How to Reset iPhone Through iTunes: Step-by-Step Guide

To reset an iPhone through iTunes when you are locked out, connect the iPhone to a Windows PC, place it in recovery mode, and choose Restore in iTunes. On a Mac with a recent version of macOS, use Finder instead of iTunes and follow the same recovery-and-restore process.

A restore erases the iPhone, including its passcode. It does not remove Activation Lock, so you may still need the Apple Account previously connected to the device before setup can be completed.

When do you need to reset an iPhone through iTunes?

You may need to reset an iPhone through iTunes after forgetting the screen passcode or entering the wrong passcode too many times. The iPhone may display a message saying that it is unavailable, disabled, or locked.

Restoring can also help when the iPhone will not complete startup or cannot be erased from its Settings app. If the problem is only a forgotten Apple Account password, try the account-recovery choices shown on the sign-in screen first. Erasing the iPhone does not reset that password or bypass Activation Lock.

What do you need before resetting an iPhone?

• A Windows PC with the current version of iTunes, or a Mac with Finder. Older Macs may still use iTunes.
• The iPhone and an original or compatible USB cable that supports data transfer.
• A stable internet connection so the computer can download the iPhone software.
• Enough time to download and install the software without disconnecting the iPhone.
• The Apple Account details previously used on the iPhone if Activation Lock appears after the restore.

Resetting through iTunes or Finder erases the device. Photos, messages, files, and settings that were not included in an iCloud or computer backup may be lost.

How do you reset an iPhone using iTunes on Windows?

1. Open iTunes on the Windows PC. Install any available iTunes update before continuing.
2. Turn off the iPhone if possible.
3. Use the correct button sequence for the iPhone model to place the device in recovery mode. Keep holding the required button while connecting the iPhone to the PC.
4. Release the button only when the recovery-mode screen appears. This screen normally shows a cable pointing toward a computer.
5. In iTunes, select the iPhone when a message says there is a problem with the device.
6. Choose Restore, not Update, when the goal is to remove a forgotten passcode and erase the device.
7. Confirm the restore and allow iTunes to download and install the software. Do not unplug the cable during the restore.
8. Wait for the iPhone to restart and display the setup screen.

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

How do you reset an iPhone using Finder on a Mac?

1. Open Finder on a Mac running a macOS version that uses Finder for iPhone management.
2. Turn off the iPhone if possible, then begin the recovery-mode sequence for the model.
3. Connect the iPhone to the Mac while holding the required button. Keep holding it until the recovery-mode screen appears.
4. Select the iPhone under Locations in the Finder sidebar.
5. When Finder offers Update or Restore, choose Restore to erase the locked iPhone and reinstall its software.
6. Confirm the choice, then keep the iPhone connected while Finder completes the download and restore.
7. When the setup screen appears on the iPhone, disconnect it only if Finder indicates that the process is complete.

How do you put an iPhone into recovery mode?

Recovery mode is a special startup state that lets iTunes or Finder reinstall the iPhone software when normal access is unavailable. Use the sequence that matches the iPhone model.

• For iPhone 8 or later, including iPhone SE models from the second generation or later: press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then hold the Side button. Keep holding the Side button until the recovery-mode screen appears.
• For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: hold the Side button and Volume Down button together. Keep holding both buttons until the recovery-mode screen appears.
• For iPhone 6s or earlier and the first-generation iPhone SE: hold the Home button and the Side or Top button together. Keep holding them until the recovery-mode screen appears.

Do not release the buttons when the Apple logo first appears. Continue holding until the cable-and-computer recovery screen is visible.

How do you restore your data after resetting the iPhone?

After the reset, the iPhone displays its setup assistant. Follow the language, region, Wi-Fi, and activation prompts, then choose how to set up the device.

• Choose the iCloud backup option if a backup was saved in iCloud. Sign in with the Apple Account used for that backup and select the appropriate backup by its date.
• Choose the Mac or PC backup option if a backup was created through Finder or iTunes. Connect the iPhone to that computer, select Restore Backup, and choose the appropriate backup.
• Choose the option to set up without transferring data if no backup is available or you want a clean setup.

An encrypted computer backup may require the password created when that backup was made. The iPhone may also request the Apple Account previously associated with the device; a restore cannot remove that security check.

What should you do if iTunes or Finder does not recognize the iPhone?

1. Check that the cable is firmly connected at both ends and supports data transfer.
2. Try another USB port directly on the computer instead of a keyboard, hub, or adapter when possible.
3. Inspect the iPhone charging port for debris that could prevent a stable connection.
4. Update iTunes, macOS, or Windows, then restart both the computer and the iPhone.
5. If the iPhone is unlocked and shows a Trust This Computer prompt, tap Trust and enter the device passcode. A locked iPhone may need to be placed in recovery mode before the computer can detect it for restoration.
6. Try another compatible cable or another computer if the iPhone still does not appear.

If multiple cables and computers cannot detect the iPhone in recovery mode, the device may need inspection by Apple or an authorized service provider.