How to Factory Reset iPhone Without Password [6 Ways]

How to Factory Reset iPhone Without Password

Home > HowTos > Troubleshooting Tips Updated by Robert on May 22, 2024 | Approved by Christian Cawley

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you've forgotten your iPhone's passcode and can't access your device? Don't worry; you're not the first, and certainly won't be the last! This guide will show you various ways on how to factory reset iPhone without password.

Table of contents
Part 1. Why Need to Factory Reset an iPhone Without a Passcode
Part 2. 6 Ways to Factory Reset iPhone Without Password
Part 3. How to Recover Data Lost after Reset an iPhone
Part 4. Frequently Asked Questions and Answers to Unlocking iPhone Passcode

Why Need to Factory Reset an iPhone Without a Passcode

There could be several reasons why one might need to iPhone factory reset without a password:

It's important to note that an iPhone factory reset will erase all files and settings, so always back up any critical data before proceeding.

6 Ways to Factory Reset iPhone Without Password

Whether you've forgotten your password or want to wipe your phone clean before selling or giving it away, performing a factory reset on an iPhone without a passcode can seem daunting. Luckily, by the following methods, resetting your phone to its original state without entering a passcode is easy. They are:

  • iPhone Factory Reset Mode
  • Applicable situations
  • Using iTunes
  • It requires you to have synced your iPhone with iTunes before.
  • Through Recovery Mode
  • Different models require different ways to enter recovery mode, and you may be try several times.
  • Using Hard Reset Feature
  • This is a last resort method to reset your device without the help of tools, but it may not be successful.
  • Using Third-party Tool
  • With the help of professional software, you can easily factory reset your iPhone without a password, but you have to pay.

Methods 1. From iCloud's Find My iPhone Service

Using Find My iPhone service, you can factory reset an iPhone without a password. This method requires that you have previously set up Find My iPhone on your device and that the device is currently connected to the internet. Here's how to do it:

  1. Log in to iCloud on a different device or computer.
  2. Open the "Find iPhone" application.

  3. Select Your Device: Click "All Devices" at the top of the screen, then select the iPhone you want to erase.
  4. Click "Erase iPhone" to delete all data and settings from your device. You'll be asked to enter your password to confirm.

Methods 2. Using iTunes

If you have a computer and have ever synced your iPhone to iTunes, it is another preferred way to factory reset your iPhone without a passcode. Here's how:

  1. Use a USB cable to connect the iPhone to your computer.
  2. Open iTunes and click "Summary" on the left panel.
  3. Click "Restore iPhone" in the right panel.

  4. Click "Restore" in the confirmation window and wait for the reset to complete.

Methods 3. Through Recovery Mode

One of the common ways to factory reset an iPhone without a password is to use the recovery mode. Here's the guide:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
  2. Open iTunes or Finder (Mac only and need Catalina 10.15 or later).
  3. Put your iPhone in Recovery Mode.

    For iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release the "Volume +." Then press and quickly release the "Volume -." Finally, press and hold the Side button until entering the recovery mode.

    For iPhone 7 or Plus: Press and hold both the "Side" and "Volume -" until you see the recovery-mode screen.

    For iPhone 6s or earlier: Press the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons simultaneously until you see the recovery-mode screen.

  4. A window in iTunes or Finder should pop up that allows you to Restore or Update your iPhone. Choose "Restore."

Tip: If it takes more than 15 minutes, your device will exit this mode, and you must repeat steps 3 and 4. After the process ends, you can set up and use your iPhone. This ways can also unlock iPhone without passcode.

Methods 4. Using the Erase iPhone Feature in the Login Screen

If you don't want to use a computer or iTunes, then this factory resetting iPhone without a passcode method is for you, but it only works on iOS 15.2 and above. You can do this:

  1. Always type the wrong iPhone login password until "iPhone Unavailable" appears.
  2. Click "Erase iPhone" at the bottom right of the screen and confirm Erase All Content & Settings.

  3. Type your Apple ID login password.
  4. Wait for the process to complete, and your iPhone will be reset.

Methods 5. Using Hard Reset Feature

The last free way to factory reset an iPhone without a password is using the Hard Reset function, which may not work.

For iPhone 8 and later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation):

  1. Quickly press and release the "Volume +."
  2. Quickly press and release the "Volume -."
  3. Press the "Side" button until you see the Apple logo.

For iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the "Side" and "Volume -" for at least ten seconds until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 6s or earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation): Press and hold the "Sleep/Wake" and "Home" for at least ten seconds until you see the Apple logo.

Methods 6. Using Third-party Tool

If you are looking for an easy way to factory reset an iPhone without a password, you can try the third-party APP - iOS Unlocker, but you must pay a certain fee.

  1. Connect the iOS device to the computer and click the "Trust" button on your iPhone.
  2. Download and install the correct iOS Unlocker version according to your system.
  3. After launching it, click "Wipe Passcode" > "Start."

  4. Confirm your iPhone information and click "Start."

  5. Wait momentarily, type "0000" and click "Unlock."

How to Recover Data Lost after Reset an iPhone

Data loss after resetting an iPhone is a common issue many users face. However, there are several methods to recover this lost data. Here are some of the ways you can do this:

Ways 1. Restore from iCloud Backup

If you have previously backed up your data on iCloud, you can restore it after a factory reset. Follow these steps:

  1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset, then tap "Erase all content and settings."

  2. On the Apps & Data screen, tap "Restore from iCloud Backup," then sign in to iCloud.
  3. Proceed to "Choose backup," then choose from a list of available backups in iCloud.

Ways 2. Restore from iTunes Backup

If you have backed up your data using iTunes, you can restore this backup after a reset. Here's how:

  1. Open iTunes on that you used to back up your iPhone.
  2. Connect the device to your computer with a cable.
  3. Select your iPhone when it appears in iTunes, then select "Restore Backup."

  4. Choose the most relevant backup, click "Restore," and wait for the process to finish.

Ways 3. Direct Data Recovery

In case you didn't have a backup of your data, some third-party tools like iBeesoft iPhone Data Recovery can help to recover data directly from the device after a reset.

  1. Download and install iBeesoft iPhone recovery software and run it.
  2. Select the "Recover from iOS Device" option at the top.
  3. Click "Scan" on the back of your iPhone.

  4. Select the recoverable items and click "Recover".

FAQs

Sure, here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how to factory reset an iPhone without a password:

  • iPhone factory reset means wiping it clean of any data or settings and returning it to the condition it was in when it first left the factory. This includes removing all personal data, apps, and settings.

  • Before you restore your iPhone to factory settings, you should back up any data you want to keep. This could include photos, videos, contacts, and app data. You can use iCloud or iTunes to back up your data.

  • Yes, you can. However, this will erase all your data and settings on your iPhone. It is recommended to back up your data before proceeding.

  • Yes, restoring your iPhone to factory settings will erase all your data and apps. However, any data stored in iCloud, like Contacts, Calendars, or Notes, will still be available after the reset. That's why it's essential to back up your data before you perform a factory reset.

  • If you've backed up your iPhone to iTunes or iCloud before the factory reset, you can restore your iPhone from the backup during the setup process after the reset. If not, then you can also try iPhone recovery software.

  • You can factory reset your iPhone without updating the iOS version using iTunes. However, if you're doing it directly from your device, it will update to the latest iOS version

  • No, you cannot undo a factory reset. Once the process begins, all the data on your iPhone will be erased. However, you can restore your data and settings with a backup.

  • The time it takes can vary depending on the model of your iPhone and how much data you have on it. Generally, it should take around 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion

Forgetting your iPhone passcode and causing it to be locked can be frustrating. However, have no fear! This article provides multiple solutions to factory reset an iPhone without a password. Although the process may seem daunting, it will be easy as long as you follow the steps we have provided. Moreover, if essential data is lost during this process, you can also use the methods we supplied to regain them. With a little patience and preparation, you can reset your iPhone to its factory state without data loss.