Resetting your iPhone can be necessary if you forget your passcode and can’t access your device. It allows you to erase the device and remove the passcode so you can use the iPhone again. However, resetting an iPhone without the passcode and without a computer may seem challenging.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain multiple methods you can use to reset your iPhone without passcode and computer in 2023. Whether you have a newer iPhone with Face ID or an older model with Touch ID, these steps will help you bypass the lock screen and reset your device to factory settings.
What is Factory Reset iPhone?
A factory reset, or hard reset, is a process that erases all data and settings from your iPhone and restores it to its factory default state. This can be a useful troubleshooting step if you’re experiencing problems with your iPhone, such as slow performance, app crashes, or battery life issues. It can also be done before selling or giving away your iPhone to ensure that your personal data is completely removed.
Here are some of the things that a factory reset will erase from your iPhone:
- All apps and their data
- All settings, including Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and notification settings
- All photos, videos, and music
- All messages and contacts
- Any other data that is stored on your iPhone
Before you factory reset your iPhone, it’s important to back up your data. You can do this to iCloud or to your computer using iTunes or Finder. Once you’ve backed up your data, you can safely factory reset your iPhone.
To factory reset your iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode or Face ID/Touch ID to confirm.
- Tap Erase iPhone.
Your iPhone will now be erased and reset to factory settings. Once it has finished resetting, you can set it up again as new or restore from a backup.
Important note: A factory reset cannot be undone. Once you’ve factory reset your iPhone, all of your data will be gone. So, make sure to back up your data before you start the process.
Prerequisites of Reset iPhone
Before beginning the reset process, there are a few prerequisites to check:
- Make sure the iPhone is charged to at least 50%. Resetting can drain the battery quickly.
- Know your Apple ID email and password. You’ll need to enter this after the reset to reactivate the iPhone.
- Back up your iPhone data first if possible. A reset erases all content and settings.
- Have access to another working iPhone if using the Quick Start method.
- Turn off Find My iPhone if enabled. This is required to reset the device.
As long as you meet these requirements, you can use one of the following methods to reset your iPhone without the passcode.
How to Reset iPhone Without Passcode and Computer (2023 Update)
Method 1: Erase iPhone from Find My App
If Find My iPhone is enabled on your device, you can remotely erase it using the Find My app on another Apple device. Here’s how:
Steps to Erase with Find My:
- On another iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, open the Find My app. Sign in with your Apple ID if required.
- Select the Devices tab at the bottom and choose your locked iPhone from the list.
- Tap on your iPhone name or select it and tap Erase iPhone at the bottom.
- Enter your Apple ID password to confirm the erase request.
- Wait for the remote erase process to complete. This can take a few minutes.
- Once finished, your iPhone will be reset to factory settings and removed from your Find My account.
The key benefit of using Find My is you can reset the iPhone remotely without physically accessing the device. Just make sure Find My iPhone is enabled in iCloud beforehand.
Method 2: Reset at Recovery Mode Screen
Recovery mode is a special diagnostics state you can enter on an iPhone. At the recovery screen, you can reset your device without the passcode. Follow these instructions:
How to Enter Recovery Mode:
- Connect your iPhone to a power source. You’ll need sufficient battery for this process.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Immediately press and release the Volume Down button.
- Finally, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen. This may take up to 10 seconds.
- Release the Side button when you see the Connect to iTunes logo on the display.
Your iPhone is now in recovery mode. Proceed to the reset steps below.
Resetting from Recovery Mode:
- With your iPhone connected to a USB cable, open iTunes on a computer.
- iTunes will recognize the iPhone in recovery mode and provide recovery options.
- Click Restore to erase your iPhone and install the latest iOS software version.
- After the restore completes, you can set up your iPhone as new without the passcode lock.
Recovery mode is a reliable way to force a reset on any iPhone, but you do need a computer with iTunes. Schedule an appointment with an Apple Store Genius Bar if you don’t have a computer available.
Method 3: Erase iPhone Using VoiceOver Trick
iPhones running iOS 11 and later contain a VoiceOver screen reader function you can enable to bypass the lock screen. Here are the steps:
Bypassing Lock Screen with VoiceOver:
- Triple-click the Side button to turn on VoiceOver. You’ll hear spoken feedback if it works.
- Enter your passcode while VoiceOver is active, but enter the wrong passcode multiple times.
- After several failed attempts, your iPhone will display an “iPhone Disabled” message and offer the option to Erase iPhone.
- Tap the Erase button to reset your device to factory settings without the passcode.
The VoiceOver hack is effective, but it may not work on all iPhone models. Keep trying if your iPhone doesn’t respond as expected.
Method 4: Quick Start iPhone Restore
If you have access to another iPhone running iOS 11 or later, you can use the Quick Start feature to reset your disabled iPhone. Here’s how it works:
Reset with Quick Start:
- Make sure both iPhones are running iOS 11 or later. Also check that Bluetooth is enabled.
- On the working iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset and choose Erase All Content and Settings.
- Select through the confirmation steps to erase the working iPhone fully. It will restart to the setup assistant menu.
- Place your disabled iPhone near the erased iPhone and they will connect via Bluetooth.
- On your disabled iPhone, accept the Quick Start prompt when it appears.
- After some time, your disabled iPhone will be reset and ready to use!
With two compatible iPhones, Quick Start provides a seamless automated reset without the passcode or computer access. Use this method if you can borrow a friend’s iPhone.
Method 5: Reset at the iTunes Logo Screen
On iPhone 7 and 7 Plus models, you can force a reset from the iTunes logo screen. Follow these instructions carefully:
Reset from iTunes Logo:
- Begin with your iPhone 7 powered off.
- Press and hold the Volume Down and Side buttons simultaneously.
- Keep holding both buttons until you see the iTunes logo on the screen.
- Release the Side button but keep pressing Volume Down for 5 seconds.
- Your iPhone will now be in recovery mode. Connect to a computer with iTunes.
- Within iTunes, click Restore to reset the iPhone to factory settings.
The benefit of this method is it works even if Find My iPhone is enabled. Just make sure your iPhone is powered off first before beginning these steps.
Method 6: Reset Disabled iPhone with AssistiveTouch
iPhones with Touch ID have an accessibility feature called AssistiveTouch you may be able to use to reset your device. Follow this process:
Reset with AssistiveTouch:
- Triple-click the Home button to enable AssistiveTouch. A circular menu will appear.
- Tap Device and then More. Scroll down and select Erase All Content and Settings.
- Confirm on the prompt screens to fully erase your disabled iPhone.
- Once the reset completes, AssistiveTouch will be disabled. Set up the iPhone without a passcode.
AssistiveTouch adds an on-screen menu with system options, allowing you to bypass the lock screen. Give this method a try if you have an older iPhone model.
Method 7: Completely Drain the Battery
As a last resort, you can attempt to reset your iPhone by fully draining the battery. Here are the steps for this method:
Reset by Draining Battery:
- Stop charging your iPhone and use it continuously until the battery drains. You can play videos or music on loop.
- The device will turn off automatically when the battery is depleted.
- Leave the iPhone off and uncharged for at least 3 hours. This allows time for complete discharge.
- After 3+ hours, connect your iPhone to power. It should turn on to the setup assistant menu.
- Follow the on-screen steps to set up the iPhone from scratch, without your previous passcode.
Draining the battery can force a reset, but avoid this method unless absolutely needed. The prolonged discharge can shorten battery lifespan. Only use as a last resort.
Alternative Ways to Reset iPhone Without Passcode and Computer (2023 Update)
If you’ve forgotten your iPhone passcode and don’t have a computer, you may think you’re out of luck. However, there is one way to reset your iPhone without either: using iCloud Find My.
This method will erase all of the data on your iPhone, so it’s important to make sure you have a backup before you proceed. If you don’t have a backup, you will lose all of your data.
Requirements
To use iCloud Find My to reset your iPhone without a passcode and computer, you will need the following:
- An internet connection
- An Apple ID and password
- A different device, such as another iPhone, iPad, or computer
Steps to Reset iPhone Without Passcode and Computer
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
- Click the Find My iPhone icon.
- Click All Devices at the top of the screen.
- Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
- Click Erase iPhone.
- Enter your Apple ID password and click Erase.
Your iPhone will now be erased and reset to factory settings. Once it has finished resetting, you can set it up again as new or restore from a backup.
If You Can’t Use iCloud Find My
If you can’t use iCloud Find My to reset your iPhone, you will need to take it to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for help. They will be able to reset your iPhone for you, but you will need to provide proof of ownership.
Resetting your iPhone without a passcode and computer can be a lifesaver if you’ve forgotten your passcode or if your iPhone has been locked. Just keep in mind that this method will erase all of the data on your iPhone, so it’s important to make sure you have a backup before you proceed.
How to Factory Reset iPhone
There are two ways to factory reset your iPhone: using the Settings app or using iCloud Find My.
Using the Settings app
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode or Face ID/Touch ID to confirm.
- Tap Erase iPhone.
Your iPhone will now be erased and reset to factory settings. Once it has finished resetting, you can set it up again as new or restore from a backup.
Using iCloud Find My
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
- Click the Find My iPhone icon.
- Click All Devices at the top of the screen.
- Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
- Click Erase iPhone.
- Enter your Apple ID password and click Erase.
Your iPhone will now be erased and reset to factory settings. Once it has finished resetting, you can set it up again as new or restore from a backup.
Which method should I use?
If you have your iPhone and can access the Settings app, then using the Settings app to factory reset your iPhone is the easiest way. However, if you’ve lost your iPhone or can’t access the Settings app, then you can use iCloud Find My to factory reset your iPhone.
Things to keep in mind before factory resetting your iPhone
- Factory resetting your iPhone will erase all of the data on your iPhone, including your apps, photos, music, and other files.
- If you have a backup of your iPhone, you can restore your iPhone from the backup after you factory reset it.
- If you don’t have a backup of your iPhone, you will lose all of your data when you factory reset it.
How to Factory Reset iPhone Without Passcode or Computer in iOS 16
iOS 16 introduced a new option to erase your iPhone directly from the login screen if you forget your passcode. Follow these steps:
- Enter an incorrect passcode multiple times until you see the “iPhone Disabled Connect to iTunes” message.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Immediately press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
- Continue holding the Side button until you see the iOS 16 login screen again.
- Tap Erase iPhone at the bottom to reset your device without the previous passcode.
This method makes it easier than ever to reset your iPhone if you get locked out and don’t have computer access in iOS 16 or later.
How to Unlock iPhone without Passcode
There are two ways to unlock an iPhone without a passcode: using iCloud Find My or using a third-party tool.
Using iCloud Find My
To unlock an iPhone without a passcode using iCloud Find My, you will need to:
- Have Find My iPhone enabled on your iPhone.
- Be signed in to iCloud on your iPhone.
- Have an internet connection.
Once you have met all of these requirements, you can follow these steps:
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
- Click the Find My iPhone icon.
- Click All Devices at the top of the screen.
- Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
- Click Erase iPhone.
- Enter your Apple ID password and click Erase.
Your iPhone will now be erased and reset to factory settings. Once it has finished resetting, you can set it up again as new or restore from a backup.
Using a third-party tool
There are a number of third-party tools that can be used to unlock an iPhone without a passcode. However, it is important to note that these tools are not officially supported by Apple, and they may not work reliably.
If you decide to use a third-party tool to unlock your iPhone, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable tool. You should also make sure to back up your iPhone before using a third-party tool, as there is a risk of losing your data.
Which method should I use?
If you have Find My iPhone enabled and you’re signed in to iCloud, then using iCloud Find My to unlock your iPhone is the easiest and most reliable way. However, if you don’t have Find My iPhone enabled or you’re not signed in to iCloud, then you may need to use a third-party tool.
Things to keep in mind before unlocking your iPhone without a passcode
- Unlocking your iPhone without a passcode will erase all of the data on your iPhone.
- If you have a backup of your iPhone, you can restore your iPhone from the backup after you unlock it.
- If you don’t have a backup of your iPhone, you will lose all of your data when you unlock it.
- Using a third-party tool to unlock your iPhone may not work reliably and may risk losing your data.
How to Unlock iPhone Passcode without Computer
There is only one way to unlock an iPhone passcode without a computer: using iCloud Find My.
To do this, you will need to have Find My iPhone enabled on your iPhone and be signed in to iCloud. You will also need to have an internet connection.
Once you have met all of these requirements, you can follow these steps:
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
- Click the Find My iPhone icon.
- Click All Devices at the top of the screen.
- Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
- Click Erase iPhone.
- Enter your Apple ID password and click Erase.
Your iPhone will now be erased and reset to factory settings. Once it has finished resetting, you can set it up again as new or restore from a backup.
Important note: This method will erase all of the data on your iPhone. If you have a backup of your iPhone, you can restore your iPhone from the backup after you unlock it. If you don’t have a backup of your iPhone, you will lose all of your data when you unlock it.
If you can’t access iCloud Find My, you will need to take your iPhone to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for help. They will be able to unlock your iPhone for you, but you will need to provide proof of ownership.
How to Reset iPhone to Factory Settings
There are two ways to reset your iPhone to factory settings: using the Settings app or using iCloud Find My.
Using the Settings app
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode or Face ID/Touch ID to confirm.
- Tap Erase iPhone.
Your iPhone will now be erased and reset to factory settings. Once it has finished resetting, you can set it up again as new or restore from a backup.
Using iCloud Find My
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
- Click the Find My iPhone icon.
- Click All Devices at the top of the screen.
- Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
- Click Erase iPhone.
- Enter your Apple ID password and click Erase.
Your iPhone will now be erased and reset to factory settings. Once it has finished resetting, you can set it up again as new or restore from a backup.
How to Unlock iPhone without Passcode or Face ID
There are two ways to unlock an iPhone without a passcode or Face ID: using iCloud Find My or using a third-party tool.
Using iCloud Find My
To unlock an iPhone without a passcode or Face ID using iCloud Find My, you will need to:
- Have Find My iPhone enabled on your iPhone.
- Be signed in to iCloud on your iPhone.
- Have an internet connection.
Once you have met all of these requirements, you can follow these steps:
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
- Click the Find My iPhone icon.
- Click All Devices at the top of the screen.
- Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
- Click Erase iPhone.
- Enter your Apple ID password and click Erase.
Your iPhone will now be erased and reset to factory settings. Once it has finished resetting, you can set it up again as new or restore from a backup.
Using a third-party tool
There are a number of third-party tools that can be used to unlock an iPhone without a passcode or Face ID. However, it is important to note that these tools are not officially supported by Apple, and they may not work reliably.
If you decide to use a third-party tool to unlock your iPhone, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable tool. You should also make sure to back up your iPhone before using a third-party tool, as there is a risk of losing your data.
Which method should I use?
If you have Find My iPhone enabled and you’re signed in to iCloud, then using iCloud Find My to unlock your iPhone is the easiest and most reliable way. However, if you don’t have Find My iPhone enabled or you’re not signed in to iCloud, then you may need to use a third-party tool.
Things to keep in mind before unlocking your iPhone without a passcode or Face ID
- Unlocking your iPhone without a passcode or Face ID will erase all of the data on your iPhone.
- If you have a backup of your iPhone, you can restore your iPhone from the backup after you unlock it.
- If you don’t have a backup of your iPhone, you will lose all of your data when you unlock it.
- Using a third-party tool to unlock your iPhone may not work reliably and may risk losing your data.
How to Factory Reset iPhone without Apple ID Password
There is only one way to factory reset an iPhone without an Apple ID password: using recovery mode.
To do this, you will need a computer with iTunes or Finder installed.
Once you have met all of these requirements, you can follow these steps:
- Put your iPhone into recovery mode. To do this, follow these steps for your iPhone model:
- iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Then, press and hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- iPhone 7: Press and hold the side and volume down buttons at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.
- iPhone 6S and earlier: Press and hold the side and home buttons at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable.
- Open iTunes or Finder on your computer.
- When you see the option to Restore or Update, choose Restore.
- iTunes or Finder will download the software for your iPhone. Once the software has been downloaded, your iPhone will be restored and all of the data on your iPhone will be erased, including your Apple ID password.
Once your iPhone has finished restoring, you can set it up again as new or restore from a backup.
Important note: If you restore your iPhone from a backup, your Apple ID password will be restored as well.
How to Restore iPhone to Factory Settings
To restore your iPhone to factory settings, you can use either the Settings app or iCloud Find My.
Using the Settings app
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- If prompted, enter your passcode or Face ID/Touch ID.
- Tap Erase iPhone.
Using iCloud Find My
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
- Click the Find My iPhone icon.
- Click All Devices at the top of the screen.
- Click the name of your iPhone.
- Click Erase iPhone.
- If prompted, enter your Apple ID password.
- Click Erase.
Important note: Restoring your iPhone to factory settings will erase all of the data on your iPhone, including your apps, photos, music, and other files. If you have a backup of your iPhone, you can restore from the backup after you restore your iPhone to factory settings.
Here are some additional tips for restoring your iPhone to factory settings:
- Make sure you have a backup of your iPhone before you restore it to factory settings. You can back up your iPhone to iCloud or to your computer using iTunes or Finder.
- If you’re restoring your iPhone to factory settings because you’re selling it or giving it away, make sure to sign out of your Apple ID and iCloud account before you restore it.
- If you’re having trouble restoring your iPhone to factory settings, you can contact Apple Support for help.
How to Bypass iPhone Passcode
There are two ways to bypass an iPhone passcode: using iCloud Find My or using a third-party tool.
Using iCloud Find My
To bypass an iPhone passcode using iCloud Find My, you will need to:
- Have Find My iPhone enabled on your iPhone.
- Be signed in to iCloud on your iPhone.
- Have an internet connection.
Once you have met all of these requirements, you can follow these steps:
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
- Click the Find My iPhone icon.
- Click All Devices at the top of the screen.
- Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
- Click Erase iPhone.
- Enter your Apple ID password and click Erase.
Your iPhone will now be erased and reset to factory settings. Once it has finished resetting, you can set it up again as new or restore from a backup.
Using a third-party tool
There are a number of third-party tools that can be used to bypass an iPhone passcode. However, it is important to note that these tools are not officially supported by Apple, and they may not work reliably.
If you decide to use a third-party tool to bypass your iPhone passcode, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable tool. You should also make sure to back up your iPhone before using a third-party tool, as there is a risk of losing your data.
Important note: Bypassing your iPhone passcode without your Apple ID password will erase all of the data on your iPhone. If you have a backup of your iPhone, you can restore your iPhone from the backup after you bypass your passcode. If you don’t have a backup of your iPhone, you will lose all of your data when you bypass your passcode.
How to Factory Reset iPhone with Buttons
There are two ways to factory reset your iPhone with buttons, depending on your iPhone model:
- iPhone 8 and later:Press and quickly release the volume up button, then press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- iPhone 7 and earlier: Press and hold the side and volume down buttons at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.
Once you’re in recovery mode, you can connect your iPhone to your computer and use iTunes or Finder to restore it to factory settings.
Here are the steps in more detail:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable.
- Open iTunes or Finder on your computer.
- When you see the option to Restore or Update, choose Restore.
- iTunes or Finder will download the software for your iPhone. Once the software has been downloaded, your iPhone will be restored to factory settings and all of the data on your iPhone will be erased.
Once your iPhone has finished restoring, you can set it up again as new or restore from a backup.
Important note: Restoring your iPhone to factory settings will erase all of the data on your iPhone, including your apps, photos, music, and other files. If you have a backup of your iPhone, you can restore from the backup after you restore your iPhone to factory settings.
How to do a Factory Reset on iPhone
There are two ways to do a factory reset on an iPhone: using the Settings app or using iCloud Find My.
Using the Settings app
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode or Face ID/Touch ID to confirm.
- Tap Erase iPhone.
Your iPhone will now be erased and reset to factory settings. Once it has finished resetting, you can set it up again as new or restore from a backup.
Using iCloud Find My
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
- Click the Find My iPhone icon.
- Click All Devices at the top of the screen.
- Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
- Click Erase iPhone.
- Enter your Apple ID password and click Erase.
Your iPhone will now be erased and reset to factory settings. Once it has finished resetting, you can set it up again as new or restore from a backup.
Which method should I use?
If you have your iPhone and can access the Settings app, then using the Settings app to factory reset your iPhone is the easiest way. However, if you’ve lost your iPhone or can’t access the Settings app, then you can use iCloud Find My to factory reset your iPhone.
Things to keep in mind before factory resetting your iPhone
- Factory resetting your iPhone will erase all of the data on your iPhone, including your apps, photos, music, and other files.
- If you have a backup of your iPhone, you can restore your iPhone from the backup after you factory reset it.
- If you don’t have a backup of your iPhone, you will lose all of your data when you factory reset it.
Forgot iPhone Passcode
If you forgot your iPhone passcode, there are two ways to reset it: using iCloud Find My or using recovery mode.
Using iCloud Find My
To reset your iPhone passcode using iCloud Find My, you will need to have Find My iPhone enabled on your iPhone and be signed in to iCloud. You will also need to have another device, such as another iPhone, iPad, or computer, with an internet connection.
Once you have met all of these requirements, you can follow these steps:
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
- Click the Find My iPhone icon.
- Click All Devices at the top of the screen.
- Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
- Click Erase iPhone.
- Enter your Apple ID password and click Erase.
Your iPhone will now be erased and reset to factory settings. Once it has finished resetting, you can set it up again as new or restore from a backup.
Using recovery mode
If you can’t use iCloud Find My to reset your iPhone passcode, you can reset it using recovery mode. To do this, you will need a computer with iTunes or Finder installed.
Once you have met all of these requirements, you can follow these steps:
- Put your iPhone into recovery mode. To do this, follow these steps for your iPhone model:
- iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Then, press and hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- iPhone 7: Press and hold the side and volume down buttons at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.
- iPhone 6S and earlier: Press and hold the side and home buttons at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable.
- Open iTunes or Finder on your computer.
- When you see the option to Restore or Update, choose Restore.
- iTunes or Finder will download the software for your iPhone. Once the software has been downloaded, your iPhone will be restored and your passcode will be reset.
Important note: Resetting your iPhone passcode using recovery mode will erase all of the data on your iPhone. If you have a backup of your iPhone, you can restore your iPhone from the backup after you reset your passcode. If you don’t have a backup of your iPhone, you will lose all of your data when you reset your passcode.
What To Do After Resetting your iPhone Without Passcode
Once you successfully reset your iPhone using any of these methods, there are a few steps to take before you can use your device again normally:
- Connect to WiFi and sign in with your Apple ID when prompted. This will deactivate the old device registration.
- Respond to any account recovery emails or texts from Apple and confirm your identity.
- Enable Find My iPhone again to help secure and locate your device. Log in with your Apple ID.
- Update to the latest iOS software version to ensure your iPhone has the newest features and security patches.
- Restore a backup if you have one available with iTunes or iCloud. This will recover your data.
- Change your Apple ID password if you think it was compromised, and turn on two-factor authentication for added security.
- Set a new device passcode to protect your iPhone from unauthorized access. Use a strong 6+ digit numerical code.
Following these tips will get your iPhone working again while keeping your personal data safe after the reset process.
Tips for Avoiding Losing Your iPhone Passcode
Here are a few tips to help you avoid losing your iPhone passcode:
- Choose a passcode that is easy for you to remember but difficult for other people to guess.
- Avoid using common passcodes like “123456” or your birthday.
- Consider using a password manager to help you keep track of your passcodes.
- If you’re worried about forgetting your passcode, you can also enable Face ID or Touch ID.
Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues
Resetting an iPhone without passcode can run into issues depending on your model and settings. Try these troubleshooting suggestions if you have problems:
- Turn off Find My iPhone before resetting if it is enabled. This prevents remote lock activation.
- Make sure Screen Time restrictions are disabled. Reset won’t work if parental controls are on.
- Check for iOS updates and upgrade if available. The latest software is needed for some reset methods.
- Reset network settings after resetting iPhone. This fixes connectivity issues restoring iCloud backup.
- Enter recovery mode again if you run into errors in iTunes. Then repeat reset steps.
- Use a different USB cable, port, or computer if iTunes can’t recognize your iPhone.
- Factory reset the iPhone and set up as new if restoring a backup fails. Start fresh without restoring data.
- Contact Apple Support if you need assistance removing your Apple ID from a disabled iPhone for sale or trade-in.
Following this troubleshooting guide will help resolve most common reset issues. Avoid resetting your iPhone unless absolutely required.
Additional Information
Here are some additional tips and information about resetting your iPhone without a passcode and computer:
- If you have Find My iPhone enabled and you’re signed in with your Apple ID, you can also reset your iPhone from the lock screen. To do this, swipe right on the lock screen and tap Erase iPhone.
- If you don’t have Find My iPhone enabled, you can still reset your iPhone by putting it into recovery mode. To do this, follow these steps:
- iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Then, press and hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- iPhone 7: Press and hold the side and volume down buttons at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.
- iPhone 6S and earlier: Press and hold the side and home buttons at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.
Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, you can connect it to a computer and use iTunes or Finder to restore it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about resetting an iPhone without the passcode:
How can I reset my iPhone if I forgot my Apple ID?
Unfortunately, you cannot reset or recover a forgotten Apple ID on your own. You will need to contact Apple Support to verify your identity and have them remove the ID from your device.
Will resetting delete everything on my iPhone?
Yes, resetting erases all content and settings from the iPhone, including apps, photos, contacts, and personal data. Back up your device before resetting when possible.
Can I remove Activation Lock without the previous owner’s Apple ID?
No, the original owner’s Apple ID credentials are required to remove Activation Lock. You will need to get this information from them in order to use the locked iPhone.
Will resetting disable Find My iPhone?
Normally, yes. Resetting the device through iTunes or directly on the iPhone will turn off Find My iPhone as part of the process.
Can I reset an iPhone if I don’t have a computer?
Yes, you can reset without a computer using recovery mode, Quick Start, or Find My iPhone. A computer is needed for iTunes restore method only.
How can I save my data before resetting my iPhone?
Back up important data to iCloud or iTunes before resetting. After reset, you can restore your data and settings from the backup during iPhone setup.
Conclusion
Resetting an iPhone without the passcode and computer access is possible through various methods. Recovery mode, Quick Start, Find My iPhone, and passcode bypass techniques allow you to erase your device to address a forgotten passcode. Just make sure to back up data first and re-enable security features after resetting your iPhone.
Following this guide provides a step-by-step process to factory reset your iPhone using on-device settings, accessibility features, iTunes, iCloud, and even fully discharging the battery. With some patience and carefully following the right procedure for your model, you can reset your iPhone without the previous passcode or computer access. Just use reset as a last resort and contact Apple Support if you need additional assistance regaining access to your disabled iPhone.