Indeed, it's impossible to completely erase the data from iPhone storage by deleting it on your device. When you delete the data, it is no longer accessible through the iPhone's interface, but it can still be recovered on your device. If you want to switch to a new iPhone and sell your old one, you need to erase your iPhone after backing it up. Forgot your screen passcode? Not sure how to erase an iPhone? Follow our guide on how to factory reset iPhone without passcode.
- Part 1. Can You Factory Reset an iPhone without the Password?
- Part 2. How to Factory Reset an iPhone without Passcode or iTunes
- Part 3. How to Reset iPhone to Factory Settings without Password
- Part 4. How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer or Password
- Part 5. FAQs about iPhone Factory Reset
- Part 6. Conclusion
Part 1. Can You Factory Reset an iPhone without the Password?
Yes, you can reset an iPhone to its factory settings without a password. It's true that when you've enabled Find My iPhone or set a Screen Time passcode or screen lock passcode, you need a password for the iPhone factory reset. You will learn how to reset iPhone to factory settings without passcode in the following part. But before starting the iPhone factory reset without passcode, you can watch this video first.
Which is the best way to factory reset iPhone without password?
After watching the above video, you will learn several ways to factory reset an iPhone without a passcode. But which method is best for the iPhone factory reset without a password? From the comparison table below, you will know which one is more suitable for you.
| Methods | Computer | Apple ID Password | Find My iPhone | Easy to process | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MagFone iPhone Unlocker | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | Quick and easy to reset | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| iTunes or Finder | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | A bit complex | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| iCloud.com | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | A bit complex | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Find My App | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | A bit complex | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security Lockout | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | A bit complex | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Part 2. How to Factory Reset an iPhone without Passcode or iTunes
Both iTunes and iCloud can help you reset your iPhone to factory settings when you forgot your screen lock passcode. However, to reset your iPhone in iTunes or the Finder, you need to make sure that you have disabled the Find My iPhone feature. You have to remember your Apple ID password when you prepare to erase your device with an Apple ID. What to do if you can't remember your Apple ID password and don't disable Find My iPhone? Fortunately, there is a way to achieve this.
With the assistance of MagFone iPhone Unlocker, you can completely and safely erase your iPhone, then set it up again. MagFone iPhone Unlocker is a top-rated unlocking tool that can deal with various unlocking issues related to iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. In addition to removing screen locks, Apple ID, and so forth, this tool can reset an iPhone to factory settings. The following are the main features of MagFone iPhone Unlocker.
MagFone iPhone Unlocker
Unlock various locks on iOS devices, including screen locks, MDM, Apple ID, and Activation Lock without needing a password.
It's easy to use MagFone iPhone Unlocker even though you are a newbie. Follow the step-by-step guide below on how to factory reset iPhone using MagFone iPhone Unlocker.
Step 1 Run MagFone iPhone Unlocker and Connect iPhone
Firstly, connect your iPhone to your computer with a cable and launch MagFone iPhone Unlocker. After your device is detected on the computer, select the Unlock iOS Screen option on the interface of MagFone software and click on the Start button.
Step 2 Put iPhone into Recovery Mode or DFU Mode
Secondly, make sure that you have placed your iPhone into DFU mode or recovery mode. If not, follow the on-screen instructions to get your device entered into DFU mode. Then click the Next button.
Step 3 Select the Firmware Package to Download
Thirdly, go to check the device information of your iPhone. Manually correct the wrong information and select the matching firmware package to download by clicking the Download button.
Step 4 Reset iPhone to Factory Settings Without Passcode
After successfully verifying the firmware package, click on the Unlock button to remove the screen lock and reset your device to factory settings. Wait for a while, and don't plug your iPhone until the process finishes.
MagFone iOS System Recovery
Fix various iOS issues, and factory Reset an iPhone without Passcode or iTunes.
Part 3. How to Reset iPhone to Factory Settings without Password
To directly factory reset an iPhone, the easiest and most effective method is to use a third-party tool introduced above. But you can also erase all data and settings from your iPhone and reset your device to factory settings by using Finder or iTunes on your computer. Learn how to restore your iPhone to factory settings without passcode via iTunes or Finder.
How to Factory Reset iPhone with iTunes
On a computer that your iPhone has trusted before, you can directly use iTunes or the Finder to get an iPhone factory reset without password. But make sure that Find My iPhone is disabled on your device first.
📝Requirements:
Find My iPhone is in disabled status
A Windows PC or a Mac
A USB cable
Step 1. Establish the connection between your iPhone and computer with a USB cable.
Step 2. Launch Finder or iTunes on your computer and click the device icon. Then head to Summary and click Restore iPhone.
Step 3. Wait to complete the process of resetting your device to factory settings.
How to Factory Reset iPhone in Recovery Mode
When your iPhone has never been trusted or synced with any computer, you can put your device in recovery mode, then reset it to factory settings without a password.
📝Requirements:
A Windows PC or a Mac
A USB cable
An iPhone in recovery mode
Step 1. Power off your iPhone, then use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer.
Step 2. Proceed to put your iPhone into recovery mode by pressing the correct buttons.
- For iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the volume up button. Do the same with the volume down button. Then press and hold the side button until the recovery mode screen shows.
- For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the Power and volume down buttons simultaneously. Release the buttons until you see the Apple logo. Continue to hold both buttons until you see the recovery mode screen.
- For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the Power and Home buttons at the same time. Don't release the buttons when you see the Apple logo. Continue to hold both buttons until the recovery mode appears.
Get an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch into recovery mode with one click for free.
Step 3. Launch iTunes or the Finder on the computer, then click Restore to factory reset your device.
Part 4. How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer or Password
If you don't have a computer, you can consider remotely erasing your iPhone at iCloud.com or using the Find My app. When your iPhone has been updated to the latest version of iOS, you can also directly erase your device on the Security Lockout screen. Here's how to factory reset iPhone without password or computer.
Method 1. Wipe iPhone to Factory Settings at iCloud.com
iCloud allows you to erase all the data and settings on your iPhone remotely. Provided that you still remember your Apple ID password, you can restore your device to factory settings at iCloud.com. Follow the steps below to factory reset your iPhone.
📝Prerequisites:
A internet-based device
Find My is enabled on your iPad
Apple ID and password
Step 1. Open iCloud.com in a web browser, then enter your Apple ID and password to log into iCloud.
Step 2. There are lots of options like Photo, Contact, and more for you to choose from, and simply click Find My.
Step 3. Click the All Device button at the top of the page and from the drop-down list, select your iPhone.
Step 4. In the pop-up window, click the Erase This Device button to wipe your device.
Method 2. Erase iPhone to Factory Settings via Find My App
In the Find My app, you can see all of your Apple devices associated with the same Apple ID. If the Find My iPhone feature is turned on your device, you can remotely erase your device data on another Apple device. Perform the following steps to erase your iPhone.
📝Prerequisites:
An Apple device with the same Apple ID logged in
Find My is enabled on your iPad
Apple ID and password
Step 1. Launch the Find My app on your other Apple device and tap Devices.
Step 2. In the device list, find your iPhone and tap it.
Step 3. Tap Erase iPhone > Continue to erase your iPhone to factory settings.
Method 3. Factory Reset iPhone When Locked Out
Once you enter the wrong screen passcode on your device too many times, you will be prompted to the iPhone is disabled or iPhone Unavailable screen. You can also use this feature to erase your iPhone and restore it to factory settings.
📝Prerequisites:
An iPhone running iOS 15.2 or later
Apple ID and password
On iPhone with iOS 15.2~17:
Step 1. Enter the wrong screen passcode until you see the prompt for iPhone Security Lockout.
Step 2. Tap Erase iPhone at the bottom right corner, then tap it again to confirm.
Step 3. When prompted, enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple ID.
Step 4. After successfully signing out of your Apple ID, tap Erase iPhone to reset your device.
On iPhone with iOS 17 and later:
Step 1. Input the incorrect passcode until you see the iPhone unavailable screen.
Step 2. Tap the Forgot Passcode? option and tap Start iPhone Reset.
Step 3. Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your account.
Step 4. Tap Erase iPhone to erase iPhone to factory settings. If you have eSIM data on your iPhone, you can choose Keep eSIM and Erase Data.
Part 5. FAQs about iPhone Factory Reset
Does iPhone factory reset delete everything?
Yes, resetting an iPhone to factory settings will delete everything on the device, including all the data and settings. It's suggested you make a backup of the iPhone data before performing a factory reset in case you need to restore your data.
How to reset iPhone to factory settings when locked?
When your device is locked, you can use MagFone iPhone Unlocker or iTunes to reset your iPhone to factory settings.
How to factory reset iPhone with buttons?
There is no direct way to factory reset iPhone with buttons, but you can put your iPhone into recovery mode with buttons and then use factory reset your iPhone via iTunes.
How to factory reset disabled iPhone?
If your iPhone is disabled, you can directly use iTunes to factory reset it in recovery mode. Or you can remotely factory reset your disabled iPhone at iCloud.com or via the Find My app. Besides, you can also consider MagFone iPhone Unlocker or MagFone iOS System Recovery to do this for you.
Part 6. Final Words
After completely erasing your iPhone using the methods detailed above, you can safely pass it on or sell it without worrying about personal data leaks. If you remember your Apple ID password, you can reset your iPhone without iTunes or computer. Alternatively, you can use iTunes in recovery mode or rely on MagFone iPhone Unlocker to ensure a full factory reset.
Teresa Miller
Editor in chief
