iPhone locks without incorrect passcode

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Level 1

8 points

iPhone locks without incorrect passcode

Hi, I'm sitting with a friend whose iPhone has started locking by itself - meaning that she has not entered incorrect passcodes, and certainly not multiple times. She did not get any warnings before it was unavailable for 1 hour. After that, it unlocked on the first try (either with face ID or the correct password, she can't recall). After setting it aside for a couple of hours she has another 'Unavailable' screen, this time for 3 hours. Please advise.

iPhone 13 mini

Posted on Feb 21, 2024 12:52 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,264 points

Feb 21, 2024 1:03 PM in response to JohnG7777777

Everything that you have told us indicates that the phone is reacting to what is known as "ghost touches", which means that the touchscreen is starting to fail and will need replacing as soon as possible.

Make an appointment at the Apple Store or take the phone to an authorized Apple service shop for the screen replacement. You can find a list of authorized service shops in your area using the link just below:

Find Locations

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Answer 2

KiltedTim

Level 10

226,242 points

Feb 21, 2024 12:55 PM in response to JohnG7777777

Possibly a failing touch-screen. Faulty Lightning cables have also been known to cause the phone to detect non-existent touch interactions as well.

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Answer 3

JohnG7777777 Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 21, 2024 12:58 PM in response to JohnG7777777

Thank you

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Answer 4

JohnG7777777 Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 24, 2024 2:40 PM in response to JohnG7777777

For reasons I can't explain, the phone is now working with no unexplained lockouts. Go Figure.

Thank you for your help and suggestions

John

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Answer 5

JohnG7777777 Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 21, 2024 4:18 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thank you. She barely used it between the 1 and 3 hour issues and it wasn't plugged into a lightning cable. As an experiment, we're leaving it untouched and not plugged in all night to see if it happens again in the morning.

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iPhone locks without incorrect passcode

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