How do I exit from Lost Mode without FaceID? (Answer below)

TLDR: Sim card with no SIM Pin.

Hi all. Leaving this info her for everyone's benefit after having read numerous posts here on Apple forum, Reddit and even consulting with Apple.

I lost an iPhone, enabled lost mode. Got the phone back, disabled Lost mode in Find My app / iCloud. But I wouldn't disable Lost Mode with FaceID.

The final advice from Apple was to restore/wipe my phone.

But I found another way!

Take an active sim card, remove the SIM PIN - install in iPhone - restart and BINGO!

iPhone disabled lost mode and I have full access!

Fortunately I have an active SIM without a Pin for a mobile router. I can't remember how I disabled the SIM Pin - it was years ago.

But there you go. Hope this helps!

(Turns out both the front and back cameras are not working and damaged during the time the phone was lost, Bummer.)