How to Reset a Locked iPhone

To reset a locked iPhone, erase it with recovery mode on a computer or use Find My from another Apple device. Erasing removes the passcode, but it also removes the data currently stored on the iPhone.

After the erase, set up the iPhone again and restore an available backup. You will still need the Apple Account credentials previously used on the device if Activation Lock appears.

How can you tell whether an iPhone is locked or disabled?

A locked screen normally asks for a passcode and may still allow another attempt. If several incorrect passcodes have been entered, the iPhone may show a waiting period before another attempt is allowed.

A disabled or unavailable iPhone displays a message such as “iPhone Unavailable” or “Security Lockout.” The exact wording and available buttons can vary by iOS version, but the message means passcode access is restricted.

• If a timer appears and you know the correct passcode, wait for the timer to finish before trying again.
• If you forgot the passcode, further guessing can extend the lockout.
• If an erase or passcode-reset option appears on the screen, follow its prompts only if you understand that the process may erase the device.

What do you need before resetting a locked iPhone?

Before learning how to reset a locked iPhone, gather the items and account details required for setup afterward. A reset cannot reveal or recover the forgotten passcode.

• A Mac or Windows computer for the recovery-mode method.
• Finder on a compatible Mac, Apple Devices on a supported Windows computer, or iTunes where that is the available management program.
• A compatible charging and data cable.
• The Apple Account email address or phone number and password previously used on the iPhone.
• Another Apple device signed in to the same account if you plan to use Find My.

Check whether an iCloud or computer backup exists if possible. Resetting a locked iPhone erases local data, and information that was never backed up or synced may not be recoverable.

How do you reset a locked iPhone using recovery mode?

Recovery mode is a special startup state that lets a computer erase and reinstall iOS when normal passcode access is unavailable. Keep the iPhone connected until the computer finishes the restore.

1. Turn off the iPhone. If it is connected to the computer, disconnect it first.
2. Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes on the computer.
3. Connect the iPhone while holding the correct button: use the side button for iPhone 8 and later, including iPhone SE models after the first generation; use the volume-down button for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus; use the Home button for iPhone 6s and earlier, including the first-generation iPhone SE.
4. Keep holding the button after the Apple logo appears. Release it only when the recovery-mode screen appears.
5. Select the iPhone in Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes. When asked to update or restore, choose Restore.
6. Allow the computer to download and install the software. If the download takes long enough for the iPhone to leave recovery mode, let the download finish and then repeat the recovery-mode steps.
7. When the erase is complete, follow the setup prompts on the iPhone.

How do you reset a locked iPhone with Find My?

Find My can erase a locked iPhone remotely when Find My was enabled before the lockout, the iPhone is associated with your Apple Account, and the device can connect to the internet. If the iPhone is offline, the erase request may remain pending until it connects.

1. Open Find My on another Apple device, or open {site} on a trusted browser and access Find My.
2. Sign in with the Apple Account connected to the locked iPhone.
3. Select the locked iPhone from the device list.
4. Choose the option to erase the device, then review and confirm the request.
5. After the erase finishes, start iPhone setup and sign in with the Apple Account previously associated with it.

This method will not work if Find My was not enabled beforehand or if you cannot access the associated account. Recovery mode can still erase the device, but it does not remove Activation Lock.

What happens to your data when you reset a locked iPhone?

In this situation, “reset” means erasing the iPhone and reinstalling or preparing its software for setup. It does not mean simply restarting the phone, and it does not preserve the files stored only on the device.

During setup, choose an iCloud backup or a backup stored on a Mac or Windows computer if one is available. You may need the backup password if the computer backup was encrypted.

Synced information may return after you sign in and syncing resumes. If no backup or synced copy exists, photos, messages, app data, settings, and other local content erased from the iPhone may be lost.

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

If recovery mode is not detected, check the cable and computer connection, update the device-management software, and repeat the button sequence. Try another compatible cable or computer port if the connection repeatedly drops.

Contact official Apple Support if the iPhone cannot enter recovery mode, the restore repeatedly fails, or the device has a hardware problem. Use {site} to locate verified support options rather than relying on an unverified contact listing.

Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature that requires the Apple Account previously linked to an erased iPhone. If Activation Lock appears, enter that account’s credentials or use Apple’s account-recovery process. If the iPhone belongs to someone else or a former organization, the previous owner or administrator must remove it from their account; erasing it again will not bypass the lock.

How can you prevent another iPhone lockout?

• Choose a passcode that is memorable to you but difficult for another person to guess.
• Enable Face ID or Touch ID, while remembering that the passcode is still required in certain situations.
• Keep the trusted phone number and recovery information for your Apple Account current.
• Turn on iCloud Backup or make regular encrypted backups to a computer.
• Confirm that Find My is enabled so remote erase remains available if the iPhone is lost or inaccessible.