Whether you’ve forgotten your iPhone passcode, purchased a secondhand device that’s locked, or are troubleshooting serious software issues, performing a factory reset without a passcode can be essential. Luckily, Apple provides several safe and effective methods to erase and restore your device — even when you’re locked out. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to factory reset an iPhone without a passcode, the different methods available, and what you should know before wiping your device.

Before You Begin: Important Things to Know

Factory resetting an iPhone without a passcode will:

• Erase all data on the device (photos, apps, messages, files)
• Remove the lock screen passcode
• Restore the device to factory settings
• Require your Apple ID to complete setup afterward (Activation Lock)

If the iPhone is signed into someone else’s Apple ID, you will not be able to finish setup without their password due to Apple’s security system.

Method 1: Factory Reset iPhone Using Recovery Mode (Most Reliable)

This is the best method if your iPhone is disabled, locked, or you forgot the passcode. You’ll need a computer (Mac or Windows) and a cable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Turn Off the iPhone

• iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15: Hold Side Button + Volume Down → Slide to power off
• iPhone SE, 7, 6, 8: Hold Side/Top button until it shuts down

2. Enter Recovery Mode

Connect the iPhone to your computer while holding the correct button:

• iPhone 8, X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15: Hold the Side button
• iPhone 7 / 7 Plus: Hold the Volume Down button
• iPhone 6s / SE (1st gen): Hold the Home button

Keep holding until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

3. Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows)

Your computer will detect the iPhone in recovery mode.

4. Choose “Restore”

You will see two options:

• Update
• Restore (select this one)

This downloads iOS and wipes the device.

5. Set Up the iPhone

After the restore, your iPhone will restart as new.

You can now:

• Restore from iCloud backup
• Start fresh
• Sign in with your Apple ID

Method 2: Factory Reset iPhone Without Passcode Using iCloud (Find My iPhone)

If Find My iPhone is enabled, you can erase the device remotely — no computer needed.

How to Do It

1. Go to iCloud.com on any device
2. Sign in using your Apple ID
3. Click Find Devices
4. Select the locked iPhone
5. Click Erase iPhone
6. Confirm the action

Your iPhone will erase and restart just like brand new.

Works best when:

• The iPhone is online
• You know the Apple ID password
• You want to reset without a cable or computer

Method 3: Use Apple’s “Erase iPhone” Feature on Lock Screen (iOS 15.2 and Later)

If your iPhone has iOS 15.2 or later, you may see an „Erase iPhone” option after multiple failed passcode attempts.

How to Use It

1. Enter the wrong passcode repeatedly until „Erase iPhone” appears
2. Tap Erase iPhone
3. Enter your Apple ID password
4. Confirm erase

Your iPhone will factory reset and restart.

Requirements:

• Device must be connected to the internet
• Apple ID password required
• Only available on recent iOS versions

Method 4: Use a Third-Party Tool (Optional)

There are several tools like:

• Tenorshare 4uKey
• iMyFone LockWiper
• Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock

These tools can help if:

• iTunes doesn’t detect the device
• You struggle to enter recovery mode
• You want a simplified, guided process

However, they often require payment and still require activation with the original Apple ID after reset.

What to Do After Resetting the iPhone

Once your iPhone restarts, you can:

1. Restore from iCloud Backup

If you saved your data previously:

Apps & Data → Restore from iCloud Backup

2. Restore From Mac or PC Backup

If you backed up via iTunes/Finder:

Apps & Data → Restore from Mac/PC

3. Set Up as a New iPhone

Good option if you want a clean start.

Troubleshooting Tips

iPhone Won’t Enter Recovery Mode

• Try a different cable
• Restart computer
• Try a different USB port
• Hold the button longer

iTunes/Finder Doesn’t Recognize the Device

• Update iTunes (Windows)
• Update macOS
• Try another cable

Activation Lock Blocks Setup

This happens if the device is linked to a previous owner.
You must enter their Apple ID to unlock it.

Apple cannot remove Activation Lock without proof of ownership.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to factory reset an iPhone without a passcode can save you time, frustration, and money. Whether you’re locked out or preparing to sell a device, the methods above provide safe and effective ways to reset your iPhone even when you can’t access the screen.

The most reliable approach is recovery mode, while iCloud and Apple’s built-in “Erase iPhone” feature provide convenient remote options. As long as you have your Apple ID, you can quickly get your device back up and running — fresh, clean, and ready to use.

With this guide in hand, you’re fully prepared to restore any iPhone, even without a passcode.