How to Factory Reset an iPhone When It's Locked [5 Ways]

Factory resetting is a method to restore your iPhone to its original state. The process is straightforward if you know the iPhone passcode. However, if you forget your iPhone passcode, you may be interested in learning how to factory reset your iPhone when it's locked. Various methods will be detailed below. Check them out now.

How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer or Passcode or iTunes

Starting from iOS 15.2, Apple enables you to factory reset your locked iPhone without the need for a computer.

Follow these steps:

1. Continue to enter the wrong passcode on your iPhone until you see the Forgot iPhone? or Erase iPhone option.
2. Tap Forgot iPhone? or Erase iPhone and follow the on-screen instructions to erase all content and settings on your iPhone.
3. When your iPhone restarts, you can set it up as new.

How to Factory Reset iPhone without Passcode or iTunes - Using iCloud

If you've previously set Find My on your iPhone, you can remotely factory reset your locked iPhone using iCloud. This method is advisable when your iPhone is not available to you. Here's how:

1. Visit iCloud.com/find on another iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
2. Sign in to your iCloud account using your Apple ID and password.
3. Click on All Devices, then select your locked iPhone.
4. Tap Erase This Device and follow the on-screen instructions to remotely reset your iPhone.

How to Factory Reset iPhone without Passcode or iTunes - Using BuhoUnlocker

BuhoUnlocker is an easy-to-use unlocking tool designed to unlock any kind of lock on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It is ideal for users with limited iOS skills who want to unlock their devices without a passcode.

Here's how to factory reset a locked iPhone using BuhoUnlocker:

1. Download, install, and launch BuhoUnlocker on your computer.
2. Click Unlock Screen Passcode > Start.

   

3. Connect your iPhone to your computer, and then put it into recovery mode accordingly.

   

4. Once BuhoUnlocker detects your iPhone, click the Download button to download the firmware needed for your iPhone.

   

5. When the download is complete, click Start Unlock to reset your iPhone.
6. Your iPhone will restart and be ready for setup.

How to Factory Reset iPhone without Passcode - Using iTunes

If you have a computer available, then you can use iTunes on Windows or Finder on macOS to factory reset your iPhone.

Here's what to do:

1. Connect your locked iPhone to your computer.
2. Open iTunes or Finder on your computer.
3. Put your iPhone into recovery mode.
4. Once your iPhone is detected, a window will pop up, displaying the options to update or restore your iPhone.
5. Choose Restore and complete the restoration process.
6. When you see the Hello screen on your iPhone, you can set it up as new.

How to Factory Reset iPhone without Apple ID Password - Using iCloud Activation Lock Removal Tools

All the methods mentioned above require an Apple ID password. If your iPhone is locked by the owner, but you don't know the Apple ID password, is there a way to factory reset your iPhone without it?

We recommend that if you forget your Apple ID password, you should go to forget.apple.com to reset it. If you still cannot retrieve the Apple ID password, your only option is to use a third-party iCloud Activation Lock removal tool to jailbreak your iPhone to perform a factory reset.

We have an article about the Best iCloud Activation Lock Removal Tools. You can choose the one that best suits your needs.

The Bottom Line

Now that you've got 5 methods to factory reset your iPhone when it is locked, which way would you like to try?

Resetting your iPhone will erase all content and settings on your iPhone. It's recommended that you back up your iPhone beforehand, if possible, to avoid data loss risks.