To factory reset an iPhone without the password, you have several options depending on your situation:
1. Use Recovery Mode and iTunes/Finder (No Password Needed)
- Turn off your iPhone.
- Put your iPhone into recovery mode:
- For iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until recovery mode screen appears.
- For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Volume Down and Side button until recovery mode screen appears.
- For iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold Home and Side buttons until recovery mode screen appears.
- Connect the iPhone to a computer with iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).
- iTunes/Finder will detect the device in recovery mode and prompt to Restore the iPhone.
- Confirm and let the process complete; this erases the device and installs the latest iOS.
Note: This method requires the Apple ID password if Find My iPhone is enabled, due to Activation Lock
2. Use Third-Party Software to Remove Apple ID and Reset
- Tools like iMyFone LockWiper or AnyUnlock can factory reset an iPhone without needing the Apple ID password or screen passcode.
- These programs remove the Apple ID and bypass Activation Lock, allowing you to set up the iPhone as new.
- The process typically involves downloading the software on a computer, connecting the iPhone, and following on-screen instructions to unlock and reset.
- This method works even if Find My iPhone is enabled and supports all iPhone models and iOS versions, including the latest
3. Use iCloud (If You Have Apple ID Access)
- If you remember your Apple ID credentials but not the device passcode, you can log into iCloud.com.
- Use the "Find iPhone" feature to erase the device remotely, which factory resets it.
- This requires Apple ID password and the device must be connected to the internet
Summary
Method| Requires Password?| Notes
---|---|---
Recovery Mode + iTunes/Finder| No (for reset), Yes (Apple ID for Activation
Lock)| Erases device but Activation Lock remains if Find My is on
Third-Party Tools (LockWiper, AnyUnlock)| No| Removes Apple ID and Activation
Lock, easy reset
iCloud Remote Erase| Yes (Apple ID)| Erases device remotely if Apple ID is
known
If you do not have the Apple ID password and Find My iPhone is enabled, the most effective way is to use third-party software like iMyFone LockWiper or AnyUnlock to factory reset and remove the Apple ID lock
. This approach provides a reliable way to reset your iPhone without the password and regain full access.
