How to Factory Reset an iPhone, With or Without a Password

To reset an iPhone to factory settings, erase it in Settings if you know the passcode, or restore it with a computer if you do not. Either method permanently removes the iPhone’s data and settings, but it does not bypass Activation Lock.

What should you check before you reset an iPhone to factory settings?

A factory reset deletes photos, messages, apps, accounts, saved files, settings, and other information stored on the iPhone. Back up anything you may need before starting because erased data cannot be recovered unless it exists in an iCloud or computer backup.

• Make sure recent photos, messages, and important files are included in a backup.
• Have the Apple Account email address and password associated with the iPhone ready. Apple Account is the current name for what was previously called an Apple ID.
• Keep the iPhone connected to power or charge it sufficiently before starting.
• If you are transferring the iPhone to another person, sign out of your Apple Account and confirm that Find My is turned off.
• If the iPhone uses an eSIM, read each erase prompt carefully and choose whether to keep or remove the eSIM as appropriate.

Find My enables Activation Lock, an ownership check that requires the linked Apple Account credentials before an erased iPhone can be activated. Erasing the phone alone may leave Activation Lock enabled, especially after a remote erase. There is no legitimate reset procedure that defeats this protection.

How do I reset my iPhone to factory settings when I know the passcode?

If you can unlock the device, the Settings app is the simplest way to reset your iPhone to factory settings. The labels below are Apple’s current general path, although a prompt may vary according to the phone’s configuration.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Review the information the iPhone says will be removed, then continue.
6. Enter the device passcode when requested.
7. Enter the Apple Account password if the iPhone asks for it. This signs out and turns off Find My and Activation Lock as part of the erase process.
8. Confirm the erase and leave the iPhone connected to power while it restarts.

This is also the answer to “how can I reset my iPhone to factory settings?” when the phone remains accessible. Do not simply delete photos and apps one at a time; Erase All Content and Settings performs the complete iPhone factory settings reset.

How do I reset an iPhone to factory settings without the password?

To reset an iPhone to factory settings without the passcode, place it in recovery mode and restore it from a computer. You still need the Apple Account credentials linked to the device when Activation Lock appears after restoration.

1. Use a Mac or Windows computer with current system software. Open Finder on a Mac, or Apple Devices or iTunes on a Windows computer, depending on what is available.
2. Turn off the iPhone.
3. Connect the iPhone to the computer while holding its recovery button. For iPhone 8 or later and recent iPhone SE models, hold the side button. For iPhone 7 models, hold Volume Down. For iPhone 6s and earlier or the first iPhone SE, hold the Home button.
4. Keep holding the button until the recovery-mode screen appears. Do not release it at the regular Apple logo.
5. Select the iPhone in Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes.
6. Choose Restore when offered Restore or Update. The computer downloads the required software, erases the iPhone, and reinstalls the operating system.
7. If the download takes long enough for the iPhone to leave recovery mode, let the download finish and then repeat the recovery-mode steps.

Another official way to reset an iPhone without the password is Find My. On another Apple device signed in to the same Apple Account, open Find My, select Devices, choose the iPhone, and select Erase This Device. If the iPhone is offline, the erase remains pending until it connects to a cellular or Wi-Fi network. Activation Lock remains enabled after a Find My erase.

What should you do after the iPhone factory settings reset finishes?

When the reset finishes, the iPhone displays Setup Assistant. Follow its prompts to select a language and region, connect to a network, and activate the device.

1. Sign in with the Apple Account previously linked to the iPhone if Activation Lock requests it.
2. Choose to set up the iPhone as new or restore it from an available iCloud or computer backup.
3. If restoring a backup, keep the phone connected to power and a reliable network while data and apps return.
4. Create a new device passcode and review security, privacy, Find My, and backup settings.

If another person will use the iPhone, stop at the initial setup screen after confirming Activation Lock has been removed. The new user should complete Setup Assistant with their own Apple Account.

What should you do if the iPhone reset will not start or gets stuck?

If the reset will not start, first charge the iPhone and restart the process. A weak battery, damaged cable, unreliable USB connection, computer software problem, or interrupted network connection can stop an erase or restore.

• If the computer does not recognize the iPhone, reconnect it directly to another USB port and try a known-good compatible cable.
• If recovery mode disappears during the software download, wait for the download to complete and enter recovery mode again.
• If a remote erase says it is pending, connect the iPhone to cellular service or Wi-Fi.
• If Activation Lock appears, enter the Apple Account credentials originally linked to the phone. If it belonged to someone else, that owner must remove it from their account.
• If you forgot the Apple Account password, use Apple’s official account-recovery process. Repeated factory resets will not remove Activation Lock.
• If the restore repeatedly fails or displays an error, record the message and contact Apple Support.

How do you reach Apple Support for an iPhone reset problem?

Open {site}, choose iPhone, and select the topic for a forgotten passcode, update or restore problem, Apple Account access, or Activation Lock. Apple’s support flow shows the contact channels currently available for the issue and your location, which may include guided online help, the Apple Support app, messaging, or live support.

Have the iPhone model, serial number if available, Apple Account email address, computer type, and exact error message ready. Apple can help with account recovery and reset errors, but it will not remove Activation Lock without the required account access or acceptable proof of ownership.