Solved! How to Unlock a Used or Second-hand iPhone
New iPhones don't create issues like unlocking the device. However, used or second-hand iPhones need a passcode to unlock. This shows that the previous owner of the iPhone has set a passcode to unlock the device and did not factory reset the device. People who use second-hand iPhones ask for solutions to the issue of how to unlock a used iPhone.
This article will provide the best 4 methods for unlocking a second-hand iPhone without a passcode. The given methods will help you restore the iOS device. However, if you find the methods difficult or restricted, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will unlock your iPhone efficiently. Go through the article, try the solutions and unlock a used or second-hand iPhone.
Best 4 Methods to Unlock a Used iPhone
Method 1. Restore Used iPhone via iTunes
Restoring iPhone with recovery mode is helpful as it does not erase your mobile data. If you have not backed up the device, you can save your device data with recovery mode.
Follow the given steps to unlock a used iPhone with recovery mode:
Step 1. Connect the iPhone to a Mac or Windows computer.
Step 2. The steps to put an iPhone into recovery mode depend on your iPhone model.
For iPhone 6s or earlier: Press the Home and Volume Up buttons together. Hold them until you see the screen with a recovery mode.
For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Top and Volume Down buttons together. Continue holding them until the recovery mode appears on the screen.
For iPhone 8 or later: Press the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons. Then press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
Step 3. Open the Finder on your computer. At the sidebar, locate your device and click on it.
Step 4. A pop-up window will appear with two options Update and Restore.
Step 5. Click on the Restore option to unlock the used iPhone.
Method 2. Erase Used iPhone via Find My iPhone Feature
With the "Find My iPhone" feature, you can solve several iPhone-related issues, such as finding a missing phone and securing your mobile data in case of theft. Also, you can use the feature to erase the used iPhone to unlock its passcode.
It is important to know that you can only use the "Find My iPhone" if you have the Apple ID signed in on the device along with its password. Also, the feature must be installed on the iPhone.
Follow the given guide to unlocking a second-hand iPhone through Find My iPhone:
Step 1. Open the iCloud website on your Windows or Mac computer. Enter the Apple ID and password enabled in the locked iPhone and log into iCloud's website.
Step 2. Click on the "Find My" option and choose "All Devices". All the devices with the Apple ID will appear.
Step 3. Choose the locked iPhone.
Step 4. Some options will appear to operate the device. Click on the "Erase iPhone" to clear all the data.
The second-hand iPhone is now erased with the help of the "Find My iPhone" feature.
Method 3. Restore Used iPhone via Recovery Mode
A factory reset is a helpful way to unlock a second-hand iPhone. Factory reset deletes everything a phone has and restores it with a new, unused version. You can use the factory reset method via iTunes to recover the phone with its default settings. All you need to have your second-hand iPhone, Mac, or Windows PC and a USB cable to connect the phone to the computer.
Follow the given steps to unlock a used iPhone using iTunes:
Step 1. Connect your iPhone via a USB cable to a Mac or Windows computer. Turn off your iPhone and launch iTunes on the computer.
Step 2. It's time to put your iPhone in recovery mode. The steps to put an iPhone into recovery mode depending on its model.
For iPhone 6s or earlier: Press the Home and Volume Up buttons together. Hold them until you see the screen with a recovery mode.
For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Top and Volume Down buttons together. Continue holding them until the recovery mode appears on the screen.
For iPhone 8 or later: Press the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons. Then press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
Step 3. Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, a pop-up window will appear. From the two options, click on the "Restore" button.
Method 4. How to Unlock a Used iPhone/Second-hand iPhone Without Passcode
All the above iPhone unlocking methods help restore a used iPhone. But you are restricted from using the services due to some limits. Sometimes, you need to provide the Apple ID signed into the device, and you know nothing about it. In that case, you can't unlock an iPhone without third-party software.
TunesKit iPhone Unlocker stands out in locking iPhones without a passcode. You can restore an iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with a few steps using the TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. Also, the software can reset your Apple ID if you forgot it and factory reset iOS devices without passcode or Apple ID. The Unlocker is compatible with latest iOS/iPad 16, iPhone 13, 12, 11, etc.
TunesKit iPhone Unlocker
- Fully compatible with most iOS device models
- Open iPod/iPhone/iPad without passwords
- Unlock used or second-hand iPhone without passcode
- Allow users to factory reset iDevices without Apple ID
- Easy-to-use feature and user-friendly interface
600,000+ Downloads
600,000+ Downloads
The process to unlock a used iPhone with TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is easy. Follow the given step-by-step guide:
Step 1Launch the Unlocker and Connect iPhone to Computer
Install, download and launch TunesKit iPhone Unlocker on your computer. Connect your iPhone to the computer by using a USB cable. On the main interface, you must choose the TunesKit Unlocker's purpose. Choose the "Unlock iOS Screen" option and click on the "Start" tab.
Step 2Put iPhone into DFU Mode
The Unlocker will provide you the instructions about the process of putting your iPhone into DFU mode according to your iPhone model. Follow the guide and boot the locked iPhone with DFU mode.
Step 3Download Firmware Package
After successfully running your iOS device into DFU mode, the Unlocker will provide you with information about the iPhone. Check the information and if there is something wrong, correct it. Now click on the "Download" tab to download the Firmware package.
Step 4Unlock Second-hand iPhone without Passcode
Once the firmware package is downloaded successfully, click the "Unlock" option to unlock your iPhone. In a few minutes, the Unlocker will restore your iPhone. Click on "Done" to complete the process. You can now use the second-hand iPhone with a new passcode.
Conclusion
iPhones are not a handful of affordable purchases for all users. People buy used or second-hand iPhones from merchants and dealers. How to unlock a used iPhone is a frequently asked question by iPhone users who purchase second-hand iPhones. If you are one of them, you must try the methods mentioned above to solve the issue. Other than common methods, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is a reliable source to solve the iPhone-related issue. We highly recommend you use the Unlocker to unlock iOS devices with multiple issues.
