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

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

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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!

How to Remove and Reset Face ID on Apple iPhone 12 mini

drfone

Did you go wrong when you set the Face ID the first time? Or are you tired to put off the mask to use Face ID to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini? And now, you want to disable the Face ID. Whatever your reasons are, read this article to learn how to remove Face ID on your Apple iPhone 12 mini X, iPhone XS, iPhone XR or iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, anmd iPhone 15.

Part I: What is Face ID?

face id

If the new Apple iPhone 12 mini is your first-ever iPhone, or if you have neither upgraded your Apple iPhone 12 mini from the 6/7/8 series nor have kept abreast with the happenings in the Apple world, you might wonder what this newfangled thing called Face ID is.

Face ID is an authentication system that came with iPhone X for the first time, and then the Apple iPhone 12 mini 13, the Apple iPhone 12 mini 14, and now the Apple iPhone 12 mini 15. Like Touch ID that uses your fingerprints, Face ID uses your face metrics to authenticate you for everything, the way Touch ID does.

Face ID is not a new and advanced version of Touch ID, but a completely different authentication system that utilizes a different component what Apple calls a TrueDepth camera to scan your face metrics. Face ID is not available on phones with Touch ID (iPhone SE 2022 today) and Touch ID is not available on iPhones that come with Face ID as their authentication mechanism.

Part II: What Can You Do with Face ID?

Most of us know that we can unlock iPhone with our face via Face ID instead of a thumbprint or passcode. But actually, Face ID does more than just that. Let us learn more cool things you can do with Face ID, which helps you to make a decision if you still want to disable it. Here‘s what you can do on your Apple iPhone 12 mini 13/12/11 with Face ID:

II.I Unlock Your Apple iPhone 12 mini

As an authentication mechanism, Face ID enables you to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini 13 /iPhone 12/iPhone 11 with a look. How to do that? Here are the steps:

Step 1: Pick your Apple iPhone 12 mini up in your hands or tap the screen to wake it up.

Step 2: Look at the iPhone.

unlocking iphone 13 with face id

When the lock symbol changes to the unlocked position, you can swipe up to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini using Face ID and get to the Home Screen.

Note that Face ID will not work in landscape mode on an iPhone.

II.II Making Purchases Using Face ID on Your Apple iPhone 12 mini

Face ID allows you to authenticate yourself to make purchases in the App Store, Book Store, and iTunes Store and use Apple Pay wherever supported.

How to use Face ID on Apple iPhone 12 mini to make purchases in App Store, Book Store, and iTunes Store

Step 1: Check if Face ID is enabled for purchases in these stores by going to Settings > Face ID and Passcode and ensuring that iTunes and App Store are toggled On.

check face id settings

Step 2: On any of these stores, when you tap on the option to buy some content, a payment confirmation popup will be displayed along with instructions to authenticate yourself using Face ID.

make purchases with face id

The instructions are simple: press the side button twice to authenticate yourself using your Face ID and make the purchase.

When done, a satisfying ting and a checkmark will confirm the action.

How to use Face ID on Apple iPhone 12 mini to pay with Apple Pay

Step 1: If Apple Pay is supported by banking institutions in your country, you can set it up by adding a supported bank‘s credit card, debit card, or prepaid card to the Wallet app on your Apple iPhone 12 mini 13/12/11.

an apple aard in wallet app

Step 2: When a card is added and ready to use, check that Apple Pay is enabled under Settings > Face ID and Passcode.

Step 3: For App Store/ Book Store/ iTunes Store purchases, it works as always, you double-press the Side Button to authenticate and use your default card.

Step 4: Look at your Apple iPhone 12 mini to authenticate yourself using your Face ID and make the purchase.

Step 5: When paying at retail outlets, hold your Apple iPhone 12 mini (top being close to the reader) and wait for the checkmark and Done message.

Step 6: To pay using Apple Pay on websites, choose Apple Pay as the payment method, double press the Side Button, look at your Apple iPhone 12 mini, and wait for the Done message and checkmark to finish the process.

II.III Lowering Ringer and Alarm Volume Automatically

Face ID also enables what Apple calls Attention Aware features that are conveniences afforded to users who have a Face ID enabled iPhone.

attention aware features

Setting up and using Attention Aware features is easy:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Face ID and passcode.

Step 2: Toggle Require Attention For Face ID On.

Step 3: Toggle Attention Aware Features On.

That‘s it. Now, when you get a call and your Apple iPhone 12 mini 13 is ringing loud, looking at your Apple iPhone 12 mini 13/12/11 will cause it to lower the volume. When an alarm goes off, you can lower the volume by simply looking at your Apple iPhone 12 mini. Additionally, your Apple iPhone 12 mini screen will not dim or switch off for the duration you are looking at it. This means you can now read those books on Kindle without constantly tapping the screen for it to stay awake.

II.IV Filling Passwords in Safari Automatically Using Face ID

Face ID also allows users to fill passwords in Safari automatically for a faster and more convenient login experience on your Apple iPhone 12 mini with Face ID.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Face ID and Passcode and toggle Password Autofill On.

Step 2: Now, when you use Safari to open a website that requires a login, tapping the username field or password field will bring up the keyboard, and on top of that keyboard there will be your credentials for the website if you have saved them in iCloud Passwords. Tap the credentials.

Step 3: Look at your Apple iPhone 12 mini to authenticate yourself with Face ID and Safari will autofill the credentials for you.

II.V Animojis and Memojis

Up until now, we saw how Face ID enables productivity features and how convenient it is to use it. Now, we come to the fun part - Animojis. Apple launched Face ID in 2017 on the Apple iPhone 12 mini X with much fanfare and a huge part of that fanfare was Animojis. Over time, Apple brought new capabilities to the Apple iPhone 12 mini and added Memojis alongside Animojis.

animojis and memojis

Animojis are animated emojis. These are made possible with advanced algorithms enabled by the TrueDepth camera in Face ID. Animated emojis or Animojis can mimic your facial expressions and you can use them in your message conversations in apps.

Here‘s how to send Animojis in conversations on your new iPhone 13/12/11:

Step 1: Open a message conversation in the Messages app.

Step 2: Tap the Memoji button (a character in a yellow frame) and swipe to select the desired Animoji/ Memoji you want to send.

recording a memoji

Step 3: Tap the Record button and you now have 30 seconds to do what you want with your face and the character will reproduce it on screen for you.

Step 4: When done, the Record button changes to Send:

sending a memoji

Tap Send to send your first Memoji/ Animoji.

Part III: How to Remove Face ID on Apple iPhone 12 mini

For all the hardware and software that make for a great experience for nearly all users around the world, Face ID can have its fair share of issues. Sometimes, your face might not get recognized, sometimes it might not work altogether.

Lately, with the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen how Face ID struggles to work for us, and why? Because it cannot scan our faces with masks! So, it makes sense to remove Face ID from our iPhones and rely solely on passcodes. Alternatively, you want to reset your Face ID on your Apple iPhone 12 mini 13/12/11 and set it again if you have put on some ‘COVID weight’ owing to working from home.

Most of the time, the best and the simplest thing you can do to resolve your hardware and software issues is to restart the Apple iPhone 12 mini device in question. To restart your Apple iPhone 12 mini 13/12/11, long-press the Side Button until the power slider appears and drag it to shut the Apple iPhone 12 mini device off. Then, use the Side Button to start the phone again.

Sometimes, the issues have a way of persisting, and a restart does not resolve them. the TrueDepth system might have developed a fault and Face ID might stop working. Or you got the dreaded “problem detected with TrueDepth camera” message on your Apple iPhone 12 mini 13/12/11. In that case, you would like to know how to reset and remove Face ID on your Apple iPhone 12 mini 13 to see if that helps, before you are required to go to an Apple Store for service.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Face ID and Passcode.

Step 2: Scroll and tap the option “Reset Face ID” to remove Face ID on your Apple iPhone 12 mini 13/12/11.

wa stickers

Part IV: How to Set Up Face ID on Your Apple iPhone 12 mini

Sometimes, you may just want to disable Face ID temporarily or the issue gets solved, and want to activate Face ID again. Setting up a Face ID on your Apple iPhone 12 mini 13 is easy. To set up Face ID, sit in a comfortable spot with adequate lighting and follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Face ID and Passcode and enter your passcode. If you have not set up a passcode yet, you will necessarily have to create one now before proceeding forward.

Step 2: Tap Set Up Face ID to start the process.

Step 3: Hold your Apple iPhone 12 mini in the portrait orientation at about an arm‘s length away from your face and then tap Get Started.

setting up face id

Step 4: Adjust to have your face inside the shown circle and then slowly rotate your head in a smooth motion to complete the circle. This step will be done one more time.

Step 5: When done, tap Done.

In case you are getting the following error:

face id error

There are a few things you can try to resolve this, you can try to update your Apple iPhone 12 mini 13/12/11 to the latest iOS. At this point, you may even try running a beta version to see if that helps. If you are running a beta version, you may downgrade back to the release version to see if that resolves the error. Betas can both make and break things.

If this does not resolve it, you need to take the Apple iPhone 12 mini device to the nearest service center. The TrueDepth camera system has components that might have been damaged or might not be working properly, for whatever reason, and the service personnel is equipped to resolve this issue for you at the earliest.

Part V: The Bottom Line

Face ID is more than a nifty authentication system in iPhones (and iPads) and brings some unique features that are not found in previous Touch ID enabled devices and enable the users to interact with people (Animojis and Memojis) and with the Apple iPhone 12 mini (user authentication via facial metrics, Attention Aware features) in new ways. There are times when this does not work as expected, and you can reset and remove Face ID if you feel this is not your cup of tea. Apple iPhone 12 mini can be used solely with passcodes if you want. If you find that your screen is locked and you can‘t unlock it, you can always find help in tools such as Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS). So go ahead, use the new Face ID on your Apple iPhone 12 mini with confidence, and enjoy a more secure experience on your new iPhone than ever before.

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Different Methods To Unlock Your Apple iPhone 12 mini

The Apple iPhone 12 mini 14 and iPhone 14 Pro are the latest flagship smartphones from Apple. They come equipped with advanced security features such as passcodes and Face ID. However, there may be instances where you find yourself locked out of your device. It can happen due to a forgotten passcode or Face ID not matching.

This article will explore different methods to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini in such scenarios. Thus, providing you with the necessary steps to get your iPhone 14 unlocked.

Part 1: About the Apple iPhone 12 mini Passcode and Face ID

Before talking about the unlocked iPhone 14 Pro, it is crucial to understand its security features. The Apple iPhone 12 mini 14 and iPhone 14 Pro offer robust security features. It is to protect your data and ensure your device’s privacy. The primary methods of unlocking these devices include the passcode and Face ID. Both of which provide different levels of security and convenience.

Passcode

The passcode is a numeric or alphanumeric code that you set up to secure your Apple iPhone 12 mini. It acts as a barrier between unauthorized users and your device’s contents. When you set up your Apple iPhone 12 mini for the first time, you are prompted to create a passcode. You can choose a 6-digit or 4-digit passcode or a custom alphanumeric or numeric code. It all depends on your preference and the level of security you desire.

After setting up a passcode, it will be required every time you unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini. It is also required when accessing sensitive information or making changes to security settings. Moreover, it serves as the first line of defense in protecting your device from unauthorized access. If an incorrect passcode is entered many times, your Apple iPhone 12 mini will be disabled for a specific time. It increases your device’s security.

password feature of iphone 14

Face ID

Face ID is an advanced biometric authentication system on Apple iPhone 12 mini. It utilizes the Apple iPhone 12 mini device’s TrueDepth camera system. This includes sensors and an infrared camera to create a detailed map of your face. This facial recognition technology allows you to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini by looking at it. During the initial setup, you are prompted to enroll your face by positioning it within the frame.

You also need to move your head in a circular motion. Face ID captures and analyzes various facial features. These include the unique patterns of your eyes, nose, and mouth. You can set up two types of Face IDs on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro. These include one with a mask and one without a mask.

set up face id

Part 2: Methods To Unlock Your Apple iPhone 12 mini

Losing access to your Apple iPhone 12 mini 14 after forgetting its passcode can be frustrating. When looking for how to unlock iPhone 14, you will find that various methods are available. Below we have discussed the three most common methods to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini 14:

In this method, you will be erasing the iPhone, meaning all your data on the Apple iPhone 12 mini will be lost. Use the following steps to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini via iCloud:

Method 1: Using iCloud via Find My

This method lets you unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini using the Find My iPhone feature on iCloud. To use this method, ensure you have previously enabled Find My iPhone on your device. Moreover, you will also need Apple ID credentials to use your iCloud account.

In this method, you will be erasing the iPhone, meaning all your data on the Apple iPhone 12 mini will be lost. Use the following steps to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini via iCloud:

  • Step 1. Open a web browser and go to the iCloud website on a computer or another device. Sign in using your Apple ID, which should be the same credentials linked to your locked iPhone.

log in with apple id

  • Step 2. After signing in, click the “App Grid” icon on the top right corner and choose “Find My” from the options. On the Find iPhone page, you will see a list of devices associated with your iCloud account. Select your Apple iPhone 12 mini from the list.

tap on the find my feature

  • Step 3. Look for the “Erase iPhone” option from the Apple iPhone 12 mini device details and tap on it. This will start the erasure process on your Apple iPhone 12 mini. Afterward, follow the on-screen instructions to erase your Apple iPhone 12 mini. Once it is done, your device will be unlocked, and you will be able to set it up.

select erase iphone option

Pros

  • With internet access, you can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini remotely from any computer or device.
  • It allows you to locate your Apple iPhone 12 mini 14 or iPhone 14 Pro in case of you misplacing your device.

Cons

  • You must have previously enabled Find My iPhone on your locked device to use this method.

Method 2: Using iTunes on Your Computer

Restoring your Apple iPhone 12 mini with iTunes is another method to unlock your device when you have forgotten the passcode. This method involves using iTunes on a computer to erase your Apple iPhone 12 mini and install the latest iOS version.

For it, ensure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. Using this method will also result in losing all your data on the iPhone. Follow these steps to unlock iPhone 14 Pro Max with iTunes:

  • Step 1. Launch iTunes on your computer and connect your Apple iPhone 12 mini to your computer using a USB cable. Now first press and release the “Volume Up” button. Then repeat the same process with the “Volume Down” button.
  • Step 2. Finally, press and hold the “Side” button until your Apple iPhone 12 mini transitions to Recovery Mode. Now iTunes will detect your Apple iPhone 12 mini in Recovery Mode. It will display a pop-up message asking whether you want to restore or update your device.

enable the recovery mode

  • Step 3. Here, choose the “Restore” option. It will erase all data on your device and install the latest iOS version. Once it is complete, you will see the initial setup screen on your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

press the restore button

Pros

  • Recovery Mode is supported by iTunes on Windows or macOS versions prior to Catalina and by Finder on macOS Catalina and later.
  • If the passcode or Face ID issue is related to a software glitch or corruption, Recovery Mode can help restore your device to a stable state.

Cons

  • Users unfamiliar with Recovery Mode can get their devices stuck in it if they make a mistake.

Method 3: Using the Screen Unlock Feature of Wondershare Dr.Fone

You will come across many methods when looking for how to unlock iPhone 14. However, no way is simpler or safer than using Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) . It can remove all screen locks from iPhone, iPad, and iPad Touch. These types include 4-digit passcode, 6-digit passcode, Touch ID, and Face IDs.

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Steps to Use Wondershare Dr.Fone to Unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini

Learning how do you unlock an iPhone becomes a lot easier with Wondershare Dr.Fone. Here is how you can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini 14 with this iPhone screen unlock tool:

  • Step 1. Navigate to Unlock iOS Screen in Dr.Fone

Launch Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer and select “Screen Unlock” from the available options in the “Toolbox” menu. On the next screen, choose “iOS” and then click on “Unlock iOS Screen”.

unlock ios screen

Safe download safe & secure

  • Step 2. Enable Recovery Mode on Your Apple iPhone 12 mini

Connect your Apple iPhone 12 mini to the computer. Once Dr.Fone detects your Apple iPhone 12 mini, click on “Start”. Follow the on-screen instructions to put your device into Recovery Mode. Wondershare Dr.Fone will automatically detect the mode and iOS version of your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

press the start button

  • Step 3. Unlock Your Apple iPhone 12 mini

If the detected details are correct, click on “Start” to initiate the firmware downloading process. Once the firmware is downloaded, click on “Unlock Now.” A prompt window will appear asking for confirmation. Enter the code “000000” to confirm. The firmware will then be installed, which will unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

click on unlock now button

Pros

  • With Wondershare Dr.Fone’s help, you can also remove screen time passcodes.
  • It also lets you remove the SIM lock on your Apple iPhone 12 mini with ease.

Cons

  • When using Wondershare Dr.Fone to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini, you will lose your data.

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Part 3: Tips for Successful Apple iPhone 12 mini Unlocking

Unlocking your Apple iPhone 12 mini can be a delicate process. To increase your chances of success and avoid potential pitfalls, consider the following tips:

1. Check Device Eligibility

Make sure your Apple iPhone 12 mini is eligible for unlocking using the methods mentioned in this article. Different ways may have specific requirements or limitations, so verify compatibility beforehand. For example, if you want to use iCloud to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini 14, you need to have Find My enabled on the targeted device. For iTunes, you need to have the latest version of iTunes installed.

2. Backup Your Data

Using all the methods mentioned in this article will result in data loss. It is an important reminder that you should always create backups of your important data. If you are unsatisfied with native backup methods on your Apple iPhone 12 mini, Wondershare Dr.Fone is an excellent alternative. With it, you can create backups on your computer whenever you want using a one-click procedure.

If you find the manual backing up hectic, Wondershare Dr.Fone permits you to create an automatic incremental backup on your computer. These backups are done wirelessly at your specified time when both devices are connected to the same network.

3. Understand Terms and Conditions

Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions associated with the unlocking methods you plan to use. This includes any potential data loss, warranty implications, or risks involved. Be informed before proceeding. All unlocking methods, such as using iCloud’s Find My iPhone or restoring with iTunes, involve erasing your Apple iPhone 12 mini’s data.

Understand the potential data loss implications and ensure you have a recent backup to restore your data if needed. Moreover, you also need to ensure that you have the legal right to unlock the iPhone. Unlocking methods should only be used on devices you own or have explicit permission to unlock.

4. Follow Instructions Carefully

Following the instructions provided for each unlocking method is crucial to increase your chances of successful unlocking. Read the instructions thoroughly before starting the unlocking process. Familiarize yourself with each step and ensure you understand them. Take note of any prerequisites, such as having the latest version of iTunes installed, enabling Find My iPhone, or establishing a stable internet connection.

Avoid skipping or rushing through any steps, and carefully perform each action as instructed. Pay attention to details, such as button combinations, specific software settings, or prompts that may appear on your device or computer screen.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Unlocking an iPhone may encounter certain obstacles or issues along the way. First, you need to ensure that your Apple iPhone 12 mini 14 actually needs unlocking. For example, in the case of Face ID, you are required to enter the passcode after a particular time. In the case of a simple Face ID, you will need to enter a password every 48 hours if it hasn’t been unlocked during this time.

When both Face IDs, such as simple and mask, are enabled, every successful attempt adds 6.5 hours to the time before you are required to enter a passcode. Moreover, always use original or MFi-Certified cables to connect your Apple iPhone 12 mini to the computer.

Conclusion

To summarize, unlocking your Apple iPhone 12 mini can be daunting when you’ve forgotten your passcode or encounter Face ID issues. Thankfully, there are different methods available to regain access to your device. This article explored three methods: using iCloud’s Find My iPhone, restoring with iTunes, and utilizing Dr.Fone. Each way offers its advantages and considerations.

After careful evaluation, we recommend Wondershare Dr.Fone as the best choice to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini . It provides comprehensive features to unlock your device efficiently. Moreover, it offers a local backup option, ensuring that your data is safeguarded.

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  • Title: In 2024, Learn How To Lock Stolen Your iPhone 12 mini Properly
  • Author: Sophia
  • Created at : 2024-07-15 01:34:10
  • Updated at : 2024-07-16 01:34:10
  • Link: https://ios-unlock.techidaily.com/in-2024-learn-how-to-lock-stolen-your-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 iPhone 12 mini Properly