How to Reset an iPhone Without the PIN

You can reset an iPhone without the PIN by erasing it from the lock screen or restoring it with a Mac or Windows PC. The reset removes the forgotten PIN, but it also deletes the iPhone’s data and does not remove Activation Lock.

What happens when you reset a locked iPhone?

A factory reset erases the locked iPhone, including its apps, settings, messages, photos, and other locally stored data. It also removes the forgotten screen passcode so you can set up the iPhone again.

A reset cannot reveal, recover, or bypass the existing PIN. Data that was not included in an iCloud or computer backup may be permanently lost.

Activation Lock is Apple’s theft-deterrence feature that links an iPhone to the owner’s Apple Account through Find My. Erasing the iPhone does not remove that link. During setup, you may need the Apple Account email address or phone number and password previously used on the device.

What should you do before resetting an iPhone without the PIN?

Before starting an iPhone PIN reset, gather the information and equipment needed to erase and reactivate the device:

• Check whether an iCloud or computer backup exists. You cannot create a new backup from a locked iPhone unless it can already connect to and be recognized by a previously trusted computer.
• Confirm that you know the linked Apple Account credentials. Recover the account or reset its password before erasing the iPhone if possible.
• Keep the iPhone connected to power or make sure it has enough charge to complete the reset.
• Use a reliable Wi-Fi or cellular connection for an on-device reset. A computer restore also needs internet access to obtain the required iPhone software.
• For a computer restore, have a compatible cable and an updated Mac or Windows PC ready.

If the iPhone belongs to an employer, school, family member, or previous owner, contact that organization or owner before resetting it. Only the account linked to Activation Lock can authorize normal activation afterward.

How do you reset the iPhone from the lock screen?

On supported iOS versions, a reset option appears after repeated incorrect passcode attempts. Depending on the iOS version, the button may be labeled “Forgot Passcode?” or “Erase iPhone.” The iPhone must have an active Wi-Fi or cellular connection, and Find My must already be enabled.

1. Enter incorrect passcodes until the iPhone displays a security lockout or unavailable message and shows the reset option.
2. Select “Forgot Passcode?” or “Erase iPhone” at the bottom of the screen.
3. Choose the option to start the iPhone reset, then confirm that you want to erase the device.
4. Enter the password for the Apple Account linked to the iPhone when requested. This signs the account out and authorizes the erase.
5. Wait while the iPhone deletes its data and restarts. Keep the device powered and connected during the process.

If the reset choice never appears, the iPhone may be offline, may have an earlier iOS version, or may not meet the requirements for on-device recovery. Use recovery mode with a computer instead.

How do you reset a locked iPhone with a Mac or Windows PC?

Recovery mode lets a computer reinstall iOS when you cannot unlock the iPhone. On a Mac, use Finder. On a Windows PC, use the Apple Devices app; an older supported setup may use iTunes.

1. Turn off the iPhone. Disconnect it from the computer if it is already connected.
2. Identify the recovery-mode button: use the side button on iPhone 8 or later and second- or third-generation iPhone SE; use Volume Down on iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus; use the Home button on iPhone 6s or earlier and first-generation iPhone SE.
3. Connect the iPhone to the computer while immediately pressing and holding the correct button.
4. Keep holding the button past the Apple logo. Release it only when the recovery-mode screen shows a computer and cable.
5. Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes and select the iPhone.
6. When the computer offers Update or Restore, select Restore. Restore erases the iPhone and installs a fresh copy of iOS.
7. Keep the iPhone connected until the restore finishes and the setup screen appears.

If the software download takes long enough for the iPhone to leave recovery mode, allow the download to finish. Then turn off the iPhone and repeat the model-specific recovery-mode steps before selecting Restore again.

How do you set up the iPhone after the reset?

After a factory reset, the iPhone starts at the welcome screen. Connect it to Wi-Fi or a cellular network so Apple can activate it.

1. Follow the language, region, and activation prompts.
2. Enter the Apple Account credentials previously linked to the device if Activation Lock requests them.
3. Choose to restore from an available iCloud backup, restore from a Mac or PC backup, or set up the iPhone without transferring data.
4. Sign in to the Apple Account used for iCloud and other Apple services.
5. Create a new passcode that you can remember but other people cannot easily guess.
6. Finish the remaining privacy, security, and service settings.

A backup can restore only the information it contained when that backup was made. Content already synchronized with iCloud may return after you sign in and synchronization completes.

What can you do if the iPhone reset does not work?

If you cannot complete a forgot-iPhone-PIN reset, match the problem to the appropriate next step:

• There is no lock-screen reset option: Confirm that the iPhone has a network connection. If the option still does not appear, use recovery mode on a computer.
• The computer does not recognize recovery mode: Update Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes, check the cable and USB connection, restart the computer, and repeat the correct button sequence for the iPhone model.
• You forgot the Apple Account password: Use Apple’s official account-recovery process. Resetting the device again will not remove the account requirement.
• Activation Lock names another owner: Ask that owner to remove the iPhone from their Apple Account. Apple may review an Activation Lock support request when valid proof of purchase is available.
• The buttons or computer restore still fail: Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Have the iPhone and any available proof of ownership ready.

Do not use third-party unlocking software or instructions that claim to expose the old PIN or defeat Activation Lock. The supported choices are to erase the iPhone, verify the linked Apple Account, and restore an available backup.