How to factory reset iPhone without password - applies to all models
Apple offers a few options for resetting iPhone in the case you forgot the passcode, but not all are created equal. Comprehending the nuances will empower you to choose wisely.
Lucas Seltzer Updated on Apr 24, 2026 5:45 PM
If your iPhone still locks you out after all attempts fail, it is time to go with a third-party dedicated tool named Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker, which is useful, lives up to its description, and offers a screen lock removal tool that lets you reset iPhone without a password effectively.
After the iPhone is reset to its original factory settings without a password, you can recover your data from a backup.
I forgot the password to my iPhone and it's now disabling for an hour or sometimes 15 minutes whenever I try to guess a passcode but I can't even reset it because I need a computer and I don't have one or a cable - From Apple forum
Apple recommends that you set a passcode to protect your privacy on your iPhone when setting up the device. But the tech giant won't help you if you have forgot the passcode, because its security policy.
If you've already forgotten the iPhone passcode and desperately need to regain access to the phone as soon as possible, unfortunately, the only way is to reset the iPhone completely from recovery mode with iTunes using a computer and then restore the data from a recent backup after you get back in.
Apple also add more options, including the Find My iPhone feature, to help factory reset an iPhone without having a password and computer in newer iOS version. Either way, you will have to perform a factory reset on the iPhone, which entails erasing all the settings and content.
But with so many iPhone models now in use, methods to factory reset iPhone without knowing password can vary. Here are a few generic methods that you can try.
Table of Contents
When to factory reset the iPhone
A full reset wipes your iPhone clean. This is a vital step in protecting your privacy and sensitive information.
You may want to perform a factory reset when:
- Sell your iPhone or trade it in.
- give your iPhone to a family member or friend.
- Your iPhone is locked and the common troubleshooting steps doesn't work
Apple requires you to do a factory reset without having password when:
- The device shows that iPhone is unavailable, disabled, or Security Lockout.
- You don't remember the passcode
- Enter incorrect passcode too many times and the device gets locked permanently
Also see: How to factory reset Samsung Galaxy phone without password
What happens if the iPhone is reset without password
When you go through a process of factory resetting on iPhone without password (even you know it), it restores the device to default state and wipes all data and settings clean, including:
- Media files: photos, videos, music
- Contacts, messages, notes, documents
- Apps, personal settings, passcode, email accounts, financial information
That's why it's important to back up the iPhone when you want to reset the device without password. After it, You can then restore from backup to retrieve data.
Be mindful that if you have Find My iPhone feature turned on, factory-resetting your iPhone without password will trigger iCloud Activation Lock after reset as a theft deterrent measure. You will need to use your Apple ID and password to reactivate it.
Preparation: back up your data (if you know the passcode)
To back up the iPhone with iCloud, go to "Settings," tap your name at the top, select "iCloud," and then "iCloud Backup." make sure "iCloud Backup" is switched on. And now you can tap "Back Up Now" to begin backing your iPhone up manually.
To back up the iPhone with computer, connect it and then open Finder or iTunes. In the "Summary" tab, click "Back Up Now." You will get a similar backup process as that of iCloud.
This ensure you won't lose everything on your iPhone once the factory reset is done.
See: iMessages disappeared from iPhone
Reset iPhone without password via iTunes
The first way we will use is connect the iPhone to your computer, get into Recovery mode from iTunes, and then factory reset your iPhone without password via the built-in Restore option.
That said, the process differs between models of iPhone. We've created very detailed tutorials you can follow to reset your iPhone through a computer and iTunes. Here's how.
Note, after resetting the iPhone, all your data and personal info will be deleted forever.
Step 1. Turn off your iPhone completely.
Step 2. On iPhone 8 and newer models, iPhone SE (2nd and newer): use a cable to connect the device to your computer while quickly holding the Side button. Keep holding the button even if the Apple logo appears. When you see an image of a computer and a cable appear on the screen, release the button.
After putting your iPhone into recovery mode, you're ready to reset your iPhone and password.
Step 3. Open iTunes on your PC, or Finder on your Mac.
Step 4. When prompted, Select Restore in iTunes or Finder. This will erase all data on your phone, including the password and screen lock.
In iTunes:
In Finder:
Also: How to add music files to iPhone without iTunes
Step 5. Keep your iPhone connected to your computer until the restore process is complete.
After the restore, set the device up as new. If you've backed up to iTunes or iCloud, you can easily recover your data. If not, you'll need to start fresh by downloading your apps and adjusting your settings again.
Reset iPhone without password using iPhone Unlocker
iTunes doesn't recognize your iPhone? Or unable to enter recovery mode? Take it easy, you can still access your phone by applying Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker. As the name implies, the software is built with brilliant features to remove screen locks, including the ability to reset an iPhone without a passcode needed. It even can get rid of Apple ID, Screen Time password, and other locks.
Download link below. It works in both Windows PC and macOS machine.
Follow this guide to learn how to use iPhone Unlocker to reset an iPhone password if you have forgotten.
Step 1
Fire up the program and choose "Unlock iOS Screen" in order to reset iPhone to factory settings without password. It works for situation when iPhone says unavailable, disabled, unavailable, and other errors that result in screen locked.
Step 2
Next, plug your iPhone into computer with a working cable, and follow onscreen prompts to enter recovery mode.
The software will detect your iPhone and show the basic information correctly.
Step 3
Press "Start Now" button to let the software download the most appropriate iOS firmware for you.
Step 4
When you're ready, click "Start Removing" button. Confirm that the factory reset process will wipes your data along with the forgotten password. Go ahead to enter "OK" in the box.
Click "Confirm" button in the next dialog and let the software do its business.
Once the iPhone is reset, you can now set it up and recover your data by restoring from a backup if you have.
See: How to fix iPhone Security Lockout error
On newer iOS software, specifically iOS 17 and later, there is a hidden feature named "Forgot Passcode." That means that you can start your iPhone with this feature when you forget the passcode, open the "Forgot Password" option to reset the iPhone to its factory settings without password and computer. This method requires that you remember your Apple ID and password, and the iPhone has Wi-Fi network or cellular data.
Follow these steps:
1. Try to enter your password to the iPhone at least 5 times until you see a "Forgot Passcode" option appear on the screen, along with a message saying iPhone Unavailable try again, or Security Lockout.
2. Tap "Forgot Passcode" at the bottom right corner.
3. Tap Start iPhone Reset.
4. Move on and enter your Apple ID password when asked. It is for the purpose of verifying your identity.
5. Tap Erase iPhone, and wait for it to permanently wipe all data, password, and settings on the phone. Your device will restore to its factory defaults, as well.
Tip: For iPhone running iOS 15.2 - 16, the feature should be named "Erase iPhone" at the bottom of the screen, but it doesn't matter, both work the same.
Factory reset iPhone without password via Find My iPhone
Don't have an "Forgot passcode" option on the screen? Never mind, let iCloud do a remote reset on the iPhone for you as long as you have the Find My iPhone feature enabled before. A remote reset will delete everything on the phone, but you can restore it if you have backup in iCloud or iTunes after you have access again.
Before resetting your iPhone to factory settings:
- You need to have Find My iPhone feature enabled on iPhone
- The iPhone has internet access
- You'll need to know your Apple Account and password
How to reset iPhone without password via iCloud
First of all, use a web browser to enter iCloud Find My website on your computer or any phone.
Sign in with Apple ID and password. Here the password is not the iPhone passcode you forgot to access the device, but the one for your iCloud account.
At the top, click "All Devices" and choose your iPhone from the expanded list.
Click "Erase" in the menu that opens, and then enter your Apple account password to confirm that you're resetting and erasing the iPhone.
Let your iPhone resets itself and wait until it's finished.
You can afterwards access iPhone and set it up - set your language and country, join Wi-Fi network, create new passcode and restore iPhone with all of data you have backed up most recently.
If you don't have backup in place, all your files should be gone for good and there's no way to restore them backup - but now, at the very least, you have access to your iPhone without password by doing a factory reset.
See: How to unlock a Google locked phone
FAQs about factory resetting on iPhone without passwords
Q1. Can I access my iPhone without resetting if I forgot the login password?
If you're locked out after too many failed passcode attempts, you'll need to reset your iPhone to factory settings without password. You can do this using several methods, including Find My iPhone, Recovery Mode, Apple account, or tools like Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker.
Q2. How can I factory reset my iPhone without a password and a computer?
It's possible to reset an iPhone without password through your Apple account after too many wrong passcode attempts by tapping "Forgot Passcode" option (iOS 17 and later), no computer needed.
Q3. Does resetting my iPhone without password erase all my content?
Yes. After the factory reset, you device will go back to its original factory state, along with nothing left. But you can restore your data and settings from iCloud or iTunes backups.
Q4. What can I do if I don't have Forgot Passcode option on my iPhone?
iPhone won't display Forgot Passcode option if it doesn't have a network or running an older iOS software. You may use a desktop based program Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker.
1. Connect your iPhone to the computer and run iPhone Unlocker.
2. Download the firmware for your device.
3. Click "Start Unlock" to reset the iPhone passcode.
Q5. Why does iTunes not recognize my iPhone when I try to get it into Recovery mode?
Make sure you press the correct button combinations to enter Recovery mode, which should display an image with a cable towards to a computer or iTunes on your iPhone screen. Plus, if necessary, update the iTunes to the latest version.
Q6. Can I hard reset iPhone without password?
Absolutely Yes. For iPhone 8 and newer model, you can connect the phone to computer, press and quickly release the Volume Up, press and quickly release the Volume Down, then holding the Side button until you enter the recovery mode. Then launch iTunes to reset the iPhone.
