Unlock your devices in 3 steps
Recover data in 3 steps
Feb 21, 2025 • Filed to: Remove Screen Lock • Proven solutions
Don't panic if you are locked from your iPhone and forgot the passcode. A workaround using the emergency call feature can help you regain access to your device, especially if you are using an older iOS version.
But what if you're using the latest iPhone models? You might wonder how to unlock your iPhone using the emergency call screen in such cases. These are common queries that arise when you learn about the possibility of bypassing the iPhone lock screen using the emergency call feature. Let's delve into these questions and explore the available options.
Unlocking the iPhone lock screen using the emergency call feature is only feasible on devices running iOS 6.1 or earlier. This is due to a security vulnerability present in the emergency call functionality of iOS 6.1. However, Apple promptly addressed and fixed this loophole in the next iOS versions.
Moreover, although it’s possible to open your iPhone using the emergency call, this method only allows you to access contacts, phone dialers, and photos. If you want to access the rest of your iPhone data or unlock an iPhone running iOS 6.1 or later, check out Part 3.
In the next section, we will give you an easy step-by-step guide on how to unlock your iPhone using the emergency call.
If you're still using an iPhone 5, there's a chance it's running on iOS 6.1. This allows you to unlock it using the emergency call feature when you forget the passcode. To confirm your iOS version, you can go to Settings > About.
How to unlock iPhone passcode without a computer using emergency call:
Step 1: Slide to unlock your iPhone and enter any incorrect passcode.
Step 2: Dismiss the passcode screen, then slide to unlock again. Tap on the Emergency Call option instead of entering a passcode.
Step 3: Long-press the power button until the turn-off slider shows up, then tap Cancel. You'll notice the taskbar at the top of the iPhone screen changes to light blue.
Step 4: Dial 112 (an emergency number like 911), click the emergency call button, and swiftly follow by clicking Cancel. Next, press your iPhone’s power button and release it to turn off the screen.
Step 5: Once the screen is off, press either the Home or Power button to turn it on. Long-press the power button for about 3 seconds, then click the Emergency Call button before the turn-off slider appears. This action should unlock the iPhone.
Now, you have learned how to open your iPhone using the emergency call. If you're using newer iOS versions, proceed to the next sections on how to bypass your iPhone lock screen.
For those using an iPhone with a newer iOS version, there’s an alternative to how to unlock an iPhone using emergency call. One such solution is bypassing your iPhone lock screen using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS).
Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock for iOS is compatible with all iOS systems and iPhone models. This tool provides a reliable way to bypass the lock screen without losing your data.
Unlock iPhone/iPad Lock Screen Without Hassle.
How to unlock an iPhone without a passcode with Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock tool:
Step 1: Access the Screen Unlock Tool
After installing Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer, connect your iPhone device. Then, go to Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS to launch the tool in a new window.
Step 2: Choose Unlock iOS Option
Select “Unlock iOS Screen” and click “Start” on the next window to proceed.
Step 3: Enter Recovery Mode
Follow the instructions provided by Dr.Fone to put your iOS device into Recovery Mode or DFU Mode, according to your device model.
Step 4: Confirm Device Details
Dr.Fone will automatically detect your device model. You only need to confirm and adjust the model and system version if necessary. Then, click “Start” to unlock your iPhone's screen.
Step 5: Download iOS Firmware
Monitor the download progress of the iOS firmware. Once you’ve downloaded the firmware, click “Unlock Now” to continue.
Step 6: Confirm Unlocking Process
Enter the code on the screen to confirm the unlocking process. Make sure your iPhone remains connected throughout the process to avoid any issues.
Once the unlocking process is complete, click “Done” to finish. If your iPhone remains locked, you can click Try Again to restart the process.
While utilizing the emergency call feature or Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) can effectively unlock your iPhone screen, there are additional methods you can explore. These include using Find My app, Siri, iTunes, and iCloud.
We will show you alternative ways to bypass your iPhone lock screen, along with scenarios for each method.
Step 1: Launch the Find My app on your iPhone or any other Apple device. Sign in with your Apple ID when prompted.
Step 2: Select your iPhone from the list of devices displayed, then opt for the "Erase This Device" option.
Step 3: After your iPhone has been successfully erased, you'll have the option to set it up as a new device or restore it from a previously saved backup.
Siri is a virtual assistant integrated into iOS that is designed to assist users with various tasks. You can only use Siri to unlock your iPhone if:
How to unlock iPhone with Siri:
Step 1: Activate Siri on your iPhone
Initiate Siri by saying "Hey, Siri" or by pressing the button located on the right side of your phone.
Step 2: Navigate to the clock.
Prompt Siri with the query, "What is the time now?" After receiving the response, a clock will appear on your screen. Tap the clock icon to access the World Clock. Then, tap the "+" button and type in any words. Select the text and opt to share it via message.
Step 3: Access the Photos Library.
As a new message window opens, input any word in the "To" field. Tap the "+" button and select "Create New Contact." Proceed to "Add Photo" > "Choose Photo" to enter the Photos Library.
Step 4: Return to the home screen.
Press the Home button to navigate back to the home screen. From there, you'll have access to any app on your iPhone.
Aside from its media capabilities, iTunes also serves as a mobile device management tool. To unlock your iPhone with iTunes, you'll need:
How to unlock your iPhone with iTunes:
Step 1: Shut down your iPhone.
Step 2: Enter Recovery Mode on your iPhone
Connect your iPhone to your computer and follow these steps based on your iPhone model:
Continue holding the buttons until the Recovery Mode screen is displayed on your iPhone. If the passcode screen appears, power off your iPhone and retry the steps.
Step 4: Restore your iPhone
Locate your iPhone in Finder or iTunes on your computer. When prompted with the option to Restore or Update, select Restore. If the process takes longer than 15 minutes and your iPhone exits Recovery Mode, let the download finish, power off your iPhone, and try again.
Step 5: Unplug your iPhone from your computer.
Unlocking your iPhone through iCloud offers an alternative solution if you've forgotten your passcode or your device is disabled. This method works if:
How to unlock iPhone via iCloud:
Step 1: Access iCloud.com from a different device and log in using your Apple ID and password.
Step 2: Click "Find My" and log in.
Step 3: After viewing a map and a list of your devices, locate the specific iPhone you wish to unlock and click "Erase This Device."
Step 4: Provide your Apple ID and password to proceed with erasing your iPhone. Following this step, you can set it up as a new device or restore it from your most recent backup.
In this article, we have covered how to unlock your iPhone using the emergency call. This method is effective for older iOS versions, particularly iOS 6.1, where a security vulnerability allows for bypassing the lock screen.
However, for newer iOS versions and comprehensive unlocking options, alternatives such as Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) can be a versatile solution. There are also methods like using iCloud or iTunes that allow you to regain access and unlock your iPhone even if you've forgotten the passcode.
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