In 2024, Learn How To Lock Stolen Your Apple iPhone 12 mini Properly

In 2024, Learn How To Lock Stolen Your Apple iPhone 12 mini Properly

Sophia Lv12

Learn How To Lock Stolen Your Apple iPhone 12 mini Properly

When it comes to security in smartphones, Apple stands at the forefront. The Activation Lock is a robust barrier to preventing unauthorized access and device theft. Losing your Apple iPhone 12 mini can be a disturbing event, as accidents are inevitable. Taking prompt action to stop unauthorized data access becomes important. This guide offers a step-by-step approach to how to lock a stolen iPhone.

understanding ways to lock stolen iphone

Part 1. Major Threats To Consider When iPhone Is Stolen

A lost iPhone can become susceptible to a myriad of threats. It could compromise your privacy, security, and personal data. Here are the reasons why learning how to lock your Apple iPhone 12 mini when lost is essential:

  1. Unauthorized Access to Personal Data: Thieves can exploit an unsecured Apple iPhone 12 mini to gain unauthorized access to personal information. These include contacts, messages, emails, and photos.
  2. **Financial Exploitation:**With access to your Apple iPhone 12 mini, thieves may attempt to get stored payment methods.
  3. Identity Theft: Stolen iPhones often contain a wealth of sensitive information. This makes them a prime target for identity theft.
  4. Compromised Social Media Accounts: Using social media applications on your smartphone carries potential risks in the event of device loss. Unauthorized access to your social media accounts can lead to many problems, including misinformation and compromised privacy.

Part 2. Use Find My To Locate Stolen iPhone

On learning about how do I lock my stolen iPhone, Apple’s robust Find My feature emerges as a beacon of hope. It uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth signals to locate your Apple iPhone 12 mini accurately.

using find my to locate iphone

Key Scenarios Where Find My Works

Find My can be a source to track stolen iPhones, but certain scenarios are associated with its operations. To know more about these scenarios, this section continues the discussion further below:

  1. iPhone Turned On:Find My can provide real-time location tracking when your stolen iPhone is still powered on and connected to the internet.
  2. **iPhone Turned Off or In Airplane Mode:**The last known location before the Apple iPhone 12 mini device was powered down or put in Airplane Mode is accessible, offering a starting point for recovery efforts.
  3. **Offline Finding with Bluetooth:**The Find My service leverages Bluetooth technology to create a vast network of Apple devices. With these, it can securely help locate your Apple iPhone 12 mini, even offline.
  4. **Activation Lock Integration:**This service is also integrated with Activation Lock, adding an extra layer of security. The Activation Lock remains active if a thief attempts to erase your device.

How To Use Find My To Locate Your Stolen iPhone

  • Step 1. Access the Find My app on a trusted device and open it. If you can’t access one, use the iCloud website to access Find My service.

open find my app

  • Step 2. After logging in, select the lost device, and you can see its last recorded location on the map.

consider last device location

Part 3. Using Lost Mode To Lock Stolen iPhone

Lost Mode locks the Apple iPhone 12 mini device and allows users to showcase a personalized message on the screen. This can help greatly in the safe return of the smartphone. The following are the simple steps you need to follow to learn how to block stolen iPhone with Lost Mode:

Activating Lost Mode Using Your Smartphone

  • Step 1. Within the Find My app, tap “Devices” from the bottom toolbar and select your lost device. Now, scroll down to “Mark As Lost” and tap “Activate.”

proceed to activate lost mode

  • Step 2. You will now be given a summary of the Lost Mode; tap “Continue” to proceed. On the following screen, add a phone number, tap “Next,” and add a message that will be displayed on the lost device.

add message for lost device

  • Step 3. After adding a message, tap “Next” on the following screen and press “Activate” from the top right corner.

proceed to turn on lost mode

Activating Lost Mode Using iCloud Website

  • Step 1. Access the iCloud website via your computer’s web browser. Sign in using your Apple ID, continue to click the “Grid” icon in the top right corner, and select “Find My.”

sign into icloud account

  • Step 2. In Find My, add your Apple ID password again to access “All Devices.” Now, choose the lost device from the list of all devices in the top left corner. Then, click “Mark As Lost,” and the following pop-up Lost Mode prompt, tap “Next.”

access lost mode option

  • Step 3. Now go on to add your phone number and tap “Next.” Follow it by providing the message you want to display and click “Activate” to enable Lost Mode.

activate lost mode from browser

Part 4. Can’t Find Stolen Phone? Erase iPhone Completely

When efforts to locate a stolen iPhone fail, the need to protect sensitive data intensifies. As a result, the option to erase the Apple iPhone 12 mini device becomes a crucial step instead of how to lock the Apple iPhone 12 mini when lost. Here’s how to protect against the potential misuse of your information by erasing your device via Find My:

  • Step 1. After accessing Find My service, choose the lost device from the list and click “Erase This Device.”

erase device from find my

  • Step 2. Select “Continue” on the erased iPhone screen for the Find My app. Once you’ve added the number, press “Erase” in the top right corner and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the procedure.

follow prompts to erase

  • Step 3. If using the iCloud website, tap “Erase This Device” and click “Next” on the upcoming prompt. You will be asked to enter the Apple ID password, after which you can use the on-screen guidelines to finish the process.

erase device from browser

Part 5. Other Things To Do iPhone Is Stolen

There are additional measures you can take to enhance your overall security apart from understanding how do I lock my stolen iPhone. The following are some options you should utilize in case of device loss:

To Do List #1. Report to Police

If your Apple iPhone 12 mini is stolen, it is crucial to immediately inform your local law enforcement agency. It facilitates the recovery process and assists in combatting criminal activities. Provide essential details about your Apple iPhone 12 mini, such as the Model, color, and IMEI number. Share information about your efforts to locate the stolen iPhone using Find My.

reporting iphone stolen to police

To Do List #2. Make an Insurance Claim With AppleCare

You can claim insurance if you have AppleCare+ coverage for your Apple iPhone 12 mini. AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss for iPhone includes protection against theft and loss incidents. It offers up to two incidents of such coverage every 12 months.

To qualify for theft or loss coverage, it is necessary for Find My to be enabled on your device at the time it goes missing. Moreover, it should remain enabled alongside Lost Mode throughout the claims process.

insurance in applecare

To Do List #3. Remove iPhone From Trusted Devices (2FA)

After your Apple iPhone 12 mini is stolen, it becomes essential to bolster the security of your online accounts. It is particularly essential for those safeguarded by Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which needs to be removed:

From iOS Device Settings

  • Step 1. Access Settings on an iOS device logged in with the same Apple ID as the lost one. Here, tap on your name on the following screen and scroll down.

open settings and apple id details

  • Step 2. Simply select the misplaced device, and in the subsequent interface, press “Remove from Account” to eliminate it from the list of trusted devices.

remove stolen device from account

From the Apple ID Website

  • Step 1. If you cannot reach a secure device, visit the http://appleid.apple.com website and sign in with the identical Apple ID.

log into apple id account

  • Step 2. Once logged in, click “Devices” from the left side and select the lost device. To remove this device as a trusted device, click “Remove from Account.”

remove device from browser

Part 6. Precautions To Take for Avoiding Losing iPhone

Users can proactively adopt specific measures to reduce the likelihood of such an occurrence. The following essential precautions are recommended while learning how to block your Apple iPhone 12 mini when stolen:

Precaution #1. Enable Find My on Device

Activating Find My increases the likelihood of recovering your device. Take the following steps to enable the Find My feature on your Apple iPhone 12 mini:

  • Step 1. On your iOS device, navigate to “Settings” and tap the Apple ID on the top. Now, scroll down and press “Find My” on the following screen.

open find my settings

  • Step 2. Next, tap “Find My iPhone,” on the ensuing window, toggle “Find My iPhone.” This will enable the Find My service on your device.

turn on find my service

Precaution #2. Enable Separation Alerts on iPhone

Enabling “Separation Alerts” assists in preventing the loss of your Apple iPhone 12 mini by alerting you when you distance yourself from it. Follow these steps to enable Separation Alerts on your Apple iPhone 12 mini:

  • Step 1. Navigate to and launch the Find My app on your Apple iPhone 12 mini. Select the Apple iPhone 12 mini device from the “Devices” tab for which you want to enable separation alerts.

look for device in find my

  • Step 2. From the available options, tap “Notify When Left Behind,” and on the following screen, toggle “Notify When Left Behind.” You can also add locations on this screen by tapping “New Location,” for which you don’t want to receive a left-behind notice.

notify on separation enabled

Precaution #3. Enable 2FA on iPhone

Activating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enhances the security of your Apple iPhone 12 mini. The mandatory secondary verification step makes 2FA crucial in securing your accounts. Follow these steps to enable 2FA on your Apple iPhone 12 mini:

  • Step 1. Access the Settings app on your iOS device and tap your name/Apple ID. Find and tap “Sign-In & Security” to proceed further.

open security settings iphone

  • Step 2. On the following screen, tap “Turn On Two-Factor Authentication.” Follow it by tapping “Continue” afterward, and use the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

turn on two factor authentication

Bonus Tip. Find Stolen iPhone Back but Locked? Unlock With Wondershare Dr.Fone

Recovering your stolen iPhone successfully can be a joyous event. Yet, the frustration of discovering your device locked due to a forgotten password can be disheartening. Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) offers a solution to regain access to your device. This robust tool is crafted to help users unlock various iOS screen lock scenarios.

It provides a hassle-free solution for those locked out of their devices. This powerful tool effortlessly removes various lock screens on iPhones and iPads. It can bypass the iCloud activation lock without the need for a password.

Key Features of Wondershare Dr.Fone

  1. If you are using iTunes for backup but have forgotten the iTunes backup encryption passcode, Dr.Fone can remove it without data loss.
  2. This tool can remove Apple ID from your Apple iPhone 12 mini or iPad if you have forgotten its password.
  3. You can free up your device by removing MDM and carrier locks using Dr.Fone.

Steps To Unlock Your Locked iOS Device Using Wondershare Dr.Fone

Wondershare Dr.Fone is a comprehensive toolkit that addresses many iOS-related issues. It offers a user-friendly solution to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini with the help of the following steps:

  • Step 1. Launching Wondershare Dr.Fone and Accessing Toolbox

Once you have installed and launched Wondershare Dr.Fone, access the “Toolbox” tab. Click “Screen Unlock,” and on the following screen, choose “iOS.” Click “Unlock iOS Screen” on the following screen and link your iOS device to the computer.

start ios screen unlock

  • Step 2. Entering Recovery Mode and Choosing System Version

The next step requires you to put your device in Recovery Mode, for which you can follow the instructions given on-screen. After your device is in Recovery Mode, Dr.Fone will display its “Model.” Now choose the appropriate “System Version” and click “Start.” Here, Dr.Fone will start downloading the required firmware. Once it is downloaded and verified, tap “Unlock Now.”

proceed to unlock ios

  • Step 3. Acknowledging Data Loss Warning and Initiating Unlock Process

To show your acknowledgment of the warning, enter the asked code, which is “000000.” Afterward, click “Unlock” to initiate the screen unlocking process. Once the process is complete, tap “Done” to conclude the procedure.

acknowledge and unlock device

Conclusion

Knowing how to lock stolen iPhones is essential for safeguarding personal and sensitive data. Apple’s Find My empowers users to remotely locate, lock, and erase their lost devices. If you have recovered your stolen device but it is locked, Wondershare Dr.Fone emerges as the top choice to unlock it within minutes.

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!

The Best Methods to Unlock the ‘iPhone Locked to Owner’ for Apple iPhone 12 mini

Being locked out of your new iPhone can be a frustrating experience. It could be due to a forgotten passcode, a second-hand purchase with an activation lock, or any other reason. Facing the “iPhone Locked to Owner” scenario can be hard as the fault doesn’t lie with you. Regardless of the fact, finding a solution to unlock an “iPhone Locked to Owner“ can be a daunting task.

We bring you a comprehensive guide that explores the best methods to unlock an “iPhone Locked to Owner.” This article provides a detailed guide covering official and unofficial methods.

Part 1: A Brief Overview of the Functionality of Activation Lock

Activation Lock is a strong and innovative security feature introduced by Apple. This lock is available on Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. It is designed to prevent unauthorized access and use of a device in case it is lost, stolen, or misplaced. Here’s a brief overview of the features of Activation Lock:

iphone to owner error

Device Association

The Activation Lock works by associating a device with the iCloud account of the owner. When the Apple iPhone 12 mini device is set up or restored, it prompts the user to sign in with their Apple ID and activates Activation Lock.

Activation Lock Status

Once enabled, Activation Lock securely stores the Apple iPhone 12 mini device’s unique identifier (IMEI or serial number). It also stores the associated iCloud account details on Apple’s servers. This information is used to verify the Apple iPhone 12 mini device’s status during activation and prevent unauthorized use.

Locking Mechanism

If a device with Activation Lock is lost or stolen, the owner can activate Lost Mode using the Find My app or iCloud website. Lost Mode remotely locks the Apple iPhone 12 mini device, preventing anyone from accessing the user’s data. It also prevents device use without the owner’s Apple ID and password.

Device Recovery

In Lost Mode, the owner can provide contact information and display a custom message on the Apple iPhone 12 mini device’s screen. These can help in facilitating its return. The device remains locked until the owner either unlocks it through iCloud or erases its data remotely.

iCloud Activation Lock Bypass

With Activation Lock, you get an added layer of security. This makes it challenging for unauthorized individuals to use a locked device. Apple’s servers confirm the Apple iPhone 12 mini device’s activation status before allowing access to the OS. Thus, bypassing Activation Lock requires the original owner’s Apple ID and password.

Activation Lock on Used Devices

When purchasing a used Apple device, you should ensure that Activation Lock is disabled. Otherwise, the Apple iPhone 12 mini device will remain locked to the previous owner’s iCloud account. Apple provides guidelines and procedures for sellers to remove Activation Lock.

Part 2: 5 Best Methods To Remove the Apple iPhone 12 mini Locked to Owner Security

Having an iPhone locked to its previous owner’s security can be frustrating. That’s why finding effective methods to remove the lock is crucial. Luckily, various methods exist to bypass the Apple iPhone 12 mini locked to the owner for free. Given below are the top 5 methods to resolve this issue:

Method 1: Use the Old iOS Passcode To Unlock the Apple iPhone 12 mini device

If you’ve recently obtained a used iPhone, there is a possibility that the old iOS passcode might still be effective. When an iPhone is locked to its owner, you will find an option to unlock the Apple iPhone 12 mini device using the passcode. It presents another viable option to remove the lock.

To proceed, you will need to contact the previous owner of the Apple iPhone 12 mini device and request the passcode. Use the following guide after getting the old passcode of your Apple iPhone 12 mini:

  • Step: Access your locked iPhone and tap “Unlock with Passcode.” On the following screen, enter the old passcode to remove the Activation Lock.

    tap unlock with passcode

Method 2: Ask the Owner To Erase the Apple iPhone 12 mini device Using iCloud

The passcode is not the only thing you can ask from the previous owner of the iPhone. You can also ask the previous owner to erase your device remotely. It can be helpful if the previous owner doesn’t remember the passcode or you are unable to meet them in person.

To make this procedure work, the owner will need to use the Find My Device feature from the iCloud website. Here is what the owner needs to do to resolve Activation Lock from your Apple iPhone 12 mini:

  • Step 1: Access the iCloud website on your computer’s browser and log in using Apple ID. Afterward, click the “Find My” option.

select find my feature

  • Step 2: On the following screen, select your Apple iPhone 12 mini from “All Devices.” Now choose “Erase iPhone” from the available options to erase the Apple iPhone 12 mini device and remove the Activation Lock.

tap on erase iphone

Method 3: Use the DNS Method To Unlock the Apple iPhone 12 mini Locked to Owner

When you are unable to access the Apple iPhone 12 mini device, the DNS method can be an alternative solution. This method involves changing the DNS settings on your Apple iPhone 12 mini to bypass the activation lock screen. However, the procedure works only for devices running on older iOS versions.

The reason is that the process uses a loophole to allow you access to the Apple iPhone 12 mini device. This loophole has now been patched by Apple. Given below is the detailed process to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini Activation Lock:

  • Step 1: Power on your iDevice or restart it if your Apple iPhone 12 mini is already powered on. Access your Apple iPhone 12 mini Settings to tap “Wi-Fi” and navigate to the “Choose Wi-Fi Network” option.

  • Step 2: Select “More Wi-Fi Settings” using the “i” symbol next to the displayed Wi-Fi network. Here, choose “Configure DNS” and follow it by selecting the “Manual” option.

  • Step 3: Afterward, press “Add Server,” located under “DNS Servers.” Now enter the appropriate DNS server address based on your location:

  • For users in the United States/North America: 104.154.51.7

  • For users in Europe: 104.155.28.90

  • For users in Asia: 104.155.220.58

  • For users in the rest of the world: 78.109.17.60

use the dns method

  • Step 4: Save the changes by selecting “Save.” Use the back arrow button to go back and choose “Ask to Join Networks.” Enter the network password and tap “Join.” Press the back arrow button when your Apple iPhone 12 mini attempts to activate. Afterward, continue to set up your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

Method 4: Take Help From the Online iCloud Activation Lock Removal Service

What to do if you have been unable to contact the previous owner and the DNS method isn’t working? The answer is you can also employ an online iCloud Activation removal service. These services charge you some money and unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini. All you need to provide them is your Apple iPhone 12 mini IMEI number. The process is done remotely and takes 24 to 48 hours to complete.

Ensure your device IMEI is not blacklisted before sending it for the unlocking process. Described below are steps to use DirectUnlocks, an iCloud Activation removal service:

  • Step 1: Use your computer’s browser to visit the official DriectUnlocks website. Enter your Apple iPhone 12 mini’s IMEI number and select the Apple iPhone 12 mini model in the provided box.
  • Step 2: Once you have entered the details, tap “Remove Activation Lock.” Afterward, select a payment method to pay for the service. It will take up to 48 hours to unlock your device.

use directunlocks icloud activation removal

Method 5: Remove the iCloud Activation Lock With the Best Screen Unlock Tool – Wondershare Dr.Fone

Not having access to your purchased iPhone and no solution working to resolve the locked-to-owner iPhone issue can be disheartening. However, worrying is unnecessary as we have the best solution. To bypass the iCloud Activation lock, the best tool to use is Wondershare Dr.Fone. With this tool’s help, you can remove the lock and access your Apple iPhone 12 mini without restrictions.

Aside from bypassing the iCloud Activation lock, it can also help you remove or bypass MDM. Furthermore, it also excels at unlocking iPhone screen locks. This tool has the ability to unlock all types of screen locks like a passcode, Touch ID, and Face ID.

Key Features of Wondershare Dr.Fone

  • Wondershare Dr.Fone lets you remove the Screen Time Passcode without needing the actual password.
  • With this tool, you can also remove your Apple ID from your Apple iPhone 12 mini if you have forgotten the password.
  • This tool can also remove SIM locks or carrier restrictions placed on the iPhone.

Steps To Remove the iCloud Activation Lock With Wondershare Dr.Fone

Removing the iCloud Activation Lock with Wondershare Dr.Fone is simple and fast. You don’t need any technical skills to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini. Follow these steps to remove iCloud Activation Lock with Dr.Fone:

  • Step 1: Choose iCloud Activation Lock Removal

After launching the Dr.Fone on your computer, move to “Screen Unlock” in the “Toolbox” tab. Here, choose “iOS” and click “iCloud Activation Lock Removal.” Now connect your locked Apple iPhone 12 mini to the computer using a reliable USB cable.

choose icloud activation lock removal

  • Step 2: Initiate the iCloud Activation Lock Removal Process

Afterward, tap “Start” to begin the iCloud Activation Lock bypassing process. You will first have to confirm whether your device is GSM or CDMA. If the Apple iPhone 12 mini device is GSM, the unlocking process won’t harm it. However, you will lose calling or other cellular functions if it is CDMA.

press the start button

  • Step 3: Bypass the iCloud Activation Lock Removal

After thoroughly considering the ramifications, tap “Unlock Now” to proceed. Now you will need to jailbreak your Apple iPhone 12 mini, which you can do using the guides provided in the program. Once you have jailbroken your Apple iPhone 12 mini, the iCloud Activation Lock bypassing process will start. Wait for the process to complete; once it does, tap “Done.”

click on unlock now

Conclusion

To summarize, Wondershare Dr.Fone stands out as the best choice when it comes to unlocking an “iPhone Locked to Owner.” It has advanced features, a dynamic interface, and a proven track record. Wondershare Dr.Fone offers the most reliable and effective methods to regain access to your locked iPhone.

Wondershare Dr.Fone’s comprehensive toolkit provides a range of options to cater to different scenarios. Whether you’ve forgotten your passcode, purchased a second-hand iPhone with an activation lock , or encountered other locked-out situations, Wondershare Dr.Fone offers tailored solutions to meet your needs. Moreover, Wondershare Dr.Fone’s approach ensures a seamless and secure unlocking process.

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.


  • Title: In 2024, Learn How To Lock Stolen Your Apple iPhone 12 mini Properly
  • Author: Sophia
  • Created at : 2024-07-15 01:32:45
  • Updated at : 2024-07-16 01:32:45
  • Link: https://ios-unlock.techidaily.com/in-2024-learn-how-to-lock-stolen-your-apple-iphone-12-mini-properly-by-drfone-ios/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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In 2024, Learn How To Lock Stolen Your Apple iPhone 12 mini Properly