How to erase an iPhone without passcode - 6 options
Not knowing the lock screen passcode could stop you from getting into your iPhone. Luckily, Apple has made several options to help you erase iPhone without a passcode.
Alex Griffith Updated on Jun 12, 2026 6:42 PM
Depending on your iOS version, your access to a computer, and whether you know your Apple ID credentials, you have several paths to erase an iPhone without knowing passcode. There're also reputable third-party tools like Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker available for you to quickly erase an iPhone passcode and screen in order to regain access.
Completely erasing an iPhone without a passcode can update your iOS to the latest version, and help you regain access.
Forgetting the passcode to your iPhone and it's now in unavailable or security lockout state for 15 minutes or an hour? You're not alone. If you try to guess a passcode again and again, things get worse: the lockout period continues to Increase.
Thankfully, Apple has had device-erasing capabilities since the first iPhones in 2007, including the iTunes-dependent options and cloud-based wipes. iOS 15 introduced new ways to erase an iPhone when you forgot passcode, like using the "Erase iPhone" button right on the lock screen. Erasing iPhones in iOS 17 is even smarter with improved recovery menus and security delays.
Here, though, we're concerned with how to erase an iPhone without a passcode. Below, I walk you through several ways to wipe the iPhone screen without passcode so that you can make an informed decision on which method works best for you.
Simply try the options below
It doesn't matter what model and iOS version you device has, erasing iPhone passcode is easy and straightforward. However, the process will result in data loss, which means that everything, including your pictures, iMessages, call logs, personal documents, will be deleted permanently.
Erase an iPhone without passcode (iOS 17+)
The absolute simplest approach to erase a locked iPhone without a passcode is a native, on-screen feature that Apple introduced starting with iOS 17. While you're running iOS 17 or later version, tap the "Forgot Passcode?" option at the bottom of the screen and you will be guided to the erase process.
Make sure your phone maintains an active cellular or Wi-Fi internet connection, you don't need a Mac, a PC, or an external data cable to complete the task.
Here's how to erase an iPhone passcode that you forget using the new feature "Forgot Passcode?" on the screen.
Step 1. If you forgot the iPhone passcode, enter any passcodes several times in a row until the interface reads "Security Lockout" or "iPhone Unavailable" and a small, clickable option appears in the bottom right corner of the display: Forgot Passcode.
Step 2. Tap "Forgot Passcode?" button in the bottom right corner
Step 3. Proceed to tap "Start iPhone Reset" in the next screen.
Step 4. At this point, iOS will prompt you to enter your Apple ID password. This security check verifies that the actual owner of the account is executing the erase.
Once you type your Apple password, the screen will switch to an Apple logo accompanied by a progress bar, indicating the process of erasing iPhone without passcode.
After the phone is reset, it will reboot into the factory Hello setup environment. You're ready to set your device up again. If possible, connect the phone back to your iCloud account and restore your data from a recent backup.
Related: Pictures disappeared from iPhone
Erase iPhone without password via computer
If your iPhone lacks an internet connection, doesn't display the native wipe option, or is running an outdated version of iOS, you will need to rely on a computer to restore the phone back to factory settings.
On a modern Mac (macOS Catalina or later), this is handled seamlessly via the native Finder application. On a Windows PC or an older Mac, you will use iTunes. Before do a full erase, you will need to put the iPhone into Recovery mode, and then follow the instructions on the screen to finishing erasing the locked iPhone.
Here's how to prepare your iPhone for erasing without passcode by using computer.
1. Enter iPhone to Recovery mode.
Connect your iPhone to your computer.
Next, press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold down the side Power button. Do not release this button when you see the Apple logo flash onto the screen; continue holding it down until the display transitions into a dark screen featuring a laptop and a charging cable icon.
2. Launch iTunes or Finder on the computer. After your iPhone is in Restore mode, your computer should open iTunes or Finder automatically. If not, open it manually. Ensure that your iTunes is already updated to the latest version.
3. Restore your iPhone and erase passcode. A pop-up window will automatically appear on your computer monitor within Finder or iTunes. It will state that there is a problem with the device and offer two choices: Update or Restore.
Choose Restore to wipe your device to factory settings. Your computer will immediately download the latest official iOS firmware package and flash it onto your device.
Once your iPhone reboots and shows you a Hello screen, it means your iPhone is erased without a passcode successfully. Simply set up your device and recover data from your iCloud or iTunes backup. There will be an iCloud activation lock set to recognize you as the owner, be sure to enter your correct Apple ID password.
Note: If you have not made backup in advance, you will lost everything on the iPhone.
If you have photos on your computer and want to transfer back to your iPhone, read: how to transfer photos from laptop to iPhone. The drag and drop action is supported.
How to erase iPhone without passcode via iPhone Unlocker software
If you realize that native utilities leaves you stranded: fail to connect to the internet (preventing lock-screen wipe), or the computer doesn't detect your iPhone, turning to a dedicated third-party desktop application is a viable option.
Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker is our favorite. It's specifically engineered to automate lock screen removals for iPhones and iPads, whether you forgot the 4/6-digit passcode, or the devices get unavailable or lockout error. It can clean install the latest iOS version and strip out the forgotten passcode file.
Please note that while this tool offer highly intuitive, one-click wizard interfaces that guide you through the iPhone passcode erase process, it performs the exact same data-wipe parameters dictated by Apple's core security frameworks. If you have data backed to iCloud or computer, you can then restore it.
Follow the instructions listed below to erase an iPhone that you have no password.
1. Run iPhone Unlocker on your either Mac or PC. To erase your iPhone without lock screen passcode, select the prominent tool labeled "Unlock iOS Screen."
2. Plug your iPhone into the computer and wait for this iPhone passcode erasing software to recognize it. If it prompts you to enter restore mode due to a failure detection, just do it.
Next, confirm your device model & information.
3. Click "Start Now" button to download the matching iOS firmware for your iPhone model.
4. When the firmware package is downloaded, click "Start Removing" button.
At this point, a warning box appears. Reading the messages carefully, then hit "OK" button. The software will automatically put your device into a simulated recovery cycle and erase everything, including your lock screen passcode.
Within 5 to 10 minutes, the software will output a success message on your monitor, and your iPhone will reboot without a passcode prompt.
Finally, disconnect your iPhone from the computer.
Done! Your iPhone is erased without passcode and updated to the latest iOS software.
iPhone Unlocker makes it easy to erase iPhone without passcode and iTunes. As a versatile tool, it also can help you get rid of Face ID, Touch ID, remove screen time passcode, and even remove Apple ID.
Related: iPad passcode not working
How to erase iPhone without passcode via iCloud
If you don't have a computer nearby but happen to have an iPad, a secondary smartphone, or access to any standard desktop web browser, you can leverage iCloud's Find My feature to wipe your iPhone when you don't know the passcode.
Ensure that your locked iPhone is powered on, connected to cellular data or a recognized Wi-Fi network, and have had the Find My iPhone setting enabled prior to you forgetting your passcode.
- Visit iCloud.com on any of your computer browser or a mobile device.
- Sign into iCloud with your Apple account credentials.
- Click "Find iPhone" on iCloud menu.
- Once the map interface loads, click on "All Devices" at the top center of the screen.
- Select the iPhone you need to erase passcode from the drop-down list.
- A small control panel will appear in the corner of your screen, offering options to do different tasks, including play a sound, mark the device as lost, or wipe it.
- Click "Erase This Device" option.
- Tap "Next" to confirm that it will erase all content and settings.
- The system will request your Apple ID password one more time to authenticate the destructive command.
- Wait a few minutes for iCloud to erase your iPhone completely without passcode
If the phone is offline, the remote erase command will sit in a queue on Apple's servers and execute the exact millisecond the phone boots up and connects to a cellular or Wi-Fi network.
How to erase iPhone via Settings app
For those who know the lock screen passcode and just want to erase the iPhone to factory settings, you can head to Settings app. Let's dive in.
First, open iPhone Settings app and then tap General. Scroll down the page to bottom until you see Transfer or Reset iPhone. Next, tap Erase All Content and Settings, followed by Continue. Finally, enter your passcode used to unlock the iPhone, and you're good to go.
Apple will try to back up your iPhone data to iCloud before a complete erase. If you are sure that you have done it before, you can click the Erase anyway to initial the erase process. While backing up to iCloud, be sure to keep your iPhone connecting to Wi-Fi.
Related: How to transfer WhatsApp messages from Samsung to iPhone
How to erase iPhone via Restore iPhone feature
If you wish to use the iTunes' Restore iPhone feature, instead of using the Transfer or Reset iPhone feature in Settings app, follow the steps below:
You still need to enter the passcode to verify that you're the device owner while connecting to iTunes for erasing the device to wipe out all data. You may also need to tap Trust when prompted.
1. Connect your iPhone to computer.
2. In the iTunes window, click the phone icon in the upper left corner. If you are running an iMac or MacBook, select your phone name under Location in Finder app.
3. Click "Summary" on the left sidebar.
4. Click "Restore iPhone," then follow the onscreen instructions.
FAQs about how to erase iPhone without password
Can I erase my iPhone without a passcode and keep all my data?
No. There is absolutely no way to bypass a forgotten lock screen passcode and retain the data currently sitting on the iPhone. The moment you perform an erase on your iPhone using any of the available methods above, all local data is permanently wiped. However, you can restore any data during the initial setup phase if you have a backup stored in iCloud or on a computer.
Can I erase iPhone without password or a computer?
As long as you see iPhone Unavailable rather than iPhone is disabled error on the screen after too many wrong passcode attempts, there is big chance that you see an "Forgot Passcode?" option at the screen. Tapping it will walk you through the steps on erasing passcode on iPhone.
Alternatively, you can use the Find My App on another Apple device or sign into iCloud.com webpage on any mobile's web browser to trigger a remote erase over the air.
How can I erase an iPhone without Apple Account?
If you are the owner of the iPhone and have the Apple ID registered the device, you can go to Settings > [Your Name] at the top to verify before signing out to reset and erase the iPhone. You can also take the original sales receipt that was issued when you bought the iPhone to a local Apple Store for help.
If you bought a used iPhone and trying to reset it, you will be required to ask the previous owner to remove apple ID from it.
