How to Factory Reset iPhone When Locked

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If you’ve forgotten your iPhone passcode or have been locked out of your device for some other reason, you may be wondering how to factory reset your iPhone when locked. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common methods involve using iTunes, Finder, or iCloud.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to factory reset your iPhone when locked, using each of these methods. We’ll also provide some additional tips and troubleshooting advice.

Important Things to Note Before Factory Resetting Your iPhone

Before you factory reset your iPhone, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

  • Factory resetting your iPhone will erase all of the data and content on your device. This includes your photos, videos, music, apps, and settings. Be sure to back up your iPhone before you factory reset it, if possible.
  • If you have Find My iPhone enabled on your iPhone, you will need to disable it before you can factory reset your device. To do this, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Find My iPhone and toggle off the switch next to Find My iPhone.
  • If you have a carrier-locked iPhone, you will need to contact your carrier to unlock your device before you can factory reset it.

How to Factory Reset iPhone When Locked (Multiple Methods)

Method 1: How to Factory Reset iPhone When Locked Using iTunes or Finder

To factory reset your iPhone when locked using iTunes or Finder, follow these steps:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Open iTunes or Finder.
  3. Put your iPhone into recovery mode.

To put your iPhone into recovery mode:

  • For iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the volume up button, then press and quickly release the volume down button. Finally, press and hold the power button until you see the recovery mode screen.
  • For iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch (7th generation): Press and hold the volume down button and the power button simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen.
  • For iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold the home button and the power button simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen.
  1. Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, you should see a pop-up window in iTunes or Finder asking you to restore or update your device. Click Restore.
  2. iTunes or Finder will download the latest version of iOS and restore your iPhone. This process may take some time.

Once the restore process is complete, your iPhone will be factory reset and you will be able to set it up as new.

Method 2: How to Factory Reset iPhone When Locked Using iCloud

To factory reset your iPhone when locked using iCloud, follow these steps:

  1. Go to iCloud.com on a computer or mobile device.
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
  3. Click Find My iPhone.
  4. Click All Devices at the top of the screen.
  5. Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
  6. Click Erase iPhone.
  7. Confirm that you want to erase your iPhone.

This will erase all of the data and content on your iPhone and factory reset your device.

Method 3: How to Factory Reset iPhone When Locked Using iPhone Recovery Mode

If you have forgotten your iPhone passcode or have been locked out of your device for some other reason, you can factory reset your iPhone using iPhone Recovery Mode. This will erase all of the data and content on your device, so be sure to back up your iPhone before you do this.

To factory reset your iPhone using iPhone Recovery Mode, follow these steps:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Open iTunes or Finder.
  3. Put your iPhone into recovery mode:
    • For iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the volume up button, then press and quickly release the volume down button. Finally, press and hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
    • For iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch (7th generation): Press and hold the volume down button and the side button simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen.
    • For iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold the home button and the side button simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen.
  4. Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, you will see a pop-up window in iTunes or Finder asking you to restore or update your device. Click Restore.
  5. iTunes or Finder will download the latest version of iOS and restore your iPhone. This process may take some time.

Once the restore process is complete, your iPhone will be factory reset and you will be able to set it up as new.

Method 4: How to Factory Reset iPhone When Locked Using DFU (Device Firmware Update) Mode

DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is a special recovery mode that allows you to restore your iPhone even if it is not booting up or responding to other recovery methods. DFU mode is also the only way to restore your iPhone if it is stuck in a boot loop.

To factory reset your iPhone when locked using DFU mode, follow these steps:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Put your iPhone into DFU mode:
    • For iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the volume up button, then press and quickly release the volume down button. Finally, press and hold the side button until the screen goes black. Then, continue to hold the side button while pressing and holding the volume down button. After 5 seconds, release the side button while continuing to hold down the volume down button. If the Apple logo appears, you have held the side button for too long. Start over.
    • For iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch (7th generation): Press and hold the top (or side) button and the volume down button at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the black screen. Then, continue to hold the top (or side) button while pressing and holding the volume down button. After 5 seconds, release the top (or side) button while continuing to hold down the volume down button. If the Apple logo appears, you have held the top (or side) button for too long. Start over.
    • For iPhone 6s or earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation), and iPod touch (6th generation) or earlier: Press and hold the home button and the top (or side) button at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the black screen. Then, continue to hold the home button while pressing and holding the top (or side) button. After 5 seconds, release the top (or side) button while continuing to hold down the home button. If the Apple logo appears, you have held the top (or side) button for too long. Start over.
  3. Once your iPhone is in DFU mode, iTunes or Finder will open automatically. If it does not, open iTunes or Finder manually.
  4. You should see a message in iTunes or Finder saying that a device has been detected in recovery mode. Click Restore.
  5. iTunes or Finder will download the latest version of iOS and restore your iPhone. This process may take some time.

Once the restore process is complete, your iPhone will be factory reset and you will be able to set it up as new.

Method 5: How to Factory Reset iPhone When Locked Using iPhoneOS Recovery Tool (Advanced)

iPhoneOS Recovery Tool is a third-party software that can help you factory reset your iPhone when locked. It is a more advanced option than using iTunes or Finder, but it can be useful if you are having trouble with those methods.

To factory reset your iPhone when locked using iPhoneOS Recovery Tool, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install iPhoneOS Recovery Tool on your computer.
  2. Launch iPhoneOS Recovery Tool and connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
  3. Put your iPhone into recovery mode. Follow the steps in the previous section to do this.
  4. Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, iPhoneOS Recovery Tool will automatically detect it.
  5. Click the Erase Device button to factory reset your iPhone.
  6. Confirm that you want to erase your iPhone and click the Start button.
  7. iPhoneOS Recovery Tool will download the latest version of iOS and restore your iPhone. This process may take some time.

Once the restore process is complete, your iPhone will be factory reset and you will be able to set it up as new.

Important Note:

Factory resetting your iPhone using iPhoneOS Recovery Tool will erase all of the data and content on your device. Be sure to back up your iPhone before you do this, if possible.

How Do You Factory Reset a Locked iPhone?

To factory reset a locked iPhone, you can use one of the following methods:

  • iTunes or Finder: This is the most common method and is relatively easy to do.
  • DFU mode: This is a more advanced method and should only be used if you are comfortable with using third-party software.
  • iPhoneOS Recovery Tool: This is a third-party software that can help you factory reset your iPhone when locked.

Factory resetting your iPhone will erase all of the data and content on your device, so be sure to back up your iPhone before you do this, if possible.

Here are the steps on how to factory reset a locked iPhone using each method:

iTunes or Finder:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Open iTunes or Finder.
  3. Put your iPhone into recovery mode.
  4. Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, you will see a pop-up window in iTunes or Finder asking you to restore or update your device. Click Restore.
  5. iTunes or Finder will download the latest version of iOS and restore your iPhone. This process may take some time.

DFU mode:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Put your iPhone into DFU mode.
  3. Once your iPhone is in DFU mode, iTunes or Finder will open automatically. If it does not, open iTunes or Finder manually.
  4. You should see a message in iTunes or Finder saying that a device has been detected in recovery mode. Click Restore.
  5. iTunes or Finder will download the latest version of iOS and restore your iPhone. This process may take some time.

iPhoneOS Recovery Tool:

  1. Download and install iPhoneOS Recovery Tool on your computer.
  2. Launch iPhoneOS Recovery Tool and connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
  3. Put your iPhone into recovery mode.
  4. Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, iPhoneOS Recovery Tool will automatically detect it.
  5. Click the Erase Device button to factory reset your iPhone.
  6. Confirm that you want to erase your iPhone and click the Start button.
  7. iPhoneOS Recovery Tool will download the latest version of iOS and restore your iPhone. This process may take some time.

Once the restore process is complete, your iPhone will be factory reset and you will be able to set it up as new.

Please note that the steps above may vary depending on the model of your iPhone and the version of iTunes or Finder that you are using. For more specific instructions, please refer to the Apple Support website.

If you Forgot your iPhone Passcode: How to Recovery?

To recover your iPhone if you forgot your passcode, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Make sure that you have a computer (Mac or PC)

You will need a computer to restore your iPhone from recovery mode. If you do not have a computer, you can ask a friend or family member to borrow theirs.

Method 2: Turn off your iPhone

To turn off your iPhone, press and hold the side button until you see the “slide to power off” slider. Then, drag the slider to the right.

Method 3: Put your iPhone in recovery mode

To put your iPhone in recovery mode, follow these steps:

  • For iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the volume up button, then press and quickly release the volume down button. Finally, press and hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
  • For iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch (7th generation): Press and hold the volume down button and the side button simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen.
  • For iPhone 6s or earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation), and iPod touch (6th generation) or earlier: Press and hold the home button and the side button simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen.

Method 4: Restore your iPhone

Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, you can restore it using iTunes or Finder.

To restore your iPhone using iTunes:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Open iTunes.
  3. iTunes will automatically detect your iPhone in recovery mode.
  4. Click the Restore button.
  5. iTunes will download the latest version of iOS and restore your iPhone. This process may take some time.

To restore your iPhone using Finder:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Open a Finder window.
  3. In the Finder sidebar, click the Location icon.
  4. Under Devices, select your iPhone.
  5. In the Finder window, click the Restore button.
  6. Finder will download the latest version of iOS and restore your iPhone. This process may take some time.

Once the restore process is complete, your iPhone will be factory reset and you will be able to set it up as new.

Please note: Restoring your iPhone will erase all of the data and content on your device. Be sure to back up your iPhone before you restore it, if possible.

How to Reset iPhone without Passcode and Computer (Easy Methods)

To reset your iPhone without a passcode and a computer, you can use one of the following methods:

Method 1: Find My iPhone

If you have Find My iPhone enabled on your iPhone, you can use it to reset your iPhone remotely. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Go to iCloud.com on a web browser on another computer or device.
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID.
  3. Click the Find My iPhone icon.
  4. Click All Devices at the top of the screen.
  5. Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
  6. Click Erase iPhone.
  7. Confirm that you want to erase your iPhone.

This will erase all of the data and content on your iPhone and factory reset your device.

Method 2: DFU mode

DFU mode, or Device Firmware Update mode, is a special recovery mode that allows you to restore your iPhone even if it is locked or not responding. To reset your iPhone using DFU mode, follow these steps:

  1. Connect your iPhone to a power source.
  2. Press and hold the volume down button and the side button simultaneously for 5 seconds.
  3. Release the side button, but continue to hold the volume down button for 10 seconds.
  4. If you see the Apple logo, you have held the volume down button for too long. Start over from step 1.
  5. If you do not see the Apple logo, your iPhone is in DFU mode.

Once your iPhone is in DFU mode, you can connect it to a computer and restore it using iTunes or Finder.

Important: Restoring your iPhone using DFU mode will erase all of the data and content on your device. Be sure to back up your iPhone before you do this, if possible.

How to Factory Reset iPhone without Apple ID Password (Easy Methods)

To factory reset an iPhone without an Apple ID password, you can use one of the following methods:

Method 1: DFU mode

DFU mode, or Device Firmware Update mode, is a special recovery mode that allows you to restore your iPhone even if it is locked or not responding. To reset your iPhone using DFU mode, follow these steps:

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable.
  2. Put your iPhone into DFU mode. The steps to do this vary depending on the model of your iPhone:
    • For iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the volume up button, then press and quickly release the volume down button. Finally, press and hold the side button until the screen goes black. Then, continue to hold the side button while pressing and holding the volume down button. After 5 seconds, release the side button while continuing to hold down the volume down button. If the Apple logo appears, you have held the side button for too long. Start over.
    • For iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch (7th generation): Press and hold the top (or side) button and the volume down button at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the black screen. Then, continue to hold the top (or side) button while pressing and holding the volume down button. After 5 seconds, release the top (or side) button while continuing to hold down the volume down button. If the Apple logo appears, you have held the top (or side) button for too long. Start over.
    • For iPhone 6s or earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation), and iPod touch (6th generation) or earlier: Press and hold the home button and the top (or side) button at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the black screen. Then, continue to hold the home button while pressing and holding the top (or side) button. After 5 seconds, release the top (or side) button while continuing to hold down the home button. If the Apple logo appears, you have held the top (or side) button for too long. Start over.
  3. Once your iPhone is in DFU mode, you will see a message in iTunes or Finder saying that a device has been detected in recovery mode. Click Restore.
  4. iTunes or Finder will download the latest version of iOS and restore your iPhone. This process may take some time.

Once the restore process is complete, your iPhone will be factory reset and you will be able to set it up as new.

Important: Restoring your iPhone using DFU mode will erase all of the data and content on your device. Be sure to back up your iPhone before you do this, if possible.

Method 2: Third-party software

There are a number of third-party software programs that can help you factory reset your iPhone without an Apple ID password. However, it is important to note that these programs are not endorsed by Apple and may not be safe to use. If you do choose to use a third-party software program, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable program.

Here are some general tips for using a third-party software program to factory reset your iPhone:

  1. Download and install the software program on your computer.
  2. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
  3. Launch the software program and follow the on-screen instructions to factory reset your iPhone.

Important: Be sure to back up your iPhone before you use a third-party software program to factory reset your device.

Additional Tips and Troubleshooting Advice

If you’re having trouble factory resetting your iPhone when locked, here are a few additional tips and troubleshooting advice:

  • Make sure that you’re using the latest version of iTunes or Finder. You can download the latest version of iTunes from the Apple website.
  • Try connecting your iPhone to a different USB port on your computer.
  • Try restarting your computer.
  • If you’re still having trouble, try putting your iPhone into recovery mode again.

If you’re unable to factory reset your iPhone using any of the methods above, you may need to contact Apple Support for assistance.

Tips When Stuck on Activation Lock Screen After Reset

In some cases, you may still see the activation lock screen even after factory resetting your iPhone. Here are some tips:

  • Make sure Find My iPhone is fully disabled – double check in iTunes/Finder > Summary page.
  • Enter the correct Apple ID and password that was previously associated with the iPhone.
  • If you no longer have access to that Apple ID, you will need to contact Apple support to remove activation lock.
  • As a last resort, you can take the proof of purchase to an Apple store for assistance with identity verification. This will allow them to unlock the iPhone.
  • Selling services that claim to unlock iPhones remotely are risky and not recommended.

Conclusion

Factory resetting your iPhone when locked is a last resort, but it can be necessary if you’ve forgotten your passcode or have been locked out of your device for some other reason. By following the steps in this article, you can factory reset your iPhone when locked and restore it to its factory default settings.

Also Read:

Most Common FAQs About How to Factory Reset iPhone When Locked

What is factory resetting an iPhone?

Factory resetting an iPhone means erasing all of the data and content on your device and restoring it to its factory default settings. This is a useful way to troubleshoot problems with your iPhone or to prepare it for sale or transfer.

Why would I need to factory reset my iPhone when it’s locked?

There are a few reasons why you might need to factory reset your iPhone when it’s locked. For example, you might have forgotten your passcode, your iPhone might be disabled after entering too many incorrect passcodes, or your iPhone might be locked to a specific carrier and you need to unlock it.

What are the different ways to factory reset a locked iPhone?

There are three main ways to factory reset a locked iPhone:

  1. Using iTunes or Finder: This is the most common method and is relatively easy to do.
  2. Using DFU mode: This is a more advanced method and should only be used if you are comfortable with using third-party software.
  3. Using a third-party software program: There are a number of third-party software programs that can help you factory reset your iPhone when locked. However, it is important to note that these programs are not endorsed by Apple and may not be safe to use.

What are the risks of factory resetting my iPhone?

The biggest risk of factory resetting your iPhone is that it will erase all of the data and content on your device. This includes your photos, videos, music, apps, and settings. Be sure to back up your iPhone before you factory reset it, if possible.

What should I do if I have trouble factory resetting my iPhone when it’s locked?

If you are having trouble factory resetting your iPhone when it’s locked, you can try the following:

  • Make sure that you are using the latest version of iTunes or Finder.
  • Try connecting your iPhone to a different USB port on your computer.
  • Try restarting your computer.
  • If you are still having trouble, try factory resetting your iPhone using a different method.
  • If you are unable to factory reset your iPhone using any of the methods above, you may need to contact Apple Support for assistance.

Can I factory reset my iPhone without a computer?

Yes, you can factory reset your iPhone without a computer using DFU mode. However, this is a more advanced method and should only be used if you are comfortable with using third-party software.

Can I factory reset my iPhone without an Apple ID password?

Yes, you can factory reset your iPhone without an Apple ID password using DFU mode. However, this will erase all of the data and content on your device, including your Find My iPhone activation lock.

Will factory resetting my iPhone unlock it from a carrier?

No, factory resetting your iPhone will not unlock it from a carrier. If your iPhone is locked to a specific carrier, you will need to contact that carrier to unlock it.

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