How to factory reset locked iPhone, if you forgot the passcode [SOLVED]

Forgot your iPhone passcode and locked out of the device? Figure out a few useful ways to reset the locked iPhone without password and regain full access and control.

This complete guide covers how to factory reset a locked iPhone, with or without a computer. Generally, there are four proven ways serving for kicking off a full reset if you forgot your passcode on iPhone or the device displays iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout:

• On-device Forgot Passcode? option
• Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker
• Recovery Mode
• iCloud Find My

The iOS 15.2 or later lock screen allows you to use Apple ID to wirelessly erase a locked iPhone if the passcode is forgotten.

Passcode is a way of user authentication on an iPhone - it should be strong yet easier to remember for the owner. Despite that, in a moment where you're getting locked out of your iPhone — either because you have forgotten iPhone passcode, or you entered the wrong password too many times, Apple offers several methods to erase or reset the locked iPhone so you can regain access to the device.

While factory resetting a locked iPhone can help bypass a forgotten passcode—wiping the device clean—you can still restore all your photos, messages, and settings if you have a recent iCloud or computer backup.

Keep reading to learn the strategies to reset iPhone without passcode when it's locked, directly from the lock screen, by restoring via iTunes Recovery Mode, using professional unlocking software - something like Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker, or through a remote clean wipe through iCloud Find My.

The standard way to reset iPhone to factory settings

The simplest way to factory reset an iPhone is through the Settings app, as long as you're able to open the device and know the Apple Account password. The process will permanently delete all data, apps and settings, returning the iOS device to its original default status.

• In Settings, tap General.
• Scroll down and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Choose Erase All Content and Settings.
• On the "Erase This iPhone" screen, tap Continue.
• When prompted, select Keep eSIM and Erase Data or Delete eSIM and Erase Data.
• Enter lock screen passcode and Apple Account password to begin the iPhone reset.

The device will be wiped clean, just like out of the box for the first time.

Will factory resetting a locked iPhone delete all data?

Yes. A factory reset erases anything stored on the iPhone, including passcode, Face ID or Touch ID settings, photos, videos, messages, call history, contacts, notes, apps & app data, as well as personal settings and preferences, etc.

After iPhone is reset, it should be unlocked with the initial Hello screen. If you have a backup made before getting locked out, you can restore your data during setup.

Important! Resetting a locked iPhone if forgotten passcode does not remove Activation Lock. You'll still need the Apple ID credentials originally used on the device.

4 effective ways to factory reset locked iPhone without passcode

A normal factory reset is simple, but this won't work if you cannot unlock the iPhone without the passcode. Fortunately, with the right tools, it shouldn't be a hurdle to reset the iPhone that's locked out in case you can't remember the passcode. Now matter which iPhone you're using and what iOS version is, you can take any of method below for a factory reset when iPhone is locked or unavailable, in an attempt to remove the forgotten passcode and set up the device again from the scratch.

Way 1: On-device Forgot Passcode? option

If your iPhone that you forget the passcode to is running modern software, Apple makes it possible to reset the device directly from the "iPhone Unavailable" lock screen without using a computer. Depending on whether you are running iOS 15.2 to 16, or iOS 17 and newer, the screen will display either an "Erase iPhone" or a "Forgot Passcode?" option.

This is the easiest solution to erase your locked iPhone when it is actively connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network, and you know the linked Apple Account password.

1. Enter the wrong passcode several times until the iPhone Unavailable screen appears to prompt you to try again in [number] minutes.

2. Tap Forgot Passcode? option (or Erase iPhone) in the lower right corner. The phone will display a warning screen letting you know that a reset will delete all data and settings.

3. Tap Start iPhone Reset.

4. Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your account on the device.

5. Tap Erase iPhone.

Wait while the device automatically wipes all information and restores to factory settings. This will remove the locked screen due to a passcode you forgot or too many incorrect passcode entries.

After the device restarts, follow the setup instructions to create a new passcode, and restore data from a backup if you have one so you won't lose anything during the iPhone factory reset.

Way 2: Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker tool

If Apple's on-screen Forgot Passcode option isn't available or lacks a stable internet connection, a dedicated unlocking tool can simplify the process. Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker is designed to unlock the iPhone without a passcode by means of a factory reset and remove various screen locks for full access including forgotten passcode, Face ID, Touch ID, as well as Unavailable/ Security Lockout system.

Once you connect your iPhone to the computer, the software will download the appropriate firmware package and reinstall iOS, allowing you to reset the locked iPhone and erase the device's passcode effectively.

In case you don't remember the iPhone passcode and enter the code incorrectly a few times, or you purchased a second-hand device, follow these steps to factory reset a locked iPhone without Apple ID using Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker software. Ready? Let's get started.

Step 1- Open the program, and on the main window, click Unlock iOS Screen module for a locked iPhone reset.

Step 2- Plug your iPhone into the computer. It should be detected and recognized within seconds.

If the iPhone cannot be read after plugging in, you will have to put your device into recovery mode for an authorized access in a way to unlock it. The software has a graphic tutorial to do that. We also have a detailed guide that walks you through entering recovery mode with buttons press.

Now, select which iPhone you're using by clicking the tiny inverted triangle. Make sure it's set correctly.

Step 3- Next click Start Now button. The software begins downloading an iOS firmware that is most appropriate for your handset. It's an automatic process. Wait until it's finished.

Step 4- On the "Unlock iOS Screen Confirmation" dialog box that pops up, click OK button. This mean that you agree to wipe your locked iPhone and restore it to factory settings. After that, hit the Confirm Again button.

Step 5- The process of resetting locked iPhone kicks off. Leave it alone, for several minutes - depending on your internet speed.

When it completes, your iPhone restarts and boots with Setup Assistant. Tap through the screen with step-by-step instructions to finish setting up your phone and access it without any hassle.

[Also Read: How to unlock iPhone 17 without passcode]

Way 3: Recovery Mode

If your iPhone is locked, unavailable or disabled after forgetting the screen passcode, Recovery Mode is the traditional yet reliable method. It's a special diagnostic state that forces the iPhone to talk to computer even when it's completely locked down, and restores it with iTunes or Finder to erase the device to factory condition.

All you need to do is using certain button combination to enter recovery mode, followed by a full reset. Here's how to factory reset a locked iPhone without passcode or Apple ID and unlock the screen.

1. Prepare a computer and a cable.

If you are using a Windows PC or an older Mac, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed, or Apple Devices app (Win 10, 11). If you are on a Mac running macOS Catalina or newer, you will use the native Finder window instead.

Connect the cable to your PC or Mac. Do not plug the phone in just yet.

2. Power your locked iPhone off.

3. Put iPhone into recovery mode.

• On iPhone 8 or newer ones with Face ID: Connect the cable to the device and quickly press and hold the Side button. When the screen shows Connect to iTunes or Connect to Computer symbol, release the Side button. It's in the recovery mode.
• On iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Attach the phone to the computer while holding the Volume Down button. Within seconds, you should see the recovery mode screen. Let go of the button.
• On iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold the Home button, and at the same time, plug your device to the computer. Release the button until recovery mode screen appears.

4. Restore the locked iPhone with the computer via iTunes, Apple Devices app, or Finder.

• Open Finder on a Mac or Apple Devices/iTunes on Windows.
• Locate your iPhone.
• When you're prompted to update or restore your iPhone, choose Restore.
• Follow the wizard to initiate the process. Your computer will download the latest iOS software, followed by resetting the locked iPhone and erasing the screen lock and any other data. This may take from several minutes to half an hour.

When the factory reset is done, your phone will reboot - bypassing the lock screen, and wait to be set up. You can restore from backup to restore the data, instead of using it as an out-of-factory device.

Way 4: iCloud Find My

If Find My iPhone was enabled before you were locked out or unavailable, you can remotely erase the iPhone to factory settings from another phone, tablet, or computer without a USB cable connection.

For this remote wipe to work, make sure that your iPhone is powered on with an active internet connection. Apple Account login is also required for resetting the locked iPhone when you've forgotten the passcode for unlocking the iPhone or stuck on iPhone Unavailable screen.

1. Grab any secondary device (Android device, iPhone, iPad, or computer) and visit https://www.icloud.com/find/.

2. Sign in using the exact same Apple ID and password registered to your locked iPhone.

3. Navigate to the "All Devices" window and select [your iPhone] that you need to reset from the list.

4. From the command card that appears on screen, select Erase iPhone > Next.

5. Re-authenticate with your Apple ID credentials to authorize the wipe. As soon as your phone connects to the network, it will clear itself wirelessly and remotely.

Once completed, you're able to get into your locked iPhone without passcode. Simply set the device up as new or restore data from iCloud backup, iTunes/ Finder backup. For example, if you ever backed up your phone with iCloud, choose From iCloud Backup option, sign in with your Apple account to restore it to the earlier state where it wasn't locked.

Final thoughts

Being locked out of an iPhone doesn't mean the device is unusable. Apple's security system is designed to protect your data, but it also provides several legitimate ways to erase and restore the device when you've forgotten the passcode.

Whether you choose the Forgot Passcode feature, Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker, Recovery Mode, or iCloud Find My, each method can successfully factory reset a locked iPhone and get it ready for a fresh setup. Just remember that all reset methods erase existing data, so restoring from a backup is the best way to recover your information afterward.

Happy with your iOS device!