How to Factory Reset an iPhone That's Locked

To factory reset an iPhone when locked, erase it with recovery mode on a Mac or PC, or use Find My from another device. A factory reset removes the passcode and all personal data, but it does not remove Activation Lock or the Apple Account connected to Find My.

Why does an iPhone become locked?

An iPhone may become locked because the passcode was forgotten, the wrong passcode was entered too many times, or the screen shows that the iPhone is unavailable or disabled. Waiting may allow another passcode attempt, but it will not help if the correct passcode is unknown.

A simple unlock opens the iPhone while keeping its apps, photos, messages, and settings. A factory reset erases that information and returns the software to its initial setup state. Unless a usable backup exists, erased data cannot be recovered after the reset.

Knowing how to factory reset an iPhone when locked does not bypass Apple’s ownership protection. If Find My was enabled, the original owner’s Apple Account credentials may still be required during setup.

What do you need before resetting a locked iPhone?

Before starting a locked iPhone factory reset, have the following ready:

• A Mac with Finder or a Windows PC with a current version of iTunes.
• A compatible USB cable that can transfer data, not merely charge the iPhone.
• A stable internet connection so the computer can obtain the required iPhone software.
• Enough uninterrupted time for the download, erase, and installation to finish.
• The Apple Account email address or phone number and password previously used on the iPhone, if available.

For a remote erase, Find My must already have been turned on for the locked iPhone. You also need access to another Apple device signed in to the owner’s account, or the ability to sign in through iCloud.com.

Charge the iPhone and computer before starting. If important information was not backed up, understand that a factory reset permanently erases it.

How do you reset a locked iPhone with a computer and recovery mode?

Recovery mode is a special startup state that allows Finder or iTunes to reinstall iPhone software when the normal lock screen cannot be used.

1. Turn off the iPhone. If it is connected to the computer, disconnect it first.
2. Open Finder on a Mac, or open iTunes on a Windows PC or an older Mac that uses iTunes.
3. Connect the USB cable to the computer.
4. Put the iPhone into recovery mode while connecting it. For iPhone 8 and later, including iPhone SE models from the second generation onward, hold the side button. For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, hold the volume-down button. For iPhone 6s and earlier, including the first-generation iPhone SE, hold the Home button.
5. Keep holding the correct button while connecting the cable to the iPhone. Do not release it when the Apple logo appears. Release it only when the recovery-mode screen appears.
6. Select the iPhone when Finder or iTunes detects it.
7. Choose Restore rather than Update. Confirm that you want to erase the iPhone and reinstall its software.
8. Leave the iPhone connected until the restore finishes and the setup screen appears.

If the software download takes long enough for the iPhone to leave recovery mode, allow the download to finish. Then turn off the iPhone and repeat the recovery-mode steps before selecting Restore again.

How do you erase a locked iPhone with Find My?

Find My can send a remote erase command when the locked iPhone is connected to the internet. If the iPhone is offline, the command remains pending and begins when the device next connects.

1. Open the Find My app on another Apple device signed in to the same Apple Account, or sign in through iCloud.com.
2. Open the list of devices and select the locked iPhone. Check the device name carefully if several iPhones appear.
3. Choose Erase This Device or Erase iPhone, depending on what the screen displays.
4. Review the warning and continue. Enter the Apple Account password or complete any requested account verification.
5. Wait for the erase to complete. Keep the locked iPhone powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data when possible.

A remote erase removes the passcode and data, but the iPhone normally remains associated with the owner’s Apple Account. This protects a lost or stolen device from being activated by someone else.

Why does Activation Lock appear after an iPhone reset?

Activation Lock is Apple’s ownership check for an iPhone that had Find My enabled. After the erase, setup may request the Apple Account and password that were associated with the iPhone before it was reset.

The owner should enter those credentials or use Apple’s account-recovery process if the password was forgotten. If the iPhone belonged to another person or organization, that previous owner or administrator must remove it from their account.

Erasing the iPhone again will not remove Activation Lock. If the original account cannot be recovered, contact Apple Support and be prepared to provide acceptable proof that the iPhone is yours. Apple decides whether the ownership information is sufficient.

What should you do if the locked iPhone will not reset?

If Finder or iTunes does not recognize the iPhone, try another USB port, inspect the cable, restart the computer, and update the computer software. Then repeat the recovery-mode button sequence from the beginning.

Contact Apple Support through {site} if recovery mode repeatedly fails, the restore produces an error that basic connection checks do not fix, or Activation Lock remains after legitimate account-recovery attempts. Support may ask for the iPhone’s serial number or IMEI, account details, proof of ownership, and information identifying where the device came from.

Apple Support cannot simply reveal a forgotten passcode. The normal solution for an unknown passcode is to erase the iPhone and restore available data from a backup.

What mistakes should you avoid when resetting a locked iPhone?

• Do not rely on third-party unlock tools that claim to remove a passcode or Activation Lock. They may expose account information, damage the software, or fail to remove Apple’s ownership check.
• Do not release the recovery-mode button when the Apple logo first appears. Continue holding it until the recovery-mode screen is displayed.
• Do not choose Update when the goal is to remove an unknown passcode. Select Restore and confirm the erase.
• Do not disconnect the USB cable, close Finder or iTunes, shut down the computer, or let the computer sleep during the restore.
• Do not erase a device until you understand that unbacked-up photos, messages, files, and settings will be lost.
• Do not assume a factory reset removes the previous owner’s Apple Account. Activation Lock is separate from the screen passcode.