How to Factory Reset iPhone SE Without Passcode

Forgot your iPhone SE passcode and need to reset the device? You can factory reset an iPhone SE without the screen passcode, but the process will erase the data currently stored on the device.

The best method depends on your situation. If your iPhone SE shows Forgot Passcode? or Erase iPhone, you may be able to reset it directly from the lock screen without a computer. Otherwise, you can put the iPhone SE into recovery mode and restore it. You can also remotely erase it with Find My if it was enabled beforehand. This guide covers the iPhone SE 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation and explains which factory reset method to use when you don't know the passcode.

Before You Factory Reset: Try Your Previous Passcode First

Before erasing your iPhone SE, check whether you recently changed its passcode.

On iOS 17 or later, Apple provides a Passcode Reset feature that lets you use your previous passcode for up to 72 hours after changing it. If you qualify, you may regain access without factory resetting the iPhone or losing your data.

• Step 1. Enter an incorrect passcode until the iPhone Unavailable screen appears.
• Step 2. Tap Forgot Passcode?
• Step 3. Tap Enter Previous Passcode.
• 
• Step 4. Enter your old passcode.
• Step 5. Follow the onscreen instructions to create a new passcode.

If the option isn't available or you don't remember the previous passcode, use one of the factory reset methods below.

Further Reading: iPhone Unavailable No Forgot Passcode Option? Why & 4 Fixes

How to Factory Reset iPhone SE Without Passcode

Below are four ways to factory reset an iPhone SE without knowing the screen passcode. All of these reset methods erase the data currently stored on the device. If Find My and Activation Lock are enabled, you may also need the Apple Account previously associated with the iPhone when setting it up again.

Method 1. Reset iPhone SE Without Passcode from the Lock Screen

If your iPhone SE is running a supported version of iOS, you may be able to factory reset it directly from the lock screen. This is the easiest option if you want to reset an iPhone SE without a passcode or computer.

Before using this method, make sure:

• The iPhone SE is running iOS 15.2 or later.
• It has a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
• Find My was previously enabled.
• You know the password for the Apple Account associated with the device.

For iOS 17 or Later

• Step 1. Enter an incorrect passcode until the iPhone Unavailable screen appears.
• Step 2. Tap Forgot Passcode? at the bottom of the screen.
• Step 3. Select Start iPhone Reset.
• 
• Step 4. Enter your Apple Account password when prompted.
• Step 5. Tap Erase iPhone and follow the onscreen instructions.

Once the reset is complete, the iPhone SE will restart and display the setup screen. You can then set it up as a new device or restore an available backup.

For iOS 15.2 to iOS 16

On supported versions of iOS 15.2 and iOS 16, you may see Erase iPhone instead of Forgot Passcode? after several unsuccessful passcode attempts. Tap Erase iPhone, enter the required Apple Account credentials, and follow the instructions to erase and reset the device.

Method 2. Factory Reset iPhone SE Without Passcode Using Recovery Mode

Recovery mode is one of the most reliable ways to factory reset an iPhone SE when you've completely forgotten the screen passcode. You'll need a Mac or Windows PC and a compatible cable. The important thing is that the recovery mode procedure differs between the iPhone SE 1st generation and iPhone SE 2nd/3rd generation.

Factory Reset iPhone SE 2nd or 3rd Generation Without Passcode

For an iPhone SE 2nd or 3rd generation, use the Side button when connecting the device to the computer.

• Step 1. Turn off your iPhone SE.
• Step 2. Connect a compatible cable to your Mac or Windows PC.
• Step 3. Connect the cable to your iPhone while immediately pressing and holding the Side button. Continue holding the Side button until the recovery mode screen showing a computer and cable appears.
• Step 4. Open Finder on Mac or Apple Devices/iTunes on Windows.
• Step 5. Select your iPhone SE and choose Restore when prompted.
• 
• Step 6. Wait for the computer to download the required software and restore the device. When the process finishes, follow the onscreen instructions to set up your iPhone SE again.

Factory Reset iPhone SE 1st Generation Without Passcode

If you have an iPhone SE 1st generation, use the Home button instead.

• Step 1. Turn off the iPhone SE.
• Step 2. Connect a compatible cable to your Mac or Windows PC. Connect the cable to the iPhone while immediately pressing and holding the Home button. Keep holding the Home button until the recovery mode screen appears.
• Step 3. Open Finder on Mac or Apple Devices/iTunes on Windows and select the iPhone.
• Step 4. Choose Restore and follow the onscreen instructions. After the restore finishes, set up the iPhone as new or restore an available backup.
• 

Method 3. Factory Reset iPhone SE Without Passcode Using Find My

If Find My was enabled before you were locked out, you can remotely erase your iPhone SE without entering its screen passcode. This method is useful if you don't have a computer, but you'll need access to the Apple Account associated with the device.

• Step 1. Open Find My on another Apple device or access Find Devices through iCloud on the web.
• Step 2. Sign in to the Apple Account associated with your locked iPhone SE.
• Step 3. Select the iPhone SE from the device list.
• Step 4. Choose Erase.
• 
• Step 5. Follow the onscreen instructions to confirm the erase. If the iPhone SE is online, the erase process can begin. If it's offline, the erase request will take effect when the device comes online.

Method 4. Factory Reset Locked iPhone SE with TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

If the built-in methods aren't practical or you prefer a guided desktop solution, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker provides another way to reset a locked iPhone SE and remove its forgotten screen passcode. TunesKit can be useful when your iPhone SE:

• has a forgotten 4-digit or 6-digit passcode;
• displays iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout;
• is disabled after repeated incorrect passcode attempts; or
• can't be conveniently restored using the standard workflow.

Key Features of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

Unlock iPhone SE without a passcode with simple steps. Fully compatible with most iOS device models. Compatible with Windows and macOS.

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• Step 1. Install and launch TunesKit iPhone Unlocker on your Mac or Windows PC. Connect the locked iPhone SE using a USB cable, select the Unlock iOS Screen function, and click Start.
• 
• Step 2. Follow the onscreen instructions to put your iPhone SE into the required recovery or DFU mode. Make sure you follow the instructions for your specific iPhone SE generation.
• Step 3. Check the detected device information and download the compatible firmware package. Keep the iPhone connected to the computer during the download.
• Step 4. Once the firmware package is ready, start the unlocking process. Keep the device connected until the process finishes. The iPhone SE will be erased, and the forgotten screen passcode will no longer be used.

You can then set up the device again and restore an available backup.

What Happens After You Factory Reset an iPhone SE?

Before resetting a locked iPhone SE, it's important to understand what the reset actually does.

1. Your Current Data Is Erased

A factory reset removes the information and settings currently stored on the iPhone.

If you previously created an iCloud or computer backup, you may be able to restore your data during setup. Apple also confirms that resetting a forgotten passcode by restoring the device erases its current data.

2. The Forgotten Screen Passcode Is Removed

Because the iPhone is erased and returned to the setup process, the old screen passcode is no longer used. You'll create a new passcode when setting up the iPhone again.

3. Activation Lock May Remain

A factory reset does not automatically bypass Activation Lock. If Find My was enabled before the reset, you may need the Apple Account credentials previously associated with the iPhone before you can activate and use it again.

4. You Can Restore an Available Backup

Once you reach the setup screen, you can restore an available iCloud or computer backup. If there is no backup, you can set up the iPhone as a new device.

FAQs About Factory Resetting iPhone SE Without Passcode

Conclusion

If you forgot your iPhone SE passcode, you can still factory reset the device. Start with Forgot Passcode? or Erase iPhone if the option appears on the lock screen. If it isn't available, use recovery mode with a Mac or Windows PC. Find My can also remotely erase the device when it was enabled beforehand.

If you prefer a guided desktop solution for removing a forgotten screen passcode, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker provides an alternative workflow. Whichever reset method you choose, remember that erasing an iPhone deletes its current data and does not automatically remove Activation Lock.