How to factory reset iPhone without computer [Updated]
Need to reset your unavailable iPhone but don't know the passcode and lack access to a computer? This article will show you how to factory reset your iPhone without a computer.
Aileena Ivy Updated on Aug 5, 2025 5:01 PM
Factory resetting an iPhone is a powerful way to start fresh—it erases everything on your device, returning it to the state it was in when first unboxed. Most users need to restore their iPhone to default settings for the following reasons:
- To sell or give away an old iPhone
- To clear the iPhone's storage
- To fix issues like unresponsiveness or sluggish performance
- To regain access after being locked out due to a forgotten passcode
While many users assume a computer is required to perform this operation, especially when they forgot the iPhone passcode, you can actually factory reset iPhone without password or computer directly from the iOS device or using another mobile device.
Resetting an iPhone to factory settings without a computer requires using your Apple account and password.
Whether your iPhone is still accessible or locked because of a forgotten passcode, if you don't have access to a computer, this guide will walk you through various methods to on how to factory reset iPhone without computer.
Thanks to iCloud integration and new features in recent iOS versions, Apple has made it possible to wipe and reset iPhone without ever touching a computer. No cables. No iTunes. No software downloads. Just smart, effective solutions that work right from the palm of your hand.
Finally, if all other methods fail, we'll introduce a reliable third-party tool—iPhone Unlocker—as a last resort to reset your locked iPhone without a passcode, which does require a computer.
Table of Contents
Prerequisites for resetting iPhone without a computer
Before proceeding with any reset method, here are several important points to keep in mind:
Data backup (if possible): A factory reset will permanently delete all apps, contacts, photos, messages, and settings. If you can unlock your iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now to initiate a manual backup to avoid data loss.
Stable internet connection: Most methods (e.g., iCloud, Find My app) require a stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection to authenticate and process the reset. Ensure a strong signal to prevent interruptions.
Apple account credentials: Have your Apple ID and password ready, as they're needed for authentication during settings-based resets or remote erasure. If forgotten, recover them via iforgot.apple.com beforehand. Check How to reset Apple ID password online.
iCloud Activation Lock: If Find My iPhone is enabled, you'll need the associated Apple account credentials to disable the Activation Lock. Without these, the reset may complete, but the iPhone will remain unusable afterward.
By reviewing these conditions ahead of time, you'll be better prepared to choose the most effective method for factory resetting your iPhone without a computer, and ensure a smooth, secure process.
How to factory reset iPhone without computer via Settings
When your iPhone is still responsive and unlocked, the most direct and secure way to perform an iPhone factory reset without a computer is right from the device itself. Apple provides a built-in option in Settings that allows you to erase all content and restore the iPhone to its default factory state with just a few taps. This method is the fastest for users with full access to their iPhone.
Here's how to reset your iPhone from Settings:
1. Open the Settings app from your iPhone's home screen.
2. Navigate to General and scroll to the bottom to select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Choose the Erase All Content and Settings option.
4. Tap Continue > Erase iPhone. If prompted, enter your lock screen passcode to proceed.
5. Confirm by entering your Apple account password to disable Find My iPhone and sign out of iCloud.
6. The device will begin the reset process. After a few minutes, your iPhone will restart and display the Hello screen.
Note:
- This process will completely wipe all apps, media, and settings. If you want to restore data later, make sure to back up to iCloud.
- To avoid triggering the iCloud Activation Lock, you can sign out of your Apple account on the iPhone before resetting.
How to reset iPhone without passcode and computer using Apple account
Getting locked out of your iPhone due to repeated passcode failures used to require a computer-based restore through iTunes or Finder. However, with the release of iOS 15.2, Apple introduced a much more convenient and self-contained solution: the "Forgot Passcode?" (iOS 17 or later) / "Erase iPhone" (iOS 15.2 to iOS 16) feature.
This new tool appears on the iPhone Unavailable screen, allowing you to reset your iPhone to factory settings without a computer or passcode using your Apple account. This method is perfect for those who are locked out but still know their Apple account information—making it one of the most seamless computer-free reset options available.
But note that the Forgot Passcode? or Erase iPhone option works only if the iPhone is running iOS 15.2 or later, is online, and has Find My iPhone enabled.
Using Forgot Passcode? (iOS 17 or later)
1. On the lock screen, continue entering incorrect passcodes until you see iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout screen appears (typically after 5–6 failed attempts).
2. Look for the Forgot Passcode? option in the lower-right corner and tap it.
3. Choose Start iPhone Reset to go on.
4. Enter the password for your associated Apple account to sign out of the Apple account.
5. Tap Erase iPhone to confirm. The device will begin performing a full reset on your iPhone without plugging the device into a computer.
Using Erase iPhone (iOS 15.2 - iOS 16)
1. Try the wrong lock screen passcode multiple times until the "iPhone Unavailable, try again in 15 minutes" message appears, along with the Erase iPhone option in the bottom-right corner.
2. Tap Erase iPhone, then tap Erase iPhone again to access the Apple ID sign-out screen.
3. Input your Apple ID password as prompted. Once verified, the reset process will begin automatically.
4. Wait for the reset to complete (2–10 minutes). The iPhone will reboot to the Hello screen.
After the reset is done, your iPhone will start refresh. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the iPhone setup and restore your data from iCloud or computer backup.
How to factory reset iPhone without computer via Find My
Find My, a key feature of the Apple ecosystem, not only helps you locate devices and share locations but also allows you to remotely clear all data from your iPhone without physical access, while making sure Activation Lock continues to safeguard the device.
There are two ways to reset your iPhone without your computer using Find My: Find My app and iCloud.com. However, no matter which method you use, this will only effective if Find My iPhone is turned on on your iPhone and your device is connected to an active network.
Using Find My app
If you're part of the Apple ecosystem and own multiple iOS devices (e.g., an iPad or a second iPhone), you can use the Find My app to remotely restore the iPhone to its factory settings without needing a computer. Even if your iPhone is lost, disabled, or stuck on a locked screen, you can still wipe it clean by signing in with the same Apple ID from a trusted device.
1. Open the Find My app on another iPhone or iPad signed in to the same Apple ID linked to the target iPhone.
2. Tap the Devices tab at the bottom and select the iPhone you wish to reset from the list.
3. Swipe up to see options, then choose Erase This Device.
4. Tap Continue, and add the phone number if needed, then tap Erase.
5. Verify with your Apple account password to proceed, then tap Erase again.
6. Your target iPhone will begin erasing itself as long as it is connected to the Wi-Fi or cellular. If it's offline, you will see the Erase Pending message and the reset will occur the next time it comes online.
Using iCloud.com
No access to another iOS device? No problem. You can visit iCloud.com on any web browser, including mobile browsers on a smartphone or tablet, to factory reset an iPhone without connecting to a computer.
Using iCloud.com offers a flexible, computer-free reset option that works from any location, any device, as long as you have access to a browser and your Apple account credentials.
1. Open a web browser on any phone or tablet and head to iCloud.com.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
3. Tap Find My and you will see all devices associated with your Apple account.
4. Select the iPhone you want to erase from the list.
5. Tap Erase This Device and confirm the action by typing your Apple account password.
Note:
- You may be asked to complete two-factor authentication by obtaining a verification code from another Apple device.
6. Optionally, enter a phone number and message when prompted, then tap Erase to to initiate the process.
How to reset iPhone without passcode via iPhone Unlocker
While this guide focuses on how to reset an iPhone without a computer, when the above methods fail—such as if you don't remember your Apple ID email and password or your iPhone lacks a network connection—a third-party Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker tool is a good alternative, though it needs a computer, which you can borrow from friends or family.
Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker can bypass lock screen passcode or Apple account restrictions to factory reset an iPhone, helping you resolve issues like an unavailable iPhone or a forgotten passcode. Beyond resetting your iPhone without the passcode, it provides various functions, such as removing Apple ID and iCloud Activation Lock, bypassing Screen Time passcodes, disabling MDM, SIM locks, and backup encryption.
This software supports various iPhone models, including iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11, and is compatible with the latest iOS versions. Despite requiring a computer, iPhone Unlocker is the best option for resetting your iPhone when all other no-computer options are no longer viable, especially when you forgot the passcode for iPhone.
1. Download and install iPhone Unlocker on your Windows or Mac computer. Plug your iPhone into the computer via a USB cable.
2. Launch the software and choose Wipe Passcode, then click Start to move on.
Ensure the device is recognized by the software. If not, click the "Device connected but not recognized" link to fix the problem, typically need to put your iPhone into recovery mode.
3. Check your device's basic information, confirm it's correct, then click Start to download the appropriate firmware package for resetting the iPhone.
4. Once the download is over, enter 0000 and click Start to return your iPhone to factory condition. Please be patient, as the process won't take long.
Once your iPhone has been successfully reset, the device will restart to its initial Hello setup screen, signaling a clean slate. You can then set up your iPhone from scratch and configure your preferred settings.
When you reach the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, select "From iCloud Backup" or use a computer backup to get your lost data back to the iPhone. If you're preparing to sell or transfer your iPhone, ensure your Apple account has been disconnected from the device.
Also read: How to get into locked iPhone without passcode
Conclusion
Factory resetting iPhone without computer is entirely possible owing to Apple's built-in tools: the Settings app, Apple ID-based erase, Find My app, or iCloud.com. For complex cases, iPhone Unlocker software (with a computer) serves as an alternative. Choose the method that fits your situation, and you'll have a clean, usable iPhone in minutes.
FAQs
1. Will factory resetting remove the Apple account from my iPhone?
No. Factory resetting does not remove the Apple ID linked to the device. After the reset, Activation Lock will require the original Apple ID and password to set it up again.
2. Can I use iCloud.com to reset an iPhone if it's offline?
You can initiate the reset from iCloud.com, but it will only complete once the device reconnects to the internet.
3. How to factory reset iPhone without password or computer?
You can use the Settings app, the Forgot Passcode? option, the Find My app, or iCloud.com to factory reset your iPhone without ever using a computer or passcode. But each method needs to have its own conditions to be met.
4. Can I factory reset an iPhone without Apple ID password or computer?
The methods described in this article for resetting an iPhone without computer all require your Apple account credentials. If you can't recall your Apple ID password, you can first recover it and then reset the device. Alternatively, you can use Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker to remove your Apple ID without the associated password, though this method involves a computer.
