Unlock iPhone iPad with Broken Screen: Ways That Work
If your iPhone or iPad screen is broken but the device still turns on, you can usually unlock it using a USB keyboard, a computer with Finder or iTunes, or by using the on-screen keyboard with a mouse or trackpad. If the touchscreen is completely unresponsive, the most reliable method is to connect the device to a trusted computer and use the keyboard to enter your passcode.
Why a Broken Screen Makes Unlocking Hard
Apple devices lock the screen after a period of inactivity, and require a passcode or Face ID/Touch ID to get back in. When the screen is cracked, the touch sensor may still work in some areas, but often becomes unreliable or stops responding altogether. Face ID and Touch ID can also fail if the TrueDepth camera or home button area is damaged. This leaves you with a device that powers on but is effectively locked behind a screen you can’t interact with normally.
Method 1: Use a USB Keyboard (Best for Most Cases)
Since iOS 13.4 and iPadOS 13.4, Apple has supported hardware keyboards over Bluetooth and USB. Even with a broken touchscreen, you can connect a keyboard and type your passcode directly. Here’s how:
- Connect a USB keyboard to your iPhone or iPad using a Lightning-to-USB adapter (or USB-C if you have a newer model). For Bluetooth keyboards, you may need a second device to pair them first, which makes USB easier.
- Wake the device by pressing the side button or home button.
- When the passcode screen appears, the keyboard should be active. Simply type your passcode and press Enter.
If the screen is too damaged to see the passcode field, try typing your passcode anyway—the field will accept it even if you can’t see it. This method works because the keyboard input bypasses the touchscreen entirely.
Method 2: Use a Computer with Finder or iTunes
If you have previously trusted the computer you use, you can unlock your device by connecting it via USB and using Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows or older macOS).
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer with a cable.
- Open Finder or iTunes. If the device asks you to “Trust This Computer,� you may need to tap that on the broken screen—if you can’t, this method won’t work unless you’ve already trusted it.
- If the device is recognized, you’ll see a summary screen. You can then click “Restore� or “Update� to reinstall iOS, which will remove the passcode. Note that this erases your data unless you have a backup.
This method is more drastic because it erases the device. Use it only if you have a recent backup or if you don’t need the data.
Method 3: Use a Mouse or Trackpad (If Touch Is Partially Working)
If your touchscreen works in some areas but not others, you can enable AssistiveTouch and use a mouse or trackpad. This requires that you can still navigate to Settings, which may be possible if the touch is only partially broken.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch and turn it on.
- Connect a Bluetooth mouse or trackpad (you may need to pair it using a computer first).
- Use the mouse to move the cursor and click on the passcode keys.
If you can’t get to Settings, this won’t help, but it’s worth trying if you have any usable touch area.
What If the Screen Is Totally Dead or Black?
If the screen is completely black or unresponsive, you cannot unlock the device without a repair. The only option is to replace the screen at an Apple Store or authorized repair shop. Apple’s official repair service will replace the screen and preserve your data. Third-party repair shops may be cheaper, but they might not use genuine parts, and they could void your warranty. Always back up your device regularly so that even if the screen dies, your data is safe.
How to Prevent This in the Future
The easiest way to avoid the broken-screen lockout is to enable Face ID or Touch ID, which lets you unlock without typing a passcode. But if the sensor is damaged, that won’t help. More importantly, set up a backup routine: iCloud backups happen automatically when your device is plugged in and on Wi-Fi, but you can also back up to a computer. If you ever have a broken screen, you can restore your data to a new device.
Costs and Repair Options
Screen replacement costs vary widely depending on the model and where you get it done. Apple’s out-of-warranty prices are listed on their website, and third-party shops often charge less. If you have AppleCare+, the cost is much lower, but you’ll still pay a service fee. Before paying for a repair, consider the age of the device and its resale value—sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a new one than to fix an old one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unlock my iPhone with a broken screen using Siri?
No. Siri is disabled on the lock screen unless you have enabled “Siri when locked� in Settings, and even then, Siri cannot enter your passcode. It can only perform limited actions like making calls or setting timers, not unlock the device.
Will a broken screen affect Face ID or Touch ID?
Yes. Face ID can fail if the TrueDepth camera is cracked or covered. Touch ID will stop working if the home button is damaged, especially on older models where the button is mechanical. On newer models with Face ID, a cracked screen doesn’t always break Face ID, but it’s common.
Can I use iCloud to unlock my iPhone?
iCloud can’t unlock a passcode, but if you have Find My iPhone enabled, you can erase the device remotely. That removes the passcode, but also deletes all data. You can then restore from a backup if you have one.
Is it safe to use a third-party repair shop?
It can be, but be cautious. Some shops use low-quality screens that may not have the same color or touch sensitivity. More importantly, if the repair is done poorly, it could damage other components. Apple’s official repair ensures genuine parts and preserves your warranty, but it costs more.
What if I never set up a passcode?
If you never set a passcode, your device doesn’t require one to unlock. However, iOS defaults to requiring a passcode for many features, and if you have Face ID or Touch ID, you still need to set one. If you truly have no passcode, the screen will just show the home screen when you wake it, even with a broken screen.
Can I unlock a broken iPhone with a computer if I never trusted it?
No. If the computer has never been trusted, the device will prompt you to tap “Trust� on the screen, which you can’t do if the touchscreen is broken. You’ll need to use a keyboard method or get the screen repaired.
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