Apple offers the option to reset an iPhone to factory settings if you can access your device. When you forgot your iPhone passcode, you will be locked out of your device and the reset option will be unavailable. The good news is that you still have methods to factory reset a locked iPhone. This guide shares these proven methods, their prerequisites, and the detailed steps.

Part 1: How to Reset a Locked iPhone on Security Lockout

One easy way to reset a locked iPhone without a computer is the built-in Security Lockout screen. Apple added this feature to iOS 15.2 and above. The process doesn't require extra software or hardware.

Prerequisites:

• 1.Your iPhone runs iOS 15.2 and above.
• 2.You remember the linked Apple Account and passcode.
• 3.Find My iPhone has been enabled.
• 4.Your iPhone connects to a network.

On iOS 17 or later

Step 1. Tap the Forgot Passcode option when your iPhone is locked.

Step 2. Choose Start iPhone Reset on the Security Lockout screen.

Step 3. Enter your Apple Account password to sign out of your account.

Step 4. Tap Erase iPhone.

Step 5. If you use an eSIM, choose Keep eSIM and Erase Data or Delete eSIM and Erase Data.

On iOS 15.2 or later

Step 1. Tap the Erase iPhone option on the iPhone Unavailable screen.

Step 2. Read the message and tap Erase iPhone again.

Step 3. Type in your Apple Account passcode.

Step 4. Finally, tap Erase iPhone to begin resetting the locked iPhone.

Part 2: How to Factory Reset a Locked iPhone Using Find My

With Find My iPhone enabled, you can reset an iPhone that is locked. This way requires another Apple device or a browser. Furthermore, you must remember the linked Apple Account and password.

Prerequisites:

• 1.Find My iPhone has been turned on.
• 2.Another Apple device or a web browser.
• 3.Your Apple Account and password are linked to the locked iPhone.

On Another Apple Device

Step 1. Open the Find My app on a borrowed iPhone.

Step 2. Log in with your Apple Account and password.

Step 3. Go to the Devices tab and choose the locked iPhone.

Step 4. Tap and expand the toolbar at the bottom.

Step 5. Press the Erase or Erase This Device option.

Step 6. Read the notification and hit Continue.

Step 7. Enter your phone number and tap Erase again to begin resetting the locked iPhone.

On Find My Portal

Step 1. Log in to www.icloud.com/find with the linked Apple Account in a web browser

Step 2. Choose the locked iPhone on the All Devices list.

Step 3. Once your device is detected, click the Erase or Erase This Device button.

Step 4. Follow the onscreen instructions to reset your locked iPhone remotely.

Part 3: How to Reset a Locked iPhone in Recovery Mode

If you haven't set up Find My iPhone on your device, you will need to reset a locked iPhone in Recovery Mode. This way requires a computer and the latest version of iTunes or Finder, depending on your operating system.

Prerequisites:

• 1.A computer and a compatible USB cable.
• 2.The latest version of iTunes or Finder.
• 3.The linked Apple Account and password.

Step 1. Plug your iPhone into a computer with a USB cable.

Step 2. Open iTunes on Windows and macOS Mojave or earlier. Open Finder on macOS Catalina or later.

Step 3. Enter Recovery Mode on the locked iPhone:

For iPhone 8 or later

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.

Do the same thing to the Volume Down button.

Hold down the Side button until the iPhone enters Recovery Mode.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus

Press and hold the Volume Down + Side buttons together.

Release the buttons when the iPhone enters Recovery Mode.

For iPhone 6s or earlier

Long-press the Home + Sleep/Wake buttons simultaneously.

Once the iPhone enters Recovery Mode, let the buttons go.

Step 4. When iTunes or Finder detects your iPhone in Recovery Mode, click the Restore button on the dialog.

Step 5. Once your iPhone is reset successfully, it will restart.

Part 4: How to Reset a Locked iPhone with a Computer

If the methods above are unavailable, try Apeaksoft iFoneKit iOS Unlocker. It is able to factory reset an iPhone that is locked. The process doesn't require a password or any restrictions. The intuitive design simplifies the process.

How to Factory Reset a Locked iPhone Without a Password

Step 1. Link to your iPhone

Launch the iPhone unlocking software once you install it on your PC. There is another version for Mac OS X 10.7 or above. Choose the Unlock iOS Screen mode. Connect the locked iPhone to your PC with a Lightning cable. Make sure to trust this PC to continue.

Step 2. Download the firmware

Click the Start Now button to begin downloading the firmware. It may take a while, depending on your internet condition.

Step 3. Reset the locked iPhone

After the firmware is downloaded, click the OK button on the confirmation dialog. Then, verify the firmware by hitting the Confirm Again button. Next, the software will start resetting the locked iPhone automatically.

Related Articles