How to Factory Reset iPhone Without Passcode [2026 Updated]
Forgetting the iPhone passcode would be a knotty problem, especially given as high-level security of the iOS system. Whether you've forgotten the passcode, bought a second-hand iPhone, or simply want to factory reset your device before selling it, erasing your iPhone is a common solution. Therefore, I will show you some effective ways about how to factory reset iPhone without passcodes in this post. Read it on.
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Video Guide: How to Factory Reset iPhone Without Passcode
How to Factory Reset iPhone Without Passcode [No Computer]
Need to reset your iPhone but don't have access to a computer? No worries - Apple offers convenient built-in solutions that let you reset your iPhone without a passcode or computer. Below are two effective methods to get the job done. Note that both are required Apple Account and password as a verification.
Way 1. Wipe iPhone via iOS Feature
You can factory reset iPhone without passcode and computer, as long as your iPhone is now running iOS 15.2 or the later iOS versions which allows a direct data erasure on locked iPhone screen. Also, the Apple Account password is necessary.
Requirements:1️⃣ The iPhone must be running iOS 15.2 or later.
2️⃣ You must know the Apple Account and password.
3️⃣ The iPhone must be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- Step 1. Put your iPhone into the Unavailable state by keep entering the wrong screen passcode.
- Step 2. Stop entering until you see the Erase iPhone or "Forgot Passcode?" option on the bottom-right corner. Then, tap it.
- Step 3. Select Start iPhone Reset if prompted. Enter your Apple Account password to wipe and reset your iPhone.
- Step 4. After a few minutes, your iPhone will be completely reset. Once it's done, you can set it up as new.
Way 2. Factory Reset iPhone via Find My App
When your iPhone cannot be connected to a network but you have an iPad with the same Apple Account, you can use the iPad to erase your iPhone.
Requirements:1️⃣ Another Apple Device like iPad with the same Apple Account.
2️⃣ The Find My feature on your iPhone is turned on.
3️⃣ The locked iPhone should be connected to a stable network.
- Step 1. Open the Find My app on your iPad.
- Step 2. Select the Devices tab located at the bottom of the screen. Locate and tap the device you wish to erase from your list of associated hardware.
- Step 3. Scroll down and select the Erase option.
- Step 4. Tap Continue and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the erasure.
Way 3. Erase iPhone via iCloud
iCloud comes in handy not just when your need to backup your iPhone but also for remotely managing your iPhone. If you want to facotry reset your iPhone without using a computer, iCloud would also be a good choice of you, provided Find My iPhone is enabled and you know the Apple Account credentials linked to the device.
Requirements:1️⃣ Find My iPhone must be enabled on the locked iPhone.
2️⃣ You must know the Apple Account and password linked to the device.
3️⃣ iPhone is connected to stable WiFi or Cellular data. If your iPhone is offline, the reset will begin automatically the next time it connects to the internet.
4️⃣ You have another Android/iPhone/iPad or other devices to access iCloud.
- Step 1. Launch a browser and navigate to iCloud.com.
- Step 2. When you log in to the iCloud successfully, click on the Find My iPhone option.
- Step 3. Tap on the All Devices list and select the iPhone that would be reset.
- Step 4. Tap on the Erase option and follow the instruction to reset your iPhone.
How to Factory Reset iPhone Without Passcode [Computer Required]
The Apple Account password and a stable network are necessary conditions when you try to use the above methods to factory reset your iPhone without passcode. But what to do if you don't have them? Don't worry. There are 2 effective ways to factory reset your iPhone via computer even if you forgot your Apple Account password or iPhone has no network.
Way 1. Erase iPhone via iTunes/Finder
Using iTunes (on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later) remains a classic, Apple-approved method for resetting iPhones without passcode. While this method requires a computer, it's reliable and works across various iPhone models and iOS versions. However, it might fail to restore iPhone sometimes, and only works when your Find My iPhone is off.
Depending on your situation, there are a few different approaches you can take. Let's walk through three common cases with step-by-step instructions on how to reset iPhone without passcode.
Case 1. You've Synced iPhone to Computer Before
If you've previously synced your iPhone with the computer you're using, resetting it through Recovery Mode via iTunes or Finder is simple. Otherwise, you may need to unlock your iPhone and trust the computer; check Case 2 to explore the solution. Let's see the detailed guide for the how-to.
- Step 1. Connect your iPhone to a computer.
- Step 2. Click on the iPhone icon and navigate to the left menu. You will see a Summary tab here. Hit it.
- Step 3. Click on the Restore iPhone option and follow the instruction to reset your iPhone.
Case 2. You Never Connect iPhone to the Computer - Use Recovery Mode
If your iPhone has never been connected to this computer - or if it's disabled or stuck on the lock screen - you'll need to use Recovery Mode. This allows iTunes or Finder to bypass trust requirements and reset iPhone without passcode.
- Step 1. Connect your iPhone to a computer and power off your locked iPhone.
- Step 2. Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode. Once iTunes/Finder detect an iPhone, a pop-up will ask if you want to "Update" or "Restore" the device.
- Step 3. Click on the Restore option and follow the instruction to reset your iPhone.
Case 3. What If iTunes Doesn't Detect Your iPhone?
If iTunes or Finder fails to recognize your iPhone, even in Recovery Mode, here are some things to try:
- Check USB cable and port: Use a genuine Apple cable and try different USB ports. Avoid USB hubs.
- Update iTunes/macOS: Make sure you're running the latest version of iTunes (on PC) or macOS (on Mac).
- Try another computer: Sometimes the issue lies with your system. Use a new computer to eliminate hardware conflicts.
- Disable antivirus/firewall software: Security programs can interfere with iTunes' ability to detect your device.
Way 2. Factory Reset iPhone via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker
But what to do if your iPhone cannot be connected to a computer? Or maybe you've purchased a second-hand iPhone that's still tied to the previous owner's Apple Account? In these tricky situations, Apple's official solutions often fall short - they usually require at least one of those credentials.
A third-party tool will always make things much easier as it allows users to reset iPhone without passcode. If you don't know the Apple Account or screen passcode of your iPhone, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is one of the best iPhone unlocking tools to factory reset iPhone without Apple Account password and unlock iPhone without passcodes.
Let's see how to use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to factory reset an iPhone without passcode.
Step 1Connect iPhone to a Computer
To begin with, please connect your iPhone to a computer and then launch TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. When your iPhone is detected, click on the Unlock iOS Screen > Start button to the next step.
Step 2Put Your iPad into DFU Mode
Then, please follow the guide to put your iPhone into Recovery or DFU mode. When you put your iPhone into Recovery Mode successfully, click on the Next button.
Step 3Download Correct iOS Firmware
In this phase, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will download the firmware package. All you need to do is ensure that all the given information is corresponding to your iPhone. Click on the Download button when everything is ready to go.
Step 4Factory Reset Your iPhone Without Passcode or iTunes
Click the Unlock button. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to factory reset your iPhone. And all your iPhone data will be erased when the resetting is done.
Bonus Tip: How to Reset iPhone Passcode Without Losing Data
As mentioned throughout this guide, resetting an iPhone without the passcode usually erases all data.
But starting with iOS 17, Apple introduced a helpful new feature that might just save your data in some situations: the "Forgot Passcode?" option. This feature allows you to enter your previous passcode to reset the new one - without wiping your iPhone. However, the option only appears if the previous passcode is still valid within that 72-hour window.
If the "Forgot Passcode?" option doesn't appear or the 72-hour window has passed, the best alternative is to reset your iPhone, then recover from a recent backup - either from iCloud or from iTunes/Finder on your computer. This is the closest you can get to resetting iPhone without passcode and avoid losing data.
How to Recover Data from iTunes/Finder Backup After Reset
Here's how to reset iPhone passcode without losing data by recovering from iTunes/Finder backup:
- Step 1. After your iPhone has been reset and you see the “Hello” screen, begin the setup process until you reach the "Apps & Data" screen. Choose "Don't transfer Apps & Data" or "Set up as new iPhone" for now.
- Step 2. Connect your iPhone to the computer where your backup is stored.
- Step 3. Open iTunes (PC) or Finder (Mac) and select your iPhone. In iTunes, go to "Summary," or in Finder, click "General."
- Step 4. Click "Restore Backup" and choose the backup you want based on date and size.
- Step 5. Click Restore and wait for the process to complete.
How to Restore from iCloud Backup After Reset
Here's how to reset iPhone without passcode and avoid losing data via iCloud backup:
- Step 1. After the factory reset, proceed with the initial setup steps until you reach the "Apps & Data" screen.
- Step 2. Select "Restore from iCloud Backup."
- Step 3. Sign in with your Apple Account and password.
- Step 4. Choose the most recent or relevant backup from the list.
- Step 5. Your iPhone will begin downloading your apps, settings, and data. Stay connected to Wi-Fi throughout the process.
FAQs on iPhone Factory Reset Without Passcode
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Will my data be preserved after a factory reset?
No. A factory reset is a destructive process that clears the storage completely to restore the iPhone to its original out-of-the-box state. All personal data, including photos, messages, and settings, will be erased. Unless you have a recent backup stored in iCloud or on a local computer, this data will be permanently lost.
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How does Activation Lock affect the reset process?
Activation Lock is a critical security feature tied to your Apple Account. Even after a factory reset is performed, the iPhone remains linked to your account. During the initial setup following the reset, you will be required to enter the correct email address and password associated with the device. Without these credentials, the device cannot be activated or used.
The Bottom Line
This guide shows how to reset iPhone without passcode with several proven methods, like iCloud, iTunes/Finder, or iOS 15.2's built-in erase feature, covering most cases you might encounter.
But when all else fails - especially if you've forgotten both your screen passcode and Apple Account - TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is your best bet. It offers a fast, reliable, and beginner-friendly solution to bypass even the toughest iPhone lock.
