How to Unlock Stolen iPhone? 4 Solutions Here!

Updated by Brian Davis on Aug 12, 2024 10:00 AM • Category: Unlock iOS
5 mins read

"Last week, I bought a used iPhone online. However, when I get the phone, I found that it may be a stolen iPhone. There is a screen lock on the iPhone, and I cannot contact the seller anymore. Does anyone know how to unlock a stolen iPhone?"

how to unlock a stolen iphone

Whenever you buy a used or second-hand iPhone, the first thing you should do is to check if the screen lock passcode is removed, or if the Apple ID and iCloud account have been logged out. Otherwise, you will not be able to unlock and use the iPhone normally. And it can only be a brick. If you think that you have bought a stolen iPhone, this post will help you.

Solution 1. How to Unlock a stolen iPhone without Passcode or Face ID

TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is a dedicated iOS unlocking program that supports unlocking iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. With the powerful unlocking features of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, users can easily unlock their iOS devices within several simple clicks. This program helps unlock disabled iPhone, unlock iPhone with broken screen, unlock iPhone with emergency screen, etc. Besides, users can use this program to remove Apple ID, remove MDM from iPhone, and unlock iPhone Screen Time restriction. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, to help users unlock their iOS devices without any expert skills.

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Key Features of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

  • Available on the latest iOS version including 17
  • Unlock stolen iPhone within several minutes
  • Enable to factory reset iDevices without passwords
  • Unlock iPhone/iPad/iPod touch with ease
  • Help to remove Face ID and fingerprint recognition
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The following will show you how to unlock a stolen iPhone without passcode or Face ID.

Step 1Connect your iPhone to a computer

To begin with, please connect your iPhone to a computer. Then, launch TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. When your iPhone is detected, click on the Unlock iOS Screen option. Then, hit on the Start button to continue.

iphone unlocker

Step 2Put your iPhone into Recovery mode

Here, you will need to put your iPhone into Recovery mode or DFU mode. You can follow the on-screen instruction to execute this operation.

put iphone into recovery mode

Step 3Download firmware package

Here, you will need to download the firmware package to unlock the stolen iPhone. Ensure that all the given information is nothing wrong with your iPhone. Then, click on the Download button.

download firmware package

Step 4Unlock stolen iPhone without passcode or Face ID

When the firmware package is downloaded, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to unlock the stolen iPhone. It won't take a long time to make it. Wait patiently for the progress bar to finish and then click the Done button on the screen, then you can reset your iPhone.

unlock a stolen iphone

Solution 2. How to unlock stolen iPhone passcode without computer

If the stolen iPhone is running in iOS 10.3.2 or iOS 10.3.3, using Siri is a feasible method to access your iPhone. This method will not cause any data loss, though it is a little complicated. You can follow the below steps to make it if your iPhone is running iOS 10.3.2 or 10.3.3.

Step 1. Keep holding the Home button to activate Siri on your stolen iPhone. Then ask Siri "What is the Time".
Step 2. Then, click on the Time icon to launch the Time app.
Step 3. On the top-right corner, you will see a + icon, click on it and type any character into the bar.

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Step 4. Press the word you have typed into the bar, and click on the Share button.
Step 5. When the pop-up appears, select the Message icon. Then, enter anything into the To filed.
Step 6. Here, please click on the Return button on your keyboard, and hit on the + icon to create a new contact.
Step 7. Press the Home button to back to the Home screen.

restore itunes backup

Solution 3. How to unlock a stolen iPhone via Recovery Mode

If the Siri method is not working on your iPhone, you can put the stolen iPhone into Recovery mode and then restore it via iTunes. It is worth noting that restore your iPhone via Recovery mode will erase all the data content from your iPhone, including the screen lock. If you don't know how to make it, you can follow the below steps to unlock stolen iPhone without knowing the passcode.

Step 1. To begin with, launch iTunes on your computer and connect your iPhone to the computer.
Step 2. Turn off your iPhone. Then, put your iPhone into Recovery mode. If you don't know how to put your iPhone into Recovery mode:
For iPhone 6 or earlier models: Keep holding the Home and Top buttons until your iPhone screen shows the Recovery mode.
For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and keep holding the Volume Down and Side buttons. When your iPhone shows the Recovery mode screen, release both buttons.
For iPhone 8 or earlier models: Press the Volume Up button and release it quickly. Then, do the same to the Volume Down button. Keep holding the Side button until your iPhone turn to the Recovery mode screen.

put iphone into recovery mode

Step 3. When your iPhone is in Recovery mode, you will see a pop-up window on iTunes. Click on the Restore option to unlock the stolen iPhone.

restore iphone in recovery mode

Solution 4. How to unlock a stolen iPhone via IMEIUnlockSIM

IMEI Unlock SIM is a website that provides services to remove various locks from iOS devices. While a stolen iPhone typically has an Activation Lock, this site claims to offer services to bypass such locks.

A thief could access a site like IMEI Unlock SIM, enter the stolen iPhone’s IMEI or serial number, and make a payment to unlock the device. Within five to ten days, the service might remotely unlock the iPhone, making it usable by everyone.

While such services can be useful for situations like purchasing a second-hand iPhone where the original owner cannot be contacted, they are not suitable for stolen devices. If you report your iPhone as lost to Apple and it gets blacklisted, the chances of the thief successfully unlocking the device are significantly reduced. Blacklisted iPhones are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to unlock.

unlock a stolen iphone via imeiunlocksim

FAQs about stolen iPhone

1. Can a stolen iPhone be unlocked?

Your iPhone will probably be unlocked if you have not enabled the Lost Mode when your iPhone is stolen or lost. A thief can use the above methods to unlock your iPhone. Therefore, it is important to enable the lost mode as soon as your iPhone is stolen or lost. If you have set up the Find My iPhone feature on your iPhone, the theif will not be able to unlock the stolen iPhone.

2. What should I do if I found a lost iPhone?

When you find a lost iPhone, you can check if the Lost Mode is enabled on the iPhone. You can contact the owner if the Lost mode is enabled.

3. What should I do if my iPhone & iPad is stolen?

If your iPhone or iPad is stolen, it's crucial to act quickly to protect your data and prevent unauthorized use. Here's a step-by-step guide on what you should do:

Tip 1: Use Find My iPhone/iPad

  • Go to iCloud.com or use the Find My app on another Apple device.
  • Select "Find iPhone" (or "Find iPad") and choose your stolen device from the list.
  • Activate "Lost Mode" to lock your device with a passcode and display a custom message with a contact number. This can help someone return the device to you.
  • If you believe your device cannot be recovered, use the "Erase iPhone" (or "Erase iPad") option to remotely wipe all data. This will remove your device from Find My and all your personal information.

Tip 2: Change Your Passwords

  • Change your Apple ID password to prevent anyone from accessing your iCloud data or other services linked to your Apple ID.
  • Update passwords for other accounts and apps that were accessible from your device, such as email, banking, and social media.

Tip 3: Monitor for Suspicious Activity

  • Monitor your accounts for unusual activity that might indicate someone is using your information.
  • Notify your bank or credit card companies if you had financial apps on the stolen device. They can monitor for unauthorized transactions.

Tip 4: Report the Theft

  • File a police report with details about the theft. Provide them with the device’s IMEI number or serial number. This is helpful for recovery and for insurance purposes.
  • Inform your mobile carrier about the theft. They can suspend your account to prevent calls, texts, and data usage on the stolen device.

4. How to check the used iPhone I bought is stolen or not?

Before purchasing the phone, you can ask the seller to show you the IMEI number, or get your device's IMEI number by dialing *#06#. After successfully obtaining the IMEI, you can check your device information, perform blocklist checks, and get pricing via Swappa.com.

Conclusion

That's all about how to unlock a stolen iPhone. If you think that you have bought a stolen iPhone, the above methods will show you how to unlock the stolen iPhone with ease. If you have other questions, please feel free to leave us a comment or try using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to solve your problem.

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