How to Factory Reset iPhone 6/7/8/X/11: Fix It in 5 Ways

Many users choose to factory reset their iPhone when upgrading to newer models like iPhone 16 or iPhone 17, or before selling their old device. Besides that, a factory reset is also one of the most effective ways to fix persistent iOS system issues, such as freezing, crashing, or software glitches.

After resetting your iPhone to factory settings, the device will restart and return to its original state, just like a brand-new iPhone. You can then set it up again or restore your data from a backup in iCloud or iTunes. In this guide, we will show you 5 easy and proven ways to factory reset iPhone 6 with or without passcode. All methods are compatible with the latest iOS 18/26 and support all iPhone models.

Video Demo: iPhone 6/7/8/X/11 Factory Reset

Before exploring how to reset iPhone to factory settings, you could watch the video first. In this video, we have tried to reset the iPhone to factory settings using TunesKit iOS System Recovery and iTunes when your device is locked.

5 Ways to Factory Reset iPhone 6/7/8/X/11 With or Without Passcode

Factory resetting your iPhone is easier than you might think, whether you still have the passcode or your device is locked. In this section, we'll walk you through five simple and effective methods to reset your iPhone under different situations, including without a passcode or even without a computer.

Method 1: Factory Reset iPhone 6 via Settings (Easiest)

Here's an important reminder you should know before resetting: All data and settings stored on your device, ranging from notes, app data, to photos, videos, music, and others, will be removed. The following emthod will specifically use the iPhone to implement data deletion and factory reset. It means that the whole process will be done on the iPhone via Settings without having to connect to a computer on the premise that you can normally get access to the phone.

• Step 1. Power on iPhone and enter the passcode to unlock the device.
• Step 2. Head to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone and tap on Erase All Content and Settings.
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• Step 3. Tap Continue to confirm when a warning message pops up and then enter the password of your device and Apple ID info as required.
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• Step 4. Wait for a while until your iPhone completes reset.

The time it takes to reset the iPhone on the device depends on the model, and you will see a rough estimate from the warning box, but the time to fully restore the device can range from several minuts to more than an hour. And your iPhone will not be operated while resetting as all the files will be cleared.

Method 2: Factory Reset iPhone 6 with iCloud

This method works through Apple's iCloud service, allowing you to remotely erase your iPhone even if you don't have physical access to it. It's especially useful when your device is lost, stolen, or locked and inaccessible. This method is best for Find My iPhone is enabled, device is online(connected to the internet), and you know your Apple Account password.

• Step 1. Visit www.iCloud.com/#find, then enter your Apple ID and tap the Find My iPhone option.
• Step 2. Tap All Devices and select the iPhone you want to erase.
• Step 3. Choose Erase This Device to finish the process of resetting iPhone to factory settings.
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Method 3: Use Security Lockout (No Computer Needed)

Apple introduced the Security Lockout feature to let users reset a locked iPhone directly from the lock screen after multiple failed passcode attempts. This method is built into iOS, making it the most straightforward and secure option without needing a computer or extra tools.

• Step 1. Enter the wrong passcode multiple times until the "iPhone Unavailable" screen appears.
• Step 2. Tap Forgot Passcode? at the bottom.
• Step 3. Tap Start iPhone Reset option to confirm. Enter your Apple ID password, and wait for the device to erase and restart
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Method 4: Use Recovery Mode with iTunes/Finder

Recovery Mode allows your computer to communicate with your iPhone at a system level, making it possible to reinstall iOS and erase the device even when it's locked or not functioning properly. This is Apple's official solution for serious issues.

• Step 1. Use an original USB cable to connect your iPhone to a PC or Mac computer and then open iTunes.
• Step 2. Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode: Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, at last, press and hold the Side button until Recovery Mode appears.
• Step 3. Then iTunes will detect your iPhone in the recovery mode and go to choose the Restore option on iTunes. Wait until the restoration is done, and your iPhone will be reset to the factory resettings.
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Method 5. How to Factory Reset iPhone 6 without iTunes or Passcode

This might be one of the most efficient solutions on how to reset iPhone when locked. There are many such applications that can help you out and TunesKit iOS System Recovery is a trustworthy and powerful one. It will help you remove any kind of screen passcode no matter it's numeric ones or more advanced Touch ID and Face ID.

Its full compatibility also enables users to restore other models including the latest iPhone 17, iPad, or devices that're running the latest iOS 26, etc. Now just get the free download of this software and try it out. Here's how to factory reset iPhone without iTunes or passcode using TunesKit software.

Step 1Connect your iPhone 6 to the computer

Launch TunesKit program and connect your iPhone with a USB cord. Then select the Reset Device option.

Step 2Select a mode to reset

Select the Factory Reset option to factory reset your iPhone by using TunesKit iOS System Recovery.

Step 3Download the firmware package

Confirm your device info and correct it if anything is wrong. Then click the Download button to start downloading and verifying the iOS firmware package that matched your device.

Step 4Reset iPhone 6 to factory settings

Once the download comes to the end, click the Reset button to factory reset iPhone without password. Wait a while until the process completes. Don't disconnect your device during the whole process.

Comparison Table

Method	Need Passcode	Need Computer	Difficulty	Best For
Settings	✅	❌	Easy	Normal reset
Security Lockout	✅Apple ID Passcode	❌	Easy	Forgot passcode
iCloud	✅	❌	Easy	Lost iPhone
iTunes	❌	✅	Medium	System issues
TunesKit iOS System Recovery	❌	✅	Easy	Locked device

FAQs About Factory Reset iPhone 6

Conclusion

Now you've learned about how to reset iPhone 6 to factory settings. And you can try the aforementioned solutions one by one until your problem is solved. If your iPhone is locked and you need to factory reset it, we highly recommend you to try TunesKit iOS System Recovery since it's easy and efficient. In case that there is any data loss issue occuring on your iPhone, turn to an efficient iOS data recovery tool such as TunesKit iPhone Data Recovery for help. It can recover up to 20 types of deleted data either from your iPhone directly or iTunes and iCloud backup.