How to Factory Reset iPhone without SIM Card

If you are planning to sell your iPhone, fix a persistent software bug, or simply want a fresh start, a factory reset is the way to go. A common question that arises is whether you need a SIM card to complete this process. Let's get straight to the point: you do not need a SIM card to factory reset an iPhone.

The SIM card's job is to connect your device to a cellular network. The factory reset process, however, only deals with the data and software stored on your iPhone's internal memory. This guide will walk you through how to factory reset iPhone without SIM card, ensuring you can confidently and safely restore your iPhone to its original settings.

Part 1. Before You Begin: 2 Essential Steps You Must Not Skip

Performing a factory reset erases everything on your iPhone permanently. To protect your data and ensure the device is fully usable afterward, completing these two preparatory steps is non-negotiable.

Back Up Your iPhone to Avoid Losing Data

First and foremost, you must back up your personal information. This saves your photos, contacts, apps, and settings, allowing you to restore them on a new device or on this same iPhone after the reset.

• iCloud Backup: The easiest way is to use iCloud. Connect to a WiFi network, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, and tap Back Up Now.

• Computer Backup: Alternatively, connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC. Open Finder or iTunes, select your iPhone, and click Back Up Now.

Turn Off Find My to Disable Activation Lock

Activation Lock is a security feature that prevents anyone else from using your iPhone if it's lost or stolen. It links your device to your Apple ID. If you reset your iPhone without disabling this feature, it will be locked and unusable until your Apple ID password is entered. This is especially critical if you are selling or giving the phone away.

To disable Activation Lock, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My, tap Find My iPhone, and toggle it off. You will be prompted to enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

Par 2. How to Factory Reset iPhone without SIM Card

With your data safely backed up, you can now proceed with the factory reset. The method you choose will depend on whether you know your device passcode.

Method 1. Factory Reset iPhone without SIM Card via Settings

This is the most direct method if you have access to your iPhone and know your passcode. The presence of a SIM card has no impact on this process.

Step 1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General.
Step 2. Tap on General.
Step 3. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Step 4. Tap on Erase All Content and Settings. Your iPhone will ask for your device passcode and then your Apple ID password to confirm the action and turn off Find My before it begins the reset.

Method 2. Factory Reset iPhone without SIM Card via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

If you don't know your iPhone passcode, you cannot access the Settings app. At this time, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker would be your best choice to factory reset your iPhone without SIM card and passcode.

TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is a tool designed to bypass the screen passcode, which factory resets the device in the process. This can be a more straightforward option if you're struggling with the manual computer method.

Step 1Connect iPhone to PC

Downloading and installing the software on your Mac or PC. Connecting your locked iPhone to the computer and launching the application. Enter the homepage of this software and click the Unlock iOS Screen button.

Step 2Enter DFU/Recovery mode

Follow the instructions on the PC screen to put your iPhone into DFU/Recovery mode.

Step 3Download firmware package

In this new window, you will see some information about your iPhone. Check if it is correct. If all the information is correct, you can click the Download button to download firmware package for your iPhone.

Step 4Factory reset iPhone without passcode

Click the Unlock button when the download process ends. When the unlock process completes, your iPhone will be under factory settings.

Method 3. Factory Reset iPhone without SIM Card via iTunes/Finder

If you've forgotten your passcode or your iPhone is disabled, using iTunes or Finder is also a useful method to factory reset your iPhone.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
Step 2. Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode:

• For iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd gen), and newer: Press and release the Volume Up button. Then, press and release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button until the recovery screen appears.
• For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Side button and the Volume Down button at the same time. Keep holding both until you see the recovery screen.
• For iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st gen), and older: Press and hold the Home button and the Power button (on the side or top) together. Keep holding both until the recovery screen appears.

Step 3. On your computer, locate your iPhone in Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC). A pop-up window will appear stating there is a problem with the iPhone. Choose Restore.

Method 4. Factory Reset iPhone without SIM Card via iCloud

If your iPhone is lost or stolen and you need to erase your data for security reasons, you can do so remotely using iCloud's Find My feature. The device will need an internet connection.

Step 1. On any web browser, go to iCloud.com/find and sign in with your Apple ID.
Step 2. At the top of the screen, click on All Devices and select the iPhone you wish to erase.
Step 3. In the device information box, click Erase iPhone and follow the prompts to confirm.

Method 5. Factory Reset iPhone without SIM Card via Erase iPhone [iOS 15.2+]

If your iPhone is iOS 15.2 or later, you can use the Erase iPhone feature on the lock screen. The following steps will tell you how to use the feature to factory reset your iPhone.

Step 1. Enter the wrong passcode all the time until you see the Lockout screen.
Step 2. Tap on the Erase iPhone button.
Step 3. You will be prompted to enter your Apple ID password.
Step 4. Tap on the Erase iPhone option again to factory reset your iPhone.

Part 3. Conclusion

Resetting an iPhone to its factory settings is a simple process, and the absence of a SIM card is no obstacle. By following the crucial preparatory steps of backing up your data and disabling "Find My," you can confidently use any of the methods above to wipe your device safely and securely. If you forgot your iPhone screen passcode, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker could be your best choice to factory reset your iPhone.