iPhone locked after updating to iOS 18

After the latest update 18.0 to my phone has been locked, and once I go to try to unlock it, I cannot type the postcode, although it appears on the screen. The phone is continuously reading out the content of the screen and not allowing the passcode to be entered.

I have tried to do a reset and restart and I’ll come back to the same screen


Any help and advice would be appreciated



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 12, iOS 18

Posted on Dec 29, 2024 2:20 AM

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Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 24, 2025 3:57 AM

Hey guys. It looks like you accidentally enabled VoiceOver, which prevents you from entering your password properly. You can fix this by following the instructions below:


*Method 1: Turn Off VoiceOver from Lock Screen*

① Triple-click the Side button to toggle VoiceOver off.

② Hold the Side button or say “Hey Siri” if enabled.

Say “Turn off VoiceOver” and check if you can enter your passcode.

Turn on and practice VoiceOver on iPhone


*Method 2: Enter Passcode Using VoiceOver*

If you can't turn it off, try entering your passcode using VoiceOver:

Tap once on a digit to select it.

Double-tap to enter that digit.

Repeat for all digits in your passcode.

Once unlocked, go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver and turn it off.


*Method 3: Use iTunes or iCloud to Reset*

If the issue persists, you may need to reset your iPhone via:

iCloud (icloud.com/find) > Select the locked iPhone > Erase iPhone.

iTunes/Finder > Connect to a computer > put in Recovery Mode > restore iPhone.

You can also try to use a third-party tool to unlock your iPhone, which can be easier and faster to restore iPhone access.

If you forgot your iPhone passcode or your iPhone is disabled

For more on the official iPhone unlocking guide, you can take a look here: iPhone - Official Apple Support



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Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply

Mar 24, 2025 3:57 AM in response to massoud64

Hey guys. It looks like you accidentally enabled VoiceOver, which prevents you from entering your password properly. You can fix this by following the instructions below:


*Method 1: Turn Off VoiceOver from Lock Screen*

① Triple-click the Side button to toggle VoiceOver off.

② Hold the Side button or say “Hey Siri” if enabled.

Say “Turn off VoiceOver” and check if you can enter your passcode.

Turn on and practice VoiceOver on iPhone


*Method 2: Enter Passcode Using VoiceOver*

If you can't turn it off, try entering your passcode using VoiceOver:

Tap once on a digit to select it.

Double-tap to enter that digit.

Repeat for all digits in your passcode.

Once unlocked, go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver and turn it off.


*Method 3: Use iTunes or iCloud to Reset*

If the issue persists, you may need to reset your iPhone via:

iCloud (icloud.com/find) > Select the locked iPhone > Erase iPhone.

iTunes/Finder > Connect to a computer > put in Recovery Mode > restore iPhone.

You can also try to use a third-party tool to unlock your iPhone, which can be easier and faster to restore iPhone access.

If you forgot your iPhone passcode or your iPhone is disabled

For more on the official iPhone unlocking guide, you can take a look here: iPhone - Official Apple Support



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Feb 7, 2025 7:37 PM in response to massoud64

It sounds like your iPhone has accidentally enabled VoiceOver, an accessibility feature that reads aloud on-screen content and changes how touch gestures work. This is why you're unable to enter the passcode normally. Here’s how you can resolve this issue:


Solution 1: Turn Off VoiceOver Using Siri

  1. If Siri is enabled, activate it by saying "Hey Siri" or holding the Side Button (or Home Button on older models).
  2. Say "Turn off VoiceOver."
  3. Try entering your passcode again.


Solution 2: Manually Disable VoiceOver

If Siri is not available, try this method:

  1. Triple-click the Side Button (or Home Button) to see if VoiceOver toggles off.
  2. If that doesn’t work, use VoiceOver gestures to navigate:
    • Tap once to select a field.
    • Double-tap to activate a selected option.
    • Swipe with three fingers to scroll.

3.Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver and turn it off.


Solution 3: Use iTunes or Finder to Unlock the iPhone

If you still can’t enter your passcode, you may need to reset your device using Recovery Mode: Apple How to unlock your iPhone for use

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer and open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).
  2. Force restart your iPhone:
    • iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side Button until the recovery mode screen appears.
    • iPhone 7 series: Press and hold the Volume Down and Power Button together until recovery mode appears.
    • iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold Home + Power Button until recovery mode appears.
  1. Select Restore to erase and reinstall iOS 18.

For official guidance, check this support article: If you forgot your iPhone passcode.

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Dec 29, 2024 3:48 PM in response to massoud64

It sounds like you have an Accessibility feature turned on called VoiceOver, that will provide a voice of the key you are pressing. When you are trying to tap out the passcode. double-tap the number key each time. A single-tab will identify the key, the double-tap will execute the command for the key. Once you have gotten into the device, go into Settings>Accessibility>VoiceOver and turn that off. Remember you will have to continue double-tapping on the keys to get them to work.

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Dec 29, 2024 9:20 AM in response to massoud64

It's not always the iOS update's fault!  Many things can cause phone problems.  If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.


Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!



iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.


Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.


Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.



See what each update does: About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...



Reply

Dec 29, 2024 9:52 AM in response to massoud64

I am not clear on what you mean by "continuously reading out the content of the screen". Also, what do you mean by "locked"? All iPhones will require a passcode to get past the lockscreen unless they have been entirely reset.


If a restart doesn't help, try asking Apple:


How to make a Genius Bar appointment

1. Go to Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

2. Go to "Get hardware help".

3. Select your hardware and continue selecting options requiring replacing parts until you see "Bring in for Repair"

4. Sign in with your Apple ID


or:


Refer to this document for ways to contact Apple ➞ Choose your country or region - Official Apple Support

Select your country (also look for "other" regions), then a product. If you don't see one that handles your issue then keep experimenting with selections until you reach one that gets you a chat session or a telephone call and get the representative to redirect you.


or:


Contact Apple for support and service by telephone ➞ Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support


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Mar 18, 2025 11:01 AM in response to SuuSuuu

SuuSuuu wrote:

How did you fix your problem? My iphone 14 Pro says "Iphone unavailable".

You have put in the wrong passcode too many times.

If you see an iPhone, iPad or Apple Vision Pro unavailable message or Security Lockout screen – Apple Support (UK)

You will lose any data not backed up.



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iPhone locked after updating to iOS 18

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