Unlock iPhone to Use USB Accessories Without Passcode [2024]

How do I unlock my iPhone 8? I know you're supposed to connect it to the computer and put it in recovery mode but when I do, it says “unlock iPhone to use accessories.”

You may have had the experience of connecting your iPhone to a computer with USB accessories. Usually, "Unlock iPhone to use accessories" will appear on the screen. In most cases, enter the passcode to unlock the phone, and you can then proceed with data transfer and management. What to do if you forget your screen lock passcode? Here come the most effective methods for you!

• Part 1: Why You Need to "Unlock iPhone to Use Accessories"?
• Part 2: How to Disable USB Restricted Mode?
• Part 3: How to Unlock iPhone to Use USB Accessories without Passcode via Dr.Fone?
• Part 4: How to Unlock iPhone to Use USB Accessories without Passcode via iCloud?
• Part 5: How to Unlock iPhone to Use USB Accessories without Passcode via iTunes?
• Part 6: How to Unlock iPhone to Use USB Accessories without Passcode via Recovery Mode?
• Part 7: Hot FAQ about USB Accessories on iPhone.

Part 1: Why You Need to "Unlock iPhone to Use Accessories"?

The command comes from Apple’s significant privacy safeguard “USB Restricted Mode”. It means after an hour of your iOS device is unlocked, the system cuts off the lightning port and limits it to charging only. Simply put, when your iPhone is locked for more than an hour, it needs to be unlocked to allow the connection of USB accessories. Sometimes, when you unlock your iPhone screen to use USB accessories, it can’t charge anymore. 

In 2017, a password cracking tool called GrayKey was launched, which can bypass any iPhone screen lock passcode. The FBI, the police, and some government agencies have all become GrayKey customers. To combat hackers including GrayKey and protect iOS users' data security, the USB Restricted Mode feature arrived with iOS 11.4.1 in July 2018 and be improved in iOS12. 

Part 2: How to Disable USB Restricted Mode?

If you find this warning annoying or your iPhone not charging when using USB accessories, disabling USB Restricted Mode is an optional solution. However, you have to remember the unlock passcode. All the steps will be presented to you next.

• Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Step 2: Click on Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), and then input your screen passcode.
• Step 3: Scroll to the bottom of the page and find "USB accessories" in the "Allow access when locked" column.
• Step 4: Click the toggle button on the right to disable this feature. 

After completing all the steps, your iPhone can connect USB accessories anytime, anywhere. However, it is very common to forget to unlock the passcode. Next, we will recommend four solutions to help you use USB accessories without a passcode.

Part 3: How to Unlock iPhone to Use USB Accessories without Passcode via Dr.Fone?

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• The best alternative to iTunes is to remove the iPhone lock screen.
• Support all models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch!

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Part 4: How to Unlock iPhone to Use USB Accessories without Passcode via iCloud?

With iCloud, you can quickly clean up your iPhone, remove screen locks, and help unlock your device. But, you have to know that all your data will be erased. Make sure your iPhone has the "Find My iPhone" function enabled, otherwise your device will be offline.

Step 1: Open your computer or another iOS device, and sign in with your Apple account.

Step 2: Click on “All Devices”, choose your iPhone, and then “Erase iPhone”.

Now, your iPhone will reboot without a passcode. Then, you can unlock iPhone to use accessories and bypass the passcode.

Part 5: How to Unlock iPhone to Use USB Accessories without Passcode via iTunes?

There is currently no way to unlock an iPhone without erasing all data. Luckily, iTunes can help back up your data before removing it. Please note that this way is only possible if the device has synced data in iTunes before.

• Step 1: Connect iPhone to a computer with a USB accessory and turn on iTunes. Then iTunes will make a backup for your phone.
• Step 2: Choose “Restore iPhone”.

Wait for a while and you could unlock the screen to use USB accessories. However, in step one, you may need to enter your passcode to get stuck during the process. Therefore, this method is not the most efficient.

Part 6: How to Unlock iPhone to Use USB Accessories without Passcode via Recovery Mode?

If you have forgotten your Apple ID or password and have not synced iCloud and iTunes, you can choose recovery mode. It will remove all your passcode and data as well.

• Step 1: You need to prepare a Mac or PC (Windows 8 or later).
• Step 2: Turn off your iPhone.
• Step 3: Put your device in recovery mode. This step might be a little complicated, but don't worry, we'll walk you through it step by step.

1. Find the button on your device, it will be useful then.

• iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 6s, and earlier: The Home button.
• iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: The Volume down button.
• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, and later devices: The side button.

2. Quickly press and hold the button while connecting your phone and computer until the recovery mode appears.

Step 4: Find your tool in iTunes on the computer. Choose Restore and this process will take a few minutes. 

Step 5: Unplug your tool and use your iPhone without a passcode. 

Now, you'll get an iPhone which is like being factory reset. And you could unlock the screen to use USB accessories when you forget the passcode.

Part 7: Hot FAQ about USB Accessories on iPhone.

Q1: What is the feature of USB Accessories on iPhone?

From USB-A to the latest, USB-C. Also, most iPhones use a proprietary Lightning port.

Q2: Why does My iPhone Think My Charger is a USB Accessory?

It is related to the capacity of the charger. If a low-capacity charger is used, your device must regard it as a USB port because the USB port charges at a lower rate than a good wall charger. Another possibility is that the cable being used is flaky.

Q3: What to Do If My iPhone Not Charging after Unlock to Use Accessories?

• Step 1: Disconnect your tool from the accessory.
• Step 2: Unlock your device.
• Step 3: Connect the USB accessory again.

If it doesn’t work, please contact customer service of Apple.

Conclusion

In conclusion, connecting your iPhone to a computer with USB accessories is super handy, but it's easy to get stuck if you forget your password or face a system glitch. While unlocking your iPhone might seem daunting due to the risk of data loss, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) emerges as a reliable, easy-to-use solution to bypass the lock screen without stress.

Remember, backing up your data regularly is crucial, and Dr.Fone-Phone Backup is here to ensure your data's safety with its comprehensive backup options. Keep your data secure and your iPhone accessible with Dr.Fone's trusted tools.

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