How to Factory Reset iPhone without Apple ID Password

For many iPhone/iPad/iPod touch users, factory resetting an iOS device is not a rare operation whenever they need to wipe out all the content and data. Before factory resetting an iOS device, you will need to enter the screen lock passcode and the Apple ID (now Apple Account) password to confirm that you are the device owner.

But what if users forgot the screen lock passcode or Apple ID password? If you have already encountered this situation, this post will help you. Here we will talk about how to factory reset iPhone without Apple ID password. Read it on and learn.

Apple ID & Activation Lock

Before we dive into the solutions, it's crucial to understand why this process can be challenging. Apple's "Find My iPhone" feature, coupled with Activation Lock, is a powerful security measure designed to prevent unauthorized access and theft. When "Find My iPhone" is enabled, your iPhone is linked to your Apple ID (now Apple Account). A factory reset without disabling "Find My iPhone" will typically lead to the Activation Lock screen, demanding the linked Apple ID and password to activate the device. This is precisely the hurdle we aim to bypass, legitimately.

How to Factory Reset iPhone Without Apple ID Password

Your particular situation will determine the best course of action for you. Are you the original owner who forgot the password? Did you purchase a used iPhone? Is the device disabled? We'll cover solutions for each.

Method 1. Using Recovery Mode via iTunes

This method is an official Apple solution that allows you to restore your iPhone to factory settings, effectively erasing all data and settings. It is particularly useful if your iPhone is disabled or you can't access settings.

• Step 1. Power off your iPhone and then connect your iPhone to a compuer with a iTunes.
• Step 2. Open iTunes and then put your iPhone into Recovery Mode:

• For iPhone 8 or later models: Press the Volume Up button and release it quickly. Press the Volume Down button and release it quickly. Then, press and keep holding the Side button until the Recovery mode screen appears on your iPhone.
• For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and keep holding both the Volume Down and Top buttons. When you can see the Recovery mode screen, release both the buttons.
• For iPhone 6 and earlier models: Keep holding both the Home and Side buttons. When the iPhone Recovery mode appears on the screen, release them.

• Step 3. When your iPhone is in Recovery mode successfully, iTunes will ask you if you need to update or restore your iPhone. Click on the Restore option and iTunes will start to factory reset your iPhone without entering the Apple ID password.
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Method 2. Using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker - Factory Reset iPhone in One Click

iTunes is useful but sometimes, it cannot detect users' iPhone. At this time, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will be the best choice when it comes to factory resetting iPhone without Apple ID password. It is a multifunctional iOS unlocking that helps remove Apple ID, remove MDM restriction, remove Screen Time passcode, and unlock iOS device screen passcode.

In cases like forgettings iPhone screen lock passcode, iPhone is disabled, iPhone screen is broken, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker can also perform perfectly. What's more, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is now fully compatible with the latest iOS 26 version and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Now, let's see how to factory reset your iPhone without Apple Account password by using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.

Step 1Connect iPhone to the Computer

To begin with, please connect your iPhone to the computer. Click on the Unlock iOS Feature option on the main interface of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. When TunesKit iPhone Unlocker detects your iPhone, click on the Start button.

Step 2Put Your iPhone Into DFU Mode

Follow the instructions to put your iPhone into DFU or Recovery Mode. After iPhone is detected, click Next.

Step 3Download Firmware Package

Confirm that all the on-screen information is corresponding to your iPhone. When there is nothing wrong, click on the Download button.

Step 4Factory Reset iPhone

Click the Unlock button. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to factory reset your iPhone. All the iPhone content and data will be erased. Please set up your iPhone again after that.

How to Reset Apple ID Password

If you are the original owner of the iPhone but simply forgot your Apple ID password, the most straightforward (and free) method is to reset your Apple ID password through Apple's official iforgot.apple.com website. Once you have a new password, you can then factory reset your iPhone with Apple ID password.

• Step 1. Open a web browser on any computer or device and navigate to iforgot.apple.com.
• Step 2. Type in your Apple ID (which is usually your email address) and click "Continue."
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• Step 3. Apple will guide you through the process, which may involve:

• Getting a verification code on a device or phone number you trust.
• Answering security questions you set up previously.
• If you have two-factor authentication enabled, use a recovery key.

• Step 4. Once your identity is verified, you will be prompted to create a new Apple ID password. Choose a strong password.
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Conclusion

That's all about how to factory reset iPhone without Apple ID password. If you forgot the Apple ID password or lost it, resetting the Apple ID should always be the first step. If you still cannot factory reset your iPhone as the restriction of Apple ID, please feel free to leave a comment below. Also, you can try using other features of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker if you encounter other unlocking issues.