Best iPhone Reset Tools — All iOS Versions Supported
Discover these effective reset tools for iPhone if you're looking to perform a factory reset, erase all personal data, unlock a phone, fix issues, or prepare your device for a new user.
Jasmin Woods Updated on Aug 7, 2025 10:48 AM
Use an iPhone reset tool when dealing with forgotten passcodes, iPhone Unavailable locks, performance issues, etc.
If you're facing issues like forgotten passcodes, a locked device, or sluggish performance, resetting your iPhone can be an effective solution.
Typically, an iPhone reset means to restore the device to its original factory settings, erasing all current content and settings permanently. This allows you to set up your iPhone again as if it were brand new.
Whether you're troubleshooting software problems, trying to remove a forgotten passcode, preparing to sell or trade in your iPhone, or simply looking for a fresh start, this guide will walk you through the best iPhone reset tools to help you get the job done with ease.
iPhone Unlocker can be an all-in-one reset tool for iOS devices, letting you reset any iPhone model in minutes, even if you've forgotten your passcode or been locked out completely.
Table of Contents
Understanding iPhone reset
Resetting an iPhone typically means restoring it to its factory default settings and erasing all current content and configurations. Depending on your situation, there are several types of resets you might perform on your iPhone:
- Soft reset — A simple restart of your iPhone that clears temporary memory and resolves minor software glitches like slow performance or unresponsive apps. No data erased.
- Hard reset — A forced restart used when your iPhone is frozen or unresponsive. Like a soft reset, your iPhone data won't be erased.
- Factory reset — Completely wipes the iPhone, erasing all personal data, settings, and apps. This returns your iPhone to its original out-of-the-box state, ideal for a fresh start or preparing the device for a new user.
Soft and hard resets can usually be done by pressing a combination of buttons on your device. However, a factory reset on iPhone may require additional tools, especially if you're locked out and have forgotten the passcode.
Why you might need an iPhone reset tool
Normally, you can perform a factory rest on iPhone by accessing Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. But if you're locked out or unable to access the reset settings, an iPhone reset tool becomes essential.
Here are the most common reasons to use a reset tool for iPhone:
Forgotten passcode
When you forget your iPhone passcode, you won't be able to access the device or any settings to perform a factory reset.
iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout
After multiple incorrect passcode attempts, your iPhone becomes disabled and shows an "iPhone Unavailable" or "Security Lockout" message. An iOS reset tool can help unlock your iPhone and regain access.
Locked second-hand iPhone
If you've purchased a used iPhone that's locked with an unknown passcode, you may need a reset tool to erase the iPhone completely for new setup.
Preparing for sale or trade-in
To ensure all personal data is erased securely, a reset tool offers a quick and thorough way to factory reset the iPhone — even if you're unable to access it.
System glitches or performance issues
Persistent software glitches, crashes, or lagging performance may require a full reset on iPhone. If you can't access Settings, an iPhone resetting tool provides an alternative method.
In short, an iPhone reset tool is useful when the iOS Settings is inaccessible. If you're in such a tricky situation, check the following tools regain control of your device.
Important: Before using a reset tool for your iPhone, remember that a factory reset will permanently erase all data and settings unless you have a backup available for restoration. Also, ensure you know your Apple ID and password, as they may be required to bypass Activation Lock after the reset.
Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker
Whether you're trying to remove a forgotten passcode from a locked iPhone or get your device out of the "iPhone Unavailable" or "Security Lockout" screen, Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker offers an all-in-one reset solution to help you unlock your iPhone and regain instant access.
With a simple, user-friendly interface, no technical skills are needed. The tool allows you to perform a factory reset without needing the passcode or Apple ID. Even if you're permanently locked out, it can quickly restore your iPhone to its original factory settings, erasing all existing data and letting you set it up as new.
Easy and quick steps for iPhone reset even when locked:
- Open Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker on a computer.
- Select Wipe Passcode and connect your iPhone to begin.
- Confirm the device information and click Start button.
- Wait for it to download the suitable iOS firmware package for resetting your iPhone.
- In the pop-up box, enter 0000 and hit the Unlock button.
- Upon reaching 100%, the iPhone will be reset to factory settings.
- Depending on your preferences, you can either set it up for new start or restore from a previous iCloud or iTunes/Finder backup.
Pros:
- Available on both Windows PC and macOS computer.
- Compatible with all iOS versions and iPhone models.
- Factory reset any iPhone without passcode or Apple ID.
- Remove various screen locks, including forgotten passcodes, Face ID/Touch ID, Apple ID, Screen Time restrictions, SIM locks, and more.
- Fast, click-through process — unlocks iPhone/iPad in just minutes
Cons:
- Limited functionality in the free version.
- Requires a computer to complete the reset process.
Forgot Passcode tool
Apple has simplified the process of resetting your iPhone if you're locked out due to the "iPhone Unavailable" screen. Since iOS 17, iPhones feature a built-in tool called the Forgot Passcode option (formerly Erase iPhone in iOS 15.2-16). This option appears on the "iPhone Unavailable" screen after multiple failed passcode attempts, allowing you to reset your device by verifying your Apple ID password.
Note: The Forgot Passcode option will disappear if you make 10 unsuccessful attempts. See what to do if iPhone Unavailable no Forgot Passcode option.
What you need:
- Find My iPhone should be enabled previously.
- Your iPhone is running iOS 15.2 or later and connected to a useful network.
- The Apple ID and password linked to your Unavailable iPhone.
Pros:
- No computer needed to reset the iPhone.
- Built-in feature on iOS 15.2 and above.
- Reset iPhone directly from the lock screen for free.
Cons:
iTunes
For users on Windows or macOS 10.14 Mojave or earlier, iTunes is Apple's official tool for resetting an iPhone using a computer — whether or not you remember the unlock passcode. It's completely free to use and can be downloaded from Apple's official website or the Microsoft Store. By restoring factory settings via iTunes, you can get into your locked iPhone without passcode and regain full access.
What you need:
- A computer with the latest version of iTunes installed.
- A compatible USB or Lightning cable.
Pros:
- Free iPhone reset tool for all iOS users.
- Compatible with Windows and older macOS versions.
- Can reset a locked iPhone without a passcode.
Cons:
- Not available on macOS 10.15 or later.
- The Restore option may not work if iPhone isn't recognized by iTunes successfully.
Finder
Since macOS 10.15 Catalina, Finder has replaced iTunes for iPhone management. It's built into newer Macs and allows you to reset your iPhone and restore access through a physical connection, even if you've forgotten your passcode or your device was locked by iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout screen.
What you need:
- A computer running macOS Catalina 10.15 or above.
- A proper USB data cable or Lightning cable.
Pros:
- Free and pre-installed on newer Macs.
- Able to reset a locked iPhone without needing a passcode.
Cons:
- Not available on Windows or older macOS versions.
- May fail to recognize your iPhone if it's locked or unresponsive.
iCloud Find My
If Find My iPhone was enabled on your device before it was locked, and you know your Apple ID credentials, iCloud's Find My can be a reliable tool for resetting your iPhone remotely.
This method works by performing a remote erase, allowing you to reset the iPhone wirelessly—as long as it's connected to an active Wi-Fi or cellular network. You can do this using iCloud.com on a browser or the Find My app on another Apple device.
What you need:
- The Apple ID and password used on the iPhone
- A network-connected computer or mobile device to access iCloud.com.
- Find My iPhone feature should be enabled on the locked device beforehand.
Pros:
- Reset an iPhone remotely without needing physical access.
- Works on both iCloud.com website or Find My app.
- Require no iPhone passcode or a computer.
Cons:
- Only works if Find My iPhone was enabled before the device was locked or unavailable.
- Reset may fail if the locked iPhone is offline.
- May require two-factor verification before starting an iPhone factory reset.
How to choose the right iPhone reset tool for you
Choose the right iPhone reset method depends on your specific situation:
- If you know your passcode and Apple ID, using iCloud or the Settings app is the simplest route.
- If you're locked out, tools like Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker, iTunes, or Finder offer effective ways to perform a factory reset — even without a passcode or Apple ID.
- If you don't have access to a computer, iCloud's Find My feature provides a convenient way to reset your iPhone remotely — provided it's online and Find My was enabled beforehand.
By using these iPhone reset tools, your device will be restored to its original factory state — just as it was when it left the manufacturer. Once the reset is complete, you'll see Apple's Hello screen. From there, you can swipe up to set up the device as new, restore from a recent iCloud or computer backup, or leave it ready for the next user.
iPhone reset FAQs
Q1 - Will resetting my iPhone erase all data?
Yes, performing a factory reset will completely erase your iPhone and permanently delete all personal data, settings, and installed apps.
Q2 - Can I reset an iPhone using my Apple ID?
Yes. If Find My iPhone is enabled, you can use your Apple ID and password to sign in at iCloud.com, then go to Find My > All Devices > [Your iPhone] > Erase This Device to perform a remote full reset.
If you don't remember your Apple ID or password, explore alternative ways on how to reset the iPhone without Apple ID.
Q3 - Does a factory reset unlock an iPhone without using a passcode?
Yes. A factory reset removes the passcode and other screen locks, allowing you to access the iPhone as new. However, if Activation Lock is enabled, you'll still need the original Apple ID and password to complete setup.
Q4 - Can I reset my iPhone without losing data?
A factory reset erases all data currently on the iPhone. To avoid losing important information, you may restore from a previous backup stored in iCloud or on your computer.
Q5 - Will a reset remove the Apple ID from my iPhone?
No. A factory reset doesn't remove the Apple ID from iPhone. If an Apple ID is still linked before an iPhone reset, iCloud Activation Lock will be triggered, requiring the original Apple ID and password to set up the device again.
