How do I unlock an iPhone after turning off Lost Mode in iCloud when Face ID will not work?
Answer
After you turn off Lost Mode in iCloud, the iPhone usually needs the device passcode—not Face ID—to unlock the first time. Enter the passcode you set on the phone; then you can re-enable Face ID in Settings if it still fails.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Erasing the iPhone deletes apps and local data unless you have a backup.
- Activation Lock remains until the correct Apple ID is used; unpaid unlock services are usually scams.
Follow these steps
Confirm Lost Mode is off
On a computer, open iCloud.com/find or the Find My app, select the iPhone, and confirm Lost Mode is stopped. Wait a minute with the phone online (Wi‑Fi or cellular) so the unlock command can reach it.
You should see: Find My no longer shows the phone as in Lost Mode.
Unlock with the device passcode
Wake the iPhone and look for the passcode keypad. Enter the passcode you previously set on the phone (not the Apple ID password). Face ID often stays disabled until this first successful passcode unlock after Lost Mode.
You should see: The Home Screen or apps open after the correct passcode.
Re-enroll Face ID if needed
After unlock, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, enter the passcode, and set up Face ID again if the option is available.
You should see: Face ID enrolls successfully, or Settings explains why Face ID is unavailable.
If the passcode is unknown, use official erase and restore
If you do not know the passcode, erase the device from Find My (Erase This Device) or use a computer recovery restore, then set it up and sign in with the same Apple ID to clear Activation Lock. This deletes data on the phone.
You should see: The phone erases and can be set up again with the Apple ID that owns it.
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Extra tips
What to look for: A Lock Screen that says Face ID required or asks for passcode after Lost Mode was stopped, and whether Find My still shows the device as Lost or This Device Only.
Before you change anything: Confirm Lost Mode is fully turned off at iCloud.com or Find My on a trusted Mac/PC. Have the iPhone passcode and Apple ID password ready. Back up first if the phone unlocks and you still need the data. Never give Apple ID codes to unexpected callers offering to unlock the phone.