How to Unlock locked iPhone SE (2020) by restoring it to factory settings

How to Unlock locked iPhone SE (2020) by restoring it to factory settings

Vivienne Lv13

Unlock iPhone SE (2020) without Passcode or Face ID

A problem commonly faced by all iPhone users is that they forget the password, and then they are stuck because they cannot use their phone anymore. This might seem impossible because iPhone users cannot use the phone without a passcode, but let us show you a magical application that makes this impossible.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock, the well-known application among most iPhone users, can resolve the problem quickly. This is a very secure platform for iPhone users because it promises to safeguard user’s personal information. The application is easy to use, that even a new person can use it without facing any trouble. Let us highlight its features.

  • It runs on all major iOS versions.
  • It can unlock the phone. It doesn’t matter if it’s second-hand or if you forgot the password.
  • Easy to handle and use, no technical skills are required.
  • It can even unlock a disabled phone without using its passcode.

This might be possible that not all iPhone users know about Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock, so, for such users, let us take you through the steps that are required to unlock iPhone SE (2020) using Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock without a passcode.

  • Step 1: Download and Install the Application

First of all, the user is supposed to download Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock from its official website and install it on your Windows or Mac system. Once it is installed, the application is all set and ready to use; launch it in the time of need and unlock your iPhone SE (2020) without a passcode.

After the application is launched, the Welcome Screen will appear with different options. The user is requested to select the option of ‘Screen Unlock.’

Screen Unlock

  • Step 2: Connect Phone with System

In the second step, the user should connect their phone to the system and let Dr.Fone ‘s application automatically detect it. Whenever you are ready to initiate the process, click on the button ‘Unlock iOS Screen.’

Connect Phone

  • Step 3: DFU Mode Activation

Once the application has detected your iPhone SE (2020), you now need to activate the DFU mode. Step by step illustration on how to activate DFU mode is shared on-screen.

DFU Mode

  • Step 4: Download Firmware Update

A new window will appear now on which the application will ask for some information regarding your iOS device. Provide the application with asked information and click on the ‘Download’ button to get the firmware update for your iPhone SE (2020).

Download Firmware

The user is requested to wait for some time, as the firmware update is being downloaded for your phone. Once that is done, now click on the ‘Unlock Now’ button to complete the process.

Unlock Now

  • Step 5: Confirmation Code

The application will now ask for the confirmation code. Just provide the on-screen confirmation code and let the process complete itself. As soon as that is done, the application will notify you through the interface. The process can also be repeated by clicking on the ‘Try Again’ button.

Confirmation Code

Unlock Locked iPhone SE (2020) by Restoring it to Default Settings – iTunes

iPhone users make sure that they connect and sync their devices with iTunes because their data is safe. iPhone users live without the fear of losing their data because it is backed up. Taking more advantage of this, iPhone users can restore their phone to default settings and can even unlock their iPhone without using a passcode.

Let us show you how to unlock iPhone SE (2020) without using a passcode;

  1. Start the process by turning off your iPhone SE (2020).

  2. After that, plug in your phone to the computer and open iTunes.

  3. Once the phone is connected with iTunes, click on ‘Summary’ that will appear on the screen’s left side.
    Screen Unlock

  4. After the summary screen is opened, you will see the option of ‘Restore iPhone’; click on that option.

    Screen Unlock

  5. This option will bring you to a new window that will be asking for your confirmation on the decision to restore your device.

  6. As soon as that is done and iTunes has finished the process, your iPhone SE (2020) will be restored to default settings.

Unlock Disabled iPhone SE (2020) Using iTunes or macOS Finder

Of course, there is an official way that Apple provides for users to restore device firmware using iTunes or macOS Finder. For this, iPhone SE (2020) is put under Recovery Mode manually and Finder or iTunes is used to reinstall software on it directly from Apple. This process is fine for people who are conversant in tech, since this process can throw up a lot of errors that are just numbers, and people can get confused as to what they mean, resulting in frustration.

  • Step 1: Connect your iPhone SE (2020) to a Windows/ macOS device and launch iTunes. If you are on a Mac that runs macOS Catalina or higher, open Finder since you would not have access to iTunes anymore.

  • Step 2: Pick your iPhone SE (2020) and do the following:

    • (2.1) Press the volume up button and let it go.
    • (2.2) Press the volume down button and let it go.
    • (2.3) Press the Side Button (power button, on the right side of your iPhone SE (2020)) and keep it pressed till Finder or iTunes detects the phone in Recovery Mode.

Unlock Disabled iPhone SE (2020) Using iTunes or macOS Finder

  • Step 3: Choose Restore to download and reinstall the latest iOS on your iPhone SE (2020) and unlock your iPhone SE (2020).

When the iPhone SE (2020) reboots, it will be reset to factory settings, and you can set it up again as you did when brand new.

Unlock Disabled iPhone SE (2020) Using Find My iPhone App

There are times you have another iOS device in the family or just lying around, you can use that device to unlock your disabled iPhone SE (2020). This method is particularly useful if you’re traveling with family or alone, and only have family members with their own iOS devices or, say, your iPad with you. As always, note that all these methods will wipe your data from your iPhone.

  • Step 1: Open the Find My app on your other iOS device or Mac.

Open the Find My app on your other iOS device or Mac

  • Step 2: Select your disabled iPhone SE (2020) from the devices from the left pane, click/ tap your disabled iPhone SE (2020) and click/ tap Erase This Device

The disabled iPhone will be wiped and reset to factory settings. You can then set it up again.

Unlock Disabled iPhone SE (2020) Without iTunes/ iCloud

We know and understand that the word troubleshooting can remind you of long telephone calls with support or making appointments and driving down to specialists and spending obscene amounts of money to get solutions. You do not want that. How about a way you could unlock your iPhone SE (2020) in a simple, 1-click way instead?

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is a tool that can help you unlock your iPhone SE (2020) without iTunes or iCloud. It is a simple and easy-to-use tool that can help you unlock your iPhone SE (2020) in a few minutes. It is a safe and reliable tool that can help you unlock your iPhone SE (2020) without any data loss. It is compatible with all iOS devices and all versions of iOS. It is a simple and easy-to-use tool that can help you unlock your iPhone SE (2020) in a few minutes. It is a safe and reliable tool that can help you unlock your iPhone SE (2020) without any data loss. It is compatible with all iOS devices and all versions of iOS.

  • Step 1: Launch Dr.Fone and click the module titled "Screen Unlock"

  • Step 2: Choose the "iOS" option, then select "Unlock iOS Screen" on the subsequent screen to continue unlocking your iPhone SE (2020).

Unlock iOS Screen

  • Step 3: Follow the provided instructions to start the disabled iPhone SE (2020) in Recovery Mode to unlock it. If for any reason the phone does not boot in Recovery Mode, there are instructions provided at the bottom to enter what is called DFU mode.

Enter Recovery Mode

  • Step 4: Dr.Fone will read and display your phone model and the software installed on it. If the model displayed is incorrect, use the dropdown to pick the correct detail. Click "Start" to download the specific firmware file for your particular iPhone SE (2020) model.

Download Firmware

  • Step 5: After the download completes, please click Unlock Now to start unlocking the disabled iPhone SE (2020).

Unlock Now

Your iPhone SE (2020) will be unlocked in a short span of time. Please note that all data would have been wiped out from the device. When you set the device up again, if you set it to use iCloud, data such as Contacts, iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive data, etc. will be downloaded onto your device again. The apps you had on your iPhone SE (2020) prior to it getting disabled can be downloaded again from the App Store. If you did not use iCloud but backed up the data manually, you will have to manually restore that data onto the device again.

What Can You Do with Face ID?

Most of us know that we can unlock iPhone SE (2020) with our face via Face ID instead of a thumbprint or passcode. But actually, Face ID does more than just that. Let us learn more cool things you can do with Face ID, which helps you to make a decision if you still want to disable it. Here‘s what you can do on your iPhone SE (2020) with Face ID:

Unlock Your iPhone SE (2020)

As an authentication mechanism, Face ID enables you to unlock your iPhone SE (2020) with a look. How to do that? Here are the steps:

  • Step1: Pick your iPhone SE (2020) up in your hands or tap the screen to wake it up.
  • Step2: Look at the iPhone.
    When the lock symbol changes to the unlocked position, you can swipe up to unlock your iPhone SE (2020) using Face ID and get to the Home Screen.Note that Face ID will not work in landscape mode on an iPhone SE (2020).

Making Purchases Using Face ID on Your iPhone SE (2020)

Face ID allows you to authenticate yourself to make purchases in the App Store, Book Store, and iTunes Store and use Apple Pay wherever supported.

Lowering Ringer and Alarm Volume Automatically

Face ID also enables what Apple calls Attention Aware features that are conveniences afforded to users who have a Face ID enabled iPhone.

What is Face ID?

Setting up and using Attention Aware features is easy:

  • Step 1: Go to Settings > Face ID and passcode.

  • Step 2: Toggle Require Attention For Face ID On.

  • Step 3: Toggle Attention Aware Features On.

That’s it. Now, when you get a call and your iPhone SE (2020) is ringing loud, looking at your iPhone SE (2020) will cause it to lower the volume. When an alarm goes off, you can lower the volume by simply looking at your iPhone. Additionally, your iPhone screen will not dim or switch off for the duration you are looking at it. This means you can now read those books on Kindle without constantly tapping the screen for it to stay awake.

Autofill Passwords and Usernames in Safari and Other Apps

Face ID also allows users to fill passwords in Safari automatically for a faster and more convenient login experience on your iPhone 15/14/13 with Face ID.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Face ID and Passcode and toggle Password Autofill On.

Step 2: Now, when you use Safari to open a website that requires a login, tapping the username field or password field will bring up the keyboard, and on top of that keyboard there will be your credentials for the website if you have saved them in iCloud Passwords. Tap the credentials.

Step 3: Look at your iPhone to authenticate yourself with Face ID and Safari will autofill the credentials for you.

Authenticate Yourself for Third-Party Apps

Face ID is also used for authenticating you for third-party apps that support Face ID. This means you can use Face ID to authenticate yourself for banking apps, password managers, and other apps that support Face ID.

Animojis and Memojis

Up until now, we saw how Face ID enables productivity features and how convenient it is to use it. Now, we come to the fun part - Animojis. Apple launched Face ID in 2017 on the iPhone X with much fanfare and a huge part of that fanfare was Animojis. Over time, Apple brought new capabilities to the iPhone and added Memojis alongside Animojis.

Animojis and Memojis

Animojis are animated emojis. These are made possible with advanced algorithms enabled by the TrueDepth camera in Face ID. Animated emojis or Animojis can mimic your facial expressions and you can use them in your message conversations in apps.

Here‘s how to send Animojis in conversations on your new iPhone SE (2020):

Step 1: Open a message conversation in the Messages app.

Step 2: Tap the Memoji button (a character in a yellow frame) and swipe to select the desired Animoji/ Memoji you want to send.

Animojis and Memojis

Step 3: Tap the Record button and you now have 30 seconds to do what you want with your face and the character will reproduce it on screen for you.

Step 4: When done, the Record button changes to Send:

Animojis and Memojis

Tap Send to send your first Memoji/ Animoji.

Bypassing Activation Lock with a Professional Tool

For iPhone 5S to iPhone SE (2020) users who prefer an easier way to remove Activation Lock, Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is a suitable option.

Dr.Fone is a set of modules that cater to a myriad of requirements that phone users can have from time to time, and one of them is the need to be able to disable the Activation Lock for Apple devices when the need arises. A need never arises in our wildest dreams, until it does, at the most inopportune time. It has, hasn’t it?

Here is how to use Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) to quickly circumvent Activation Lock and get on with setting up your iPhone SE (2020). Who needs to wait to talk with the previous owner or go through all other time-consuming methods when you have Dr.Fone?

  • Step 1: Get Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) .
  • Step 2: From the list of modules on display, select Screen Unlock.
  • Step 3: Select iCloud Activation Lock Removal.

Select iCloud Activation Lock Removal

  • Step 4: Then select Start to initiate unlocking the iOS device’s Activation Lock.

Start to initiate unlocking the iOS device's Activation Lock

  • Step 5: Follow the instructions to continue to jailbreak the iPhone.

Follow the instructions to continue to jailbreak the iPhone

  • Step 6: After the jailbreak, continue to agree to the terms of use and note the device details displayed are correct.

  • Step 7: As the final step, click Start Unlock.

Start Unlock

After a while, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) will notify you of a successful bypass. You can now restart the device and use it. This option is restrictive in nature as you will be unable to use the iPhone to make calls or access cellular services including iCloud. This option is best for when you want to see/ recover some data from the device that you would otherwise lose.

Bypassing Activation Lock using official methods (iPhone SE (2020))

An Activation Lock is not the end of the world, as Apple might have you believe. Nothing in the world is perfect, except for the world itself. As such, there are ways to bypass Activation Lock on an Apple device that you bought used, and the previous owner forgot to unlock or did so intentionally and is now trying to fleece you for more money to unlock it. Or an employee who just left the job surrendered their iPhone SE (2020) but forgot to erase the device before submitting and consequently, the device is still associated with their Apple ID, and you need to bypass Activation Lock for that iPhone SE (2020) to make it useable again. There are a few ways you can go about it.

Bypassing Activation Lock Using Apple ID

Disabling Activation Lock on iPhone SE (2020) is easy if you have the Apple ID credentials that are associated with the iPhone SE (2020).

Bypassing Activation Lock Using Apple ID

  • Step 1: Enter device Recovery Mode and Restore the device to factory settings.
  • Step 2: When you set up the device again, you will be required to sign in to the Apple ID associated with the device. Do that and you are golden!

Bypassing Activation Lock from iCloud Website

You may also do away with Activation Lock using the Find My iPhone app in iCloud remotely by erasing the device and removing the device from the associated iCloud account.

  • Step 1: Visit the iCloud website on a computer at https://icloud.com .
  • Step 2: Sign In and go to Find iPhone.

Bypassing Activation Lock from iCloud Website

  • Step 3: Click All Devices and select the device that was sold to the user.
  • Step 4: Click Erase iPhone and if the device is still there after the erase is complete, click Remove From Account.

Erase iPhone

This process requires that the data service be functional on the iPhone in question, otherwise, this will not work. When the process is done, restart the iPhone and set it up with your Apple ID to remove the lock.

Bypassing Activation Lock Using Microsoft Intune

If you are an IT administrator and are using Microsoft services, you may have given employees iPhones. When employees leave or are made to leave, it is possible that the devices they leave behind are still signed in with a password only they know. There is a way Apple provides for Microsoft Intune to disable Activation Lock for corporate devices.

Bypassing Activation Lock Using Microsoft Intune

  • Step 1: Sign in to the admin center on Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
  • Step 2: Select Devices under Intune.
  • Step 3: Select All Devices.
  • Step 4: Locate the device you want to disable the lock for, and under the Hardware section, copy the Activation Lock Bypass Code given under Conditional Access.
  • Step 5: Under the Overview pane of the device, select Wipe.
  • Step 6: When the device resets, it prompts for the Apple ID and password. Leave the ID blank and enter the bypass code as a password.

The device will be reset, and employees can set it up again with a new Apple ID.


  • Title: How to Unlock locked iPhone SE (2020) by restoring it to factory settings
  • Author: Vivienne
  • Created at : 2024-07-17 03:17:26
  • Updated at : 2024-07-18 03:17:26
  • Link: https://review-topics.techidaily.com/how-to-unlock-locked-iphone-se-2020-by-restoring-it-to-factory-settings-by-drfone-ios-unlock-ios-unlock/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.