How to disable passcode and thumbprint on iPhone SE?

Are you:

A: Trying to get into your iPhone because your passcode/biometrics doesn't work

B: Trying to get into a used iPhone that you got

C: Trying to find an alternative way to unlock the iPhone

A: You can erase and restore the iPhone. This will allow you to setup a new passcode and Touch ID.

B: Your iPhone was not properly prepared for sale or is lost/stolen. Erase and restoring won't work as that will likely bring up the Activation Lock screen, requiring the original owner's Apple Account login.

C: You could do away with the passcode/biometrics, but is not suggested as that will heavily reduce the security of your iPhone and will disable essential features such as Apple Wallet.

Does it require a Passcode now? If not, isn't that what you want?

If a passcode which you know is currently required and you want to turn it off and risk that anyone can pick up the phone and see everything in it, go to Settings > Touch ID and Passcode > enter your current passcode > scroll down and tap Turn Passcode Off

As "bobjbkln" states, if you ever accidentally enable the passcode again, you can disable it in Settings > Touch ID and Passcode. But enabling Apple Pay will require the passcode so if that ever happens simply cancel the popup as you will likely continue to be asked.

nedhamson wrote:

This is my wife's iPhone SE3. When we set it up, when she first got it, we bypassed setting up a passcode, face id or thumbprint because she doesn't like using them. When she recently updated, it first asked her to set up Apple Pay, she canceled that and then it asked her for set up passcode or thumb print id. She was able to get passed that and is able to use the phone, as she had been. I am asking in case she gets caught in that enter a passcode loop again.

You cannot permanently disable the passcode and TouchID/FaceID features on an iPhone. While you can chose not to use them, they always remain an option.

"How to disable passcode and thumbprint on iPhone SE?: How can I not use or bypass using a passcod or thumbprint on an iPhone se?"

-------

Getting Into iPhone Other than Passcode and Tumbprint:

Accessing your iPhone Using Face ID:

A. Setting Up and Using Face ID:

• Setting Up Face ID: Set up Face ID on iPhone - Apple Support
• Using Face ID: Use Face ID on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support
• Use of Face Masks: Use Face ID while Wearing a mask with iPhone 12 and Later - Apple Support

Having issues?

B. Troubleshooting Face ID:

Tried these two links?:

• If an Alert Says Face ID has been Disabled on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support
• If Face ID isn't Working on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support

"Thanks but the answer(s) do not tell me how to not use a passcode or thumbprint to get into or unlock the iPhone SE3."

-------

You mentioned nothing in your Original Post about being locked out.

Troubleshooting a Locked iPhone:

Hold it Right There!

Being Locked Out...

Enter the passcode incorrectly too many times, and you'd likely be locked out for good. So, hold it right there, and refer to this link: If you Forgot the Passcode on your iPhone, or your iPhone is Disabled - Apple Support. It would be the one you've always entered. If you do not know it, then look for it in a location you may have stored it in.

No Success?

Contact Apple Support:

If you cannot get the above link to work, then contact Apple Support.

Apple Contact Info:

• Contact Us - Choose Locations
• Proceed from there, as necessary

Be aware that some functionality of the iPhone is disabled if you do not have a passcode. This includes Apple Pay and I think the Passwords app as well. It also exposes any information stored on that iPhone to anyone who happens to pick it up. This is why Apple strongly recommends setting a passcode, and makes it easy with Touch ID and Face ID to unlock the device without entering the passcode every time.

But more importantly, if an iPhone does not have a passcode, absolutely anyone who gets physical access to it for about 5 seconds can set a passcode. Locking you out of your own iPhone. You would have to erase it to gain access.

“[…]I am asking in case she gets caught in that enter a passcode loop again.”

———-

Use a Passcode and Face ID:

You should think this through, as anyone could access your financial info without your consent(which is what a passcode is all about preventing).

1. Go to: Settings
2. Tap: Face ID and passcode
3. Proceed from there.