How to Factory Reset an iPhone That Is Locked

You can factory reset a locked iPhone without the screen passcode by using recovery mode on a computer or by erasing the iPhone through Find My. A factory reset deletes all data, but it does not remove Activation Lock, an Apple ID lock, or a carrier lock.

What does “locked iPhone” mean?

Before resetting a locked iPhone, identify which type of lock is stopping you. A factory reset helps with a forgotten screen passcode, but it does not clear every kind of restriction.

• A screen lock appears when the iPhone asks for a passcode that you cannot remember. Recovery mode can erase the passcode along with everything else on the device.
• Activation Lock is an ownership check connected to Find My and an Apple ID. The iPhone may request the linked Apple ID and password during setup, even after a factory reset.
• A carrier lock limits which mobile carrier can activate the iPhone. Erasing the device does not remove this restriction; only the carrier can determine whether the phone qualifies to be unlocked.

If the screen shows that the iPhone is unavailable or disabled, the recovery-mode procedure is usually the relevant reset method. If the setup screen requests another person’s Apple ID, the problem is Activation Lock rather than the screen passcode.

What do you need before resetting a locked iPhone?

A factory reset permanently removes photos, messages, apps, settings, and other data stored on the iPhone. Data can be restored only if an iCloud or computer backup already exists.

Have these items ready before starting:

• A Mac with Finder or a Windows computer with the current version of iTunes. Some Windows computers may use Apple’s device-management app instead.
• A compatible USB cable that can transfer data, not only charge the phone.
• The Apple ID and password previously used on the iPhone. These credentials may be required after the reset because of Activation Lock.
• A reliable internet connection for the computer so it can obtain the required iPhone software.
• Enough battery power to keep the iPhone running during preparation. If the battery is very low, charge the device before beginning.

If you might remember the passcode, stop and check for a backup before erasing the phone. A reset cannot recover information that was never backed up.

How do you reset a locked iPhone with recovery mode?

Recovery mode allows Finder or iTunes to reinstall iOS when you cannot open the iPhone with its screen passcode. Keep the iPhone connected when the recovery screen appears.

1. Turn off the iPhone. The button combination varies by model, so wait until the screen is completely dark before continuing.
2. On an iPhone 8 or later, including newer iPhone SE models, connect the cable to the computer while holding the side button. Keep holding until the recovery-mode screen appears.
3. On an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, connect it while holding the volume-down button. Keep holding until the recovery-mode screen appears.
4. On an iPhone 6s or earlier, including the first iPhone SE, connect it while holding the Home button. Keep holding until the recovery-mode screen appears.
5. Open Finder on a Mac or iTunes on the applicable computer. Select the iPhone when it appears.
6. Choose Restore when the computer offers Update or Restore. Restore erases the iPhone and installs a fresh copy of iOS.
7. Leave the iPhone connected while the software downloads and the restore runs. Do not disconnect the cable merely because the screen changes or the phone restarts.
8. When the setup screen appears, follow the prompts. Sign in with the Apple ID previously linked to the iPhone if Activation Lock asks for it.

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

How do you erase a locked iPhone with Find My?

Find My can erase a locked iPhone remotely if Find My was enabled on that device and you can sign in to the linked Apple account. The iPhone must eventually connect to the internet to receive the erase command.

1. Open {site} on another device and sign in with the Apple ID connected to the locked iPhone.
2. Open Find My or the device list and select the correct iPhone. Check the device name carefully if several devices appear.
3. Select the option to erase the iPhone, then confirm the request and complete any identity checks shown.
4. If the iPhone is offline, leave the erase request pending. Erasure should begin when the phone next connects to a supported Wi-Fi or mobile network.
5. After the erase finishes, start setup and enter the same Apple ID and password when requested.

Remote erasure does not create a backup first. It also does not remove Activation Lock simply because the contents have been deleted.

Why does the iPhone still request an Apple ID after the reset?

Activation Lock remains active after a factory reset when Find My was linked to an Apple ID. This protection is designed to prevent another person from taking control of an erased iPhone.

Enter the Apple ID and password that were previously associated with the device. If the iPhone belonged to someone else, that person must remove the iPhone from their account through Apple’s supported account or Find My process.

Do not use services or software that claim to bypass Activation Lock. A factory reset is not proof of ownership, and it cannot legitimately remove another owner’s account. If the previous owner cannot be reached, gather any valid proof of ownership and ask Apple Support whether assistance is available.

When should you contact Apple or the carrier?

Contact official support when a reset cannot solve the type of lock shown on the iPhone.

• Contact Apple Support if you forgot the Apple ID, cannot reset its password, cannot complete account recovery, or repeatedly receive restore errors in Finder or iTunes.
• Contact Apple Support if a secondhand iPhone shows Activation Lock and you have valid ownership documentation. Apple decides what documentation is acceptable and whether the device is eligible for assistance.
• Ask the previous owner to remove the iPhone from the linked Apple account if the setup screen displays that owner’s account. Apple credentials should never be shared with you.
• Contact the mobile carrier if the iPhone reports that a SIM or network is unsupported. Factory resetting the iPhone does not change carrier-lock eligibility.

Use only contact details displayed on the official support page. Never give an unexpected caller your Apple ID password, device passcode, or verification code.