How to Factory Reset an iPhone Without a Password

You can factory reset an iPhone without the screen passcode by using the locked-screen erase option or recovery mode on a computer. The reset deletes the iPhone’s data, but it does not remove Activation Lock or let you use a device linked to someone else’s Apple Account.

What should you know before factory resetting an iPhone?

A factory reset erases apps, photos, messages, accounts, settings, and other data stored on the iPhone. Back up anything important before resetting because erased data can be recovered only from an existing iCloud or computer backup.

The correct way to do a factory reset on an iPhone depends on what you can access:

• If you know the screen passcode, erase the iPhone through Settings.
• If you forgot the passcode, look for the erase or reset option on the locked screen.
• If no locked-screen option appears, restore the iPhone in recovery mode with a Mac or Windows computer.

Charge the iPhone first. Have the Apple Account email address or phone number and password ready because the iPhone may request them before erasure or during activation afterward.

How do I factory reset my iPhone in Settings?

If you know the screen passcode, the Settings app provides the simplest factory reset on iPhone. Confirm that any needed backup has finished, then follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Review what will be removed, then select Continue.
6. Enter the iPhone passcode when asked.
7. Enter the Apple Account password if the iPhone asks you to turn off Find My and Activation Lock.
8. Confirm the erase and leave the iPhone connected to power while it restarts.

If the iPhone uses an eSIM, the reset may ask whether to keep or erase it. Keeping it can simplify setup for the same owner. Ask the carrier what to do if the phone is changing owners or the cellular line is moving elsewhere.

How do I factory reset an iPhone without the passcode?

On supported software versions, an iPhone that has had several incorrect passcode attempts may display an option such as Forgot Passcode, Start iPhone Reset, or Erase iPhone. This method can factory reset an iPhone without a computer, but the device generally needs a Wi-Fi or cellular connection and the password for the Apple Account already linked to it.

1. On the locked screen, select the available forgotten-passcode or erase option.
2. Choose the option to begin the iPhone reset.
3. Enter the linked Apple Account password when requested.
4. Confirm that you want to erase the iPhone.
5. Wait for the iPhone to restart, then set it up again or restore an available backup.

If the erase choice does not appear, the iPhone is offline, or the Apple Account password is unknown, use recovery mode. There is no legitimate passcode trick that preserves inaccessible data.

How do I restore an iPhone with a computer in recovery or DFU mode?

Recovery mode is a special startup state that lets Apple’s desktop software reinstall iPhone software. Use Finder on a Mac when it manages the iPhone, Apple Devices on a supported Windows computer, or iTunes where that remains the installed official tool.

1. Turn off the iPhone and connect it to the computer while performing the button action for the model.
2. For iPhone 8 or later and iPhone SE second generation or later, connect while holding the side button.
3. For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, connect while holding the volume-down button.
4. For iPhone 6s or earlier and iPhone SE first generation, connect while holding the Home button.
5. Keep holding the button until the recovery-mode screen appears.
6. Open the official desktop tool and select the iPhone.
7. Choose Restore, not Update, when asked. Restore downloads the software and erases the device.
8. Keep the iPhone connected until restoration finishes. If the download takes long enough that recovery mode closes, let the download finish and then enter recovery mode again.

DFU mode, or Device Firmware Update mode, reloads device firmware while the screen remains black. Its timing differs by model and is easy to interrupt, so try recovery mode first and use Apple’s model-specific support instructions or guided support before attempting DFU mode.

How do I remove account lock after resetting an iPhone?

Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature that keeps an erased iPhone linked to the Apple Account used with Find My. A factory reset does not bypass it.

The previous owner should sign out before handing over the iPhone. If the phone has already been erased, that owner can remove the device from the account’s device list through Apple’s account or Find My service. The new user must then restart activation.

If the previous owner cannot be reached, contact Apple and ask what ownership documentation is accepted. Do not use services or instructions claiming to bypass Activation Lock.

What should I do if the iPhone factory reset will not complete?

• Activation Lock appears: Enter the Apple Account credentials previously linked to the iPhone, ask the previous owner to remove it from that account, or contact Apple with ownership documentation.
• The battery is low: Charge the iPhone, keep it connected to power, and try again.
• The computer cannot see the iPhone: Unlock the computer, update its operating system and Apple device software, reconnect the cable, and try another working port or cable.
• The restore download or connection fails: Check the computer’s internet connection, restart both devices, and re-enter recovery mode.
• The buttons do not work: Recovery-mode entry may be impossible without repair or assisted support.
• The iPhone restarts without erasing: Repeat recovery mode and make sure Restore was selected instead of Update.

How do I contact official Apple Support about a locked iPhone?

Open {site} and choose iPhone support, then select the topic for a forgotten passcode, restore problem, or Activation Lock. Apple Support can help identify the correct recovery steps and explain which ownership documents may be required, but support cannot disclose a forgotten passcode or remove another person’s account without proper authorization.

Have the iPhone model, serial number if available, Apple Account details, computer type, exact error message, and proof of ownership ready. Never share an Apple Account password, device passcode, or verification code with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.