"Recently, I got the Unlock iPhone to use accessories error and it won't charge my phone, any suggestions on what I should do?" Due to USB Restricted Mode, you must unlock your iPhone or iPad to connect a USB accessory on iOS 12 and above. The purpose is to protect your iOS device from hacking tools like GrayKey. This article tells you why you see the error message and how to fix it.

Part 1: Why Unlock iPhone to Use Accessories Message Occurs

The accessory-connected unlocks the iPhone to use accessories. An error may occur on any iPhone running iOS 12 or newer. It typically occurs when your iPhone or iPad detects that an unauthorized accessory is being connected to the device. Other main reasons include:

Outdated software

Dirt or Debris in the charging port

Hardware malfunction

Part 2: How to Fix Unlock iPhone to Use Accessories

If you see the unlock iPad to use accessories error when connecting an accessory, you can unlock your device with Touch ID or Face ID quickly and easily. If it is annoying you or the error persists, follow the solutions below to fix it.

Solution 1: Turn off USB Restricted Mode

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2. Go to the Face ID & Passcode tab. Choose Touch ID & Passcode on old versions of iOS. Enter your device passcode if prompted.

Step 3. Then toggle on Accessories or USB Accessories under the Allow Access When Locked heading. Now, you can connect USB accessories to your iPhone or iPad when locked.

Solution 2: Update Software

Outdated software can lead to various errors, including the unlock iPhone to use accessories error when charging. Experts suggest users keep their iOS up to date. If your iOS device is still accessible, you can update the software directly. If not, you have to update the software with iTunes or Finder.

Update Software on iPhone

Step 1. Go to the Settings app.

Step 2. Navigate to General and Software Update to search for updates.

Step 3. If an update is available, tap the Download and Install button and follow the prompts to install it.

Update Software in iTunes

Step 1. Open iTunes on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier. Run Finder on macOS Catalina or newer.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a compatible cable.

Step 3. When your device is detected, click the Phone button and go to the Summary tab in iTunes. In Finder, click your device name and head to the General tab.

Step 4. Click the Check for Update button and install the available update.

Solution 3: Clean Charging Port

Step 1. Long-press the Side or Sleep/Wake button until the power-off screen appears.

Step 2. Move the slider to shut down your device.

Step 3. Then, use a small and soft brush to remove any dirt or debris from the charging port

Step 4. Next, turn on your iPhone and re-connect the USB accessory to check if the unlock iPhone to use accessories message disappeared.

Solution 4: Check Your USB Cable

Due to security concerns, the iPhone and iPad only work with USB cables from Apple or authorized manufacturers. If you are using a non-Apple certified accessory, the unlock iPhone to use accessories message will appear as a security alert. To get rid of the message, you must use Apple-certified accessories.

Part 3: How to Bypass Unlock iPhone to Use Accessories Effectively

If you can't unlock your iPhone or iPad to use accessories, Apeaksoft iOS Unlocker can help resolve this problem. It enables you to unlock any iOS device without the passcode or other restrictions.

How to Bypass Unlock iPhone to Use Accessories

Step 1. Connect to your iPhone

When you cannot unlock your iPhone to use accessories, install the iOS Unlocker on your computer and launch it. Hook up your iPhone to your computer with a Lightning cable. The software will recognize it automatically. Click Start to move on.

Step 2. Check device information

After your device information is loaded, check each item. If any item is wrong, correct it. Then, click Start to download the firmware.

Step 3. Unlock your iPhone

When the download finishes, click Unlock to continue. Then, enter 0000 into the box and confirm that you are unlocking your device. You can also remove MDM profile with this program.

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