Like many other users, you may find that your iPhone or iPad won't unlock occasionally. This can be annoying because the locked screen prevents you from using your device. Sometimes, it is caused by sensor problems, software glitches, or hardware damage. In this guide, we will show you several solutions to fix the iPhone/iPad unlock issue.

Part 1: Unlock Your iPhone/iPad If Touch ID/Face ID Fails

If your iPhone or iPad won't slide to unlock, the issue may be related to Face ID, Touch ID, or screen sensitivity. In most cases, it is often quick and easy to fix.

Clean Your iPhone/iPad Sensor

Dirt, oil, or moisture can interfere with the iPhone/iPad's accurate recognition. If your device uses Touch ID, gently clean the Home button and make sure your finger is clean and dry. For Face ID models, wipe the front camera and sensor area with a soft, dry cloth. Also make sure that your face is not heavily covered by a mask, sunglasses, or accessories that block key facial features, and there's enough lighting for Face ID to detect your face.

Remove Your iPhone/iPad Screen Protector

If your iPhone or iPad won't swipe up to unlock, the problem might be caused by a thick or poorly installed screen protector. Some screen protectors can reduce touch sensitivity and block Face ID sensors, affecting normal screen response.

Try removing the screen protector temporarily and test again. If it works, consider switching to a thinner, high-quality screen protector.

Use a Passcode

If biometric authentication fails multiple times, your device will prompt you to unlock with the passcode. Swipe up or press the Home button, then enter your passcode manually. If you remember your iPhone/iPad password, this is the fastest fix. If you forgot it, move to Part 2 to find the solution.

Part 2: Unlock Your iPhone/iPad If You Forgot the Passcode

If you forgot your iPhone/iPad passcode, and your device shows messages like "iPhone/iPad Unavailable" after multiple failed attempts. In such a case, how to unlock your iPhone/iPad without a passcode? A practical solution is to use Apeaksoft iOS Unlocker, an iOS unlock tool that can easily remove various kinds of screen locks on your iPhone without a password.

How to unlock your iPhone/iPad without a passcode:

Step 1. Download and install iOS Unlocker for Windows or Mac. Launch the program and click Unlock iOS Screen in the main interface.

Step 2. Connect your device to the computer using a USB cable. Once the device is detected, confirm your device information, then click Start Now to continue.

Step 3. Download the required firmware package. Please wait patiently while the download completes.

Step 4. When prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to confirm this action. You may need to confirm twice to verify the firmware.

Step 5. After verification, the unlocking process will start automatically. Wait a few minutes, and your device will restart, and you can set up a new screen passcode.

Part 3: Fix Your iPhone/iPad If It's Frozen and Won't Unlock

If your iPhone/iPad is stuck, unresponsive, or frozen on the lock screen, it may be caused by software bugs, system glitches, update errors, or hardware issues. There are still effective ways to fix your iPhone/iPad won't unlock. Try these 3 methods to quickly resolve this issue.

Force Restart Your iPhone/iPad

A force restart can fix temporary system glitches. You can reboot your device by following these steps:

• For iPhone 8 and later models:
  Press and release the Volume Up button. Press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 7/7 Plus:
  Press and hold the Volume Down and Side buttons until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 6 and older models:
  Press and hold the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button together until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPad with Face ID or Touch ID in the Top button:
  Press and release the Volume Up button. Press and release the Volume Down button. Hold the Top button until the Apple logo shows up.
• For iPad with the Home Button:
  Press and hold both the Home and Side buttons at the same time. Keep holding until you see the Apple logo.

Restore Your iPhone/iPad in Recovery Mode

If your iPhone or iPad is still frozen and won't unlock after rebooting, restoring it in Recovery Mode can help resolve deeper system issues. You need a computer, a USB cable, and iTunes installed on your computer. Please note that restoring your device will erase all data, so make sure you have a previous backup before proceeding.

Step 1. Put your device into Recovery Mode

For iPhone/iPad with Face ID:

Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button. Hold the Side/Top button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

For iPhone 6s or iPad with a Home Button:

Press and hold the Home button and the Top/Side button at the same time. Keep holding both buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen.

Step 2. Connect your device to the computer via a USB cable. Open iTunes on your computer and select the device you want to unlock from the sidebar.

Step 3. Click Restore in the pop-up window, and then your device will be restored to the factory settings.

Unlock Your iPhone/iPad with Find My

Another effective solution for an iPad or iPhone that won't shut down or unlock is using Find My. This feature lets you remotely unlock the device through iCloud without a computer. But you need Find My enabled on your device, and you're aware of the associated Apple ID and passcode.

Step 1. On another device, open iCloud in a web browser and log in with your Apple ID and password.

Step 2. Click All Devices at the top of the screen. Select the device you want to unlock from the device list.

Step 3. Choose Erase iPhone or Erase iPad, then confirm the action. Your device will be erased remotely, including the lock screen passcode.

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