How to factory reset iPhone 17 — with or without passcode
Whether you're preparing for a new user, transferring data from an old phone, or trying to regain access, we'll explore all possible ways to factory reset an iPhone 17 step by step.
Jasmin Woods Updated on Sep 29, 2025 4:55 PM
From Apple ways to third-party tools, this guide covers all methods to factory reset an iPhone 17, even without a passcode.
Factory resetting an iPhone 17 erases all user data and restores the device to its original factory settings. This process is often used to unlock an iPhone when you've forgotten the passcode, or to securely wipe all personal information before selling or giving it away.
Whether you want a completely fresh start, need to prepare the phone for a new owner, or remove a forgotten passcode, this guide will walk you through the best iPhone reset tools and methods to factory reset an iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max with ease.
If you're locked out, Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker provides a reliable way to factory reset a locked iPhone 17 without passcode or Apple ID password, so you can regain access instantly.
Table of Contents
Factory reset iPhone 17: Things to know
Before you proceed a factory reset on iPhone 17, it's important to understand that this process wipes all user data from the device and puts everything back the way it was when it left factory.
Why you might reset an iPhone 17 to factory settings
Factory resetting an iPhone 17 can be of help if you're looking to:
- Erase all personal data before selling, trading in, or giving the iPhone 17 to a new user.
- Prepare for data migration if you're transferring data to a set-up iPhone 17 when moving from an older iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
- Unlock the iPhone 17 if you forget the passcode, or if you purchased a second-hand device with an unknown screen lock.
- Troubleshoot iOS issues for a new start, such as software glitches, crashes, or other performance problems.
What happens when factory resetting an iPhone 17
Once the iPhone 17 is reset to factory settings:
- All current content and settings will be erased from your iPhone completely. This includes all photos, music, messages, media, apps, accounts, and settings.
- The iPhone 17 restarts and displays the Hello Screen, allowing you to set it up again as new or restore data from a previous iCloud backup or computer backup.
Now that you're aware of the consequences, let's explore the different methods to reset your iPhone 17 — whether with or without a passcode.
How to factory reset iPhone 17 in Settings — If you know the passcode
If you know your screen lock passcode, you can easily perform a factory reset from iPhone 17's Settings app — whether to have a new start or get it ready for next user. Additionally, if you're planning to transfer data from an old iPhone or Android device, it requires you to reset your iPhone 17 if it's already set up and in use.
Before you reset iPhone 17
Since an iPhone 17 reset permanently erase all data and settings, it's important to take a few precautions to avoid losing your important data:
- Data backup before a factory reset — Back up your data to iCloud or with computer before resetting your iPhone 17 completely.
- Know your Apple Account and other login credentials — This lets you access all data stored and synced with your iCloud or other accounts.
- Sign out of your iPhone and turn off Find My — If you're preparing the device for a new user, this ensures no one can access your personal data from the reset iPhone 17.
Steps to factory reset an iPhone 17 within Settings app
1. Unlock your iPhone 17 and open the Settings app.
2. Tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
3. When asked, enter your passcode or Apple ID password to sign out of this iPhone.
4. Tap Continue and confirm the Erase iPhone option to fully reset your iPhone 17. TIP: If you're using an eSIM, you have the options to erase or keep it.
Wait for the process to finish. After the reset, your iPhone 17 will restart and show Hello screen. You may follow the onscreen steps to set it up again. When reaching the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, you can choose to restore data from an iCloud backup or computer backup.
How to reset iPhone 17 without passcode — If forgotten or locked out
If you're locked out and unable to access the Settings app, there are still possible ways to perform a complete iPhone 17 factory reset, letting you regain full access to your device.
Use Forgot Passcode — Factory reset from iPhone 17 Unavailable screen
Starting with iOS 17, Apple introduced the Forgot Passcode option that allows users to reset an unavailable iPhone directly from the lock screen. Released with iOS 26, the iPhone 17 also includes this built-in feature. So, when you've forgotten your passcode, simply follow the steps below to reset the iPhone 17 to unlock it for full access.
What you need for a reset:
- The iPhone 17 you want to reset is connected to an active Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- You remember your Apple Account and password.
- The Find My iPhone is enabled previously.
Reset a locked iPhone 17 using Forgot Passcode option on iPhone Unavailable screen:
1. On iPhone 17's lock screen, keep entering more than 5 incorrect passcodes until iPhone Unavailable try again screen appears.
2. Tap Forgot Passcode? option in the bottom-right corner. Check the fixes if your iPhone says Unavailable with no Forgot Passcode option.
3. Confirm the Start iPhone Reset option on Security Lockout screen.
4. On Sign Out of Apple ID screen, enter your Apple Account password as required.
5. Tap Erase iPhone to initiate a full reset on this iPhone 17.
6. Select Keep / Delete eSIM and Erase Data if you have an eSIM card.
This will permanently delete all your data and settings, and return the iPhone 17 to its original factory settings. When the device restarts, restore your data from a recent backup if you have one, or set it up again as new.
Use Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker — Reset iPhone 17 without passcode or Apple ID
For anyone who has forgotten their passcode or purchased a second-hand iPhone with an unknown screen lock, Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker offers a quick solution to factory reset any iPhone 17 model, as well as other iOS & iPadOS devices.
With just a few clicks, this iOS unlocking tool lets you completely reset a locked iPhone 17 without needing the passcode or Apple ID password, allowing you to regain instant access. Beyond iPhone factory resets, it can also remove various types of screen locks, including 4-/6-digit passcodes, Touch ID, Face ID, Apple ID, and even the SIM locks.
If you're locked out of iOS and don't know how to remove the forgotten passcode, follow these simple steps to factory reset an iPhone 17 without passcode or Apple ID password:
Step 1. Launch Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker on computer and start with Wipe Passcode.
It works with both Windows and macOS, and is compatible with all iOS models and versions.
Step 2. Click Start button and connect the iPhone 17 you prefer to reset.
Link your iPhone 17 with a USB cable. If it's connected but cannot be recognized, follow the provided link to resolve the issue.
Step 3. Confirm the device information and click on Start button.
It will automatically download the rightful iOS firmware for iPhone 17 reset. This may take a short while, depending on your network speed.
Step 4. Enter 0000 in the pop-up box and hit Unlock button to factory reset this iPhone 17.
Allow it a couple of minutes to finish. Once done, your iPhone 17 will be reset to factory settings with everything erased, including the passcode and all other data.
When the Hello screen prompts, swipe up and follow the onscreen steps to go through setups. If available, restore your data from a previous iPhone backup; or you can use it as a new device.
Use Recovery Mode — Factory reset a locked iPhone 17 with buttons
When you have access to a computer — either a Mac or PC — it's easy to perform a full reset on your iPhone 17 by using Recovery Mode.
Recovery Mode is special troubleshooting state where your iPhone is connected to Finder (on newer Mac) or iTunes/Apple Devices (on Windows PC) for system repair. When you're trying to reset a locked iPhone 17 without the password, simply connect it to your computer and use the correct button combination to enter Recovery Mode for a full reset.
To restore an iPhone 17 to factory settings:
- Ensure the Find My iPhone feature is disabled before you're locked out.
- Open the Finder app on your Mac. Or, use the latest Apple Devices for Windows PC.
- If your Mac is running macOS 10.14 Mojave or earlier, or if your PC doesn't have Apple Devices, use the newest iTunes instead.
To regain access after you forget the passcode, here's how to enable Recovery Mode for iPhone 17 factory reset with buttons:
1. Open the Finder or iTunes (or Apple Devices) on your computer.
2. Press and hold both Side button and Volume down button to turn off your iPhone 17.
3. When the power off slider appears, drag it to shut down your phone.
4. Press and hold the Side button while quickly connecting the iPhone 17 to your computer with a USB cable. Do not release the button until an image of a computer and a cable appears.
5. Once you're in Recovery Mode, a message box will pop up with Restore or Update options.
6. Click the Restore button and confirm with Restore and Update option.
Keep the device connected until the restoring process is complete. Once done, your iPhone 17 will return to its default factory settings and be ready for new setup. If you have a backup created before lockout, restore your iPhone data from it.
Use iCloud Find My — Remotely reset an iPhone 17 with Apple ID
Without needing a computer or passcode, iCloud's Find My lets you erase and reset an iPhone 17 remotely. If the Find My feature was enabled in iCloud Settings before your iPhone passcode is working, the following steps can help erase your iPhone completely to regain access.
Before you start:
- The reset process requires a stable network on your iPhone 17.
- You have the associated Apple ID and password used on your phone.
Steps for iPhone 17 factory reset without passcode or computer using iCloud Find My:
- On any network-connected browser, visit iCloud.com.
- Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
- Select Find My icon when you get in.
- Choose All Devices at the top and select the iPhone 17 you'd like to reset.
- Select Erase This Devices to start a complete reset remotely.
The remote reset begins immediately when your iPhone 17 is online, and erases all current data and settings from your device permanently.
After a factory reset on iPhone 17
When your iPhone 17 has been reset to factory settings successfully, it will restart with Hello screen. Everything on it should be erased completely. You'll have the options to:
- Follow the onscreen prompts to set up iPhone again for a new start.
- Restore data from an iCloud backup or a computer backup when reaching the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen during the setup.
- While setting up the phone, migrate all data from an older iPhone/iPad using Quick Start.
- Transfer data from an old Android to your newly reset iPhone 17 via Move to iOS app.
FAQs on iPhone factory reset
Q1 - Will a factory reset erase all data on my iPhone 17?
Yes, performing a complete iPhone reset will permanently delete all current data and settings from your device, including all photos, music, messages, media content, apps, accounts, and all personalized settings.
Q2 - How do I factory reset my iPhone without losing everything?
If you've previously backed up your iPhone to iCloud or with a computer, you can restore your data from the most recent backup to avoid losing everything.
Q3 - How to factory reset an iPhone 17 if I forgot the passcode?
To factory reset an iPhone without passcode, here are several possible ways:
- Forgot Passcode option — Allow for direct reset from iPhone Unavailable lock screen.
- Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker — Bypass iPhone passcode to perform a full reset, working for all iPhone 17 models and other iOS & iPadOS devices.
- iPhone Recovery Mode — Connect iPhone 17 to a computer with iTunes, Apple Devices, or Finder; then force a factory reset with buttons.
- iCloud Find My — Remotely reset a locked iPhone 17 with Apple ID, no need for a passcode.
Q4 - How can you force an iPhone 17 into a factory reset?
To force a factory reset for iPhone 17 device, check these steps:
- Open iTunes on Windows or macOS 10.14 or earlier. Or, open Apple Devices on newer Windows or Finder on macOS 10.15 or above.
- Power off iPhone 17 completely.
- Connect the iPhone 17 to computer while keeping holding the Side button.
- Do not release the button until a computer-and-cable image shows up.
- When a message prompt shows up on computer screen, select Restore option.
- Confirm the Restore and Update option to start iPhone resetting.
If it doesn't work or your device cannot be recognized, take a look at Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker for a more convenient reset.
