Using Handwriting Option to Unlock iPhone

By Greg, 16 March, 2016

Forum
iOS and iPadOS

In past versions of iOS, I could use the Handwriting feature to enter my security code to unlock my iPhone. The Handwriting feature is still available in 9.2 but does not seem to be available for unlocking my iPhone 6S. If I'm using Apple Pay and my thumbprint doesn't work to unlock my iPhone, I have VoiceOver reading out my security code to everyone in earshot (not always convenient to be carrying earbuds around). Anyone have any updated info on use of Handwriting to unlock phones. I have emailed Apple Accessibility to see what they can tell me

Thanks for any thoughts on his.

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Comments

By Pengirl3 on Friday, March 25, 2016 - 22:22

Sorry I do not have a solution, but it still works for me on my 5s running iOS 9.2.1. If you are not using 9.2.1, try to update.

By Nathan Stocking on Friday, March 25, 2016 - 22:22

I just tested, and I can use handwriting for unlock. However, as I have always found handwriting to be slow and imprecise, I could suggest my system, which is to disable speech and use finger location and the interface clicks to indicate position. For example, you could start at the lower left. There are no numbers there so you will hear the blank noise. If you move upward, you will hear a click as you enter a different element, which is the number 7. From there, you can identify any other numbers and use a split tap or lift to enter it.

By TJT 2001 on Friday, March 25, 2016 - 22:22

I am not sure if this would benefit you, but you should be able to use Braille Screen Input.

By Diane on Friday, March 25, 2016 - 22:22

Your system works great. Wouldn't have thought of that.

Excellent suggestion Nathan. Also figured out what I was doing wrong. When the number pad came up on the lock screen, I should have been turning the rotor to the handwriting option before I tried to hand write numbers. I like your system better though. Thanks.