3: Follow the image on the screen to make your device enter in DFU mode or Recovery mode.

Step 4: Once your device gets into DFU mode or Recovery mode, Dr.Fone will ask you to choose the right firmware for your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

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 only need to wait for some time as the process may take several minutes. So be patient and don’t interrupt the process; otherwise, it may permanently damage your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

Once the process is completed, your Apple iPhone 12 mini will be unlocked, and you can choose a new passcode.

This is the easiest and most effective way to reset your Apple iPhone 12 mini passcode. So, if you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, this is the one you should choose.

How Can I Turn On/Off the Passcode on My iPhone?

If you want to turn the Passcode ON your Apple iPhone 12 mini, then follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to ‘Settings’ and select ‘Touch ID & Passcode’ (if you’re using an iPhone with Touch ID). If you’re using an iPhone without a Touch ID, select ‘Passcode.’

Step 2: Enter your current Passcode when prompted.

Step 3: Scroll down and toggle the ‘Passcode’ switch to the ‘ON’ position.

Step 4: Enter a new 6-digit passcode when prompted. Then, please enter it again to confirm.

That’s it! Your Passcode is now turned ON, and your device is more secure than ever.

To shut down the Passcode on your Apple iPhone 12 mini, follow the steps above and toggle the ‘Passcode’ switch to the ‘OFF’ position.

The Bottom Line

As you see in the article, there are some ways to reset your Apple iPhone 12 mini passcode. However, if you’re looking for an easy and effective solution, we recommend using Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock. It is a professional tool that can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini without a passcode. Plus, it doesn’t cause any damage to the Apple iPhone 12 mini device, which is always a good thing.

If you’re not interested in using a third-party tool, you can try one of the methods mentioned above. But keep in mind that these methods may only work on some iPhones. So, if you need help deciding which way to use it, we recommend going with Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock.