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How to Erase iPhone Without Passcode - iOS 17 Supported

Intend to erase your iPhone but forgot the passcode? Follow this step-by-step guide to clear your data safely and protect your privacy!

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Mark Anderson
Updated on Jun 6, 2024

Discover fast and secure options to reset your iPhone without needing a passcode.

Erasing your iPhone and wiping out all personal data can be crucial, especially if you plan to sell or give away an old device. Normally, you can reset and erase iPhone via Settings by entering your passcode or Apple ID password. However, if you forget your passcode, wiping iPhone becomes challenging, but still possible.

Whether you want to permanently delete everything on your iPhone or remove the passcode to unlock it, we've gathered several methods to erase iPhone without password. Also, efficient tools like iPhone Unlocker offer simple steps to completely wipe a locked iPhone without needing a passcode or Apple ID, enabling you to unlock and reset an iPhone for new use.

Now, follow the step-by-step instructions below to learn how to erase iPhone without password. If necessary, back up your iPhone to iCloud or a computer before erasing, so you can easily restore your data to a new or different iPhone/iPad.

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What to Know If You Erase iPhone Completely

Erasing an iPhone will completely delete all data and settings, effectively resetting it to factory settings and protecting your privacy. This action is irreversible, so make sure to back up your data using iCloud or computer before deciding to erase your iPhone with or without passcode.

If you have the password, erasing iPhone is pretty easy. Here's how to wipe an iPhone in Settings:

  • Open the iPhone Settings and go to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  • Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
  • Enter the required passcode or Apple ID password to erase all data from this iPhone.

If you cannot open Settings or forget the passcode to unlock your iPhone for erasing, here are additional solutions to completely wipe an iPhone without password:

How to Erase iPhone Without Password

With the help of Erase iPhone feature, iTunes, iCloud and some 3rd-party iOS passcode-removing software, it couldn't be easier to completely erase an iPhone without password and regain access.

Way 1. Wipe iPhone Clean from Lock Screen - iOS 15.2 or Later

In iOS 15.2 and later, the Erase iPhone feature allows users to erase their iOS device and all existing data directly from the lock screen without needing the passcode. To use this feature, make sure the iPhone is connected to an active network, and you have your Apple ID password to verify ownership. See how to wipe an iPhone without passcode via Erase iPhone button:

  • Enter more wrong passcodes on your iPhone lock screen until it shows iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout.
  • After more than 5 failed attempts, you'll see an Erase iPhone button at the right bottom.
  • Tap Erase iPhone and tap it once more.
  • Enter the password to your Apple ID that you used to set up this phone.
  • When you sign out of Apple ID, your iPhone will erase all current data and settings completely.

After that, the iPhone will restart with everything erased, including the passcode. You may set it up as a new device or restore data from an earlier backup.

Way 2. Erase a Locked iPhone Without Passcode - iOS 17 or Higher

Building on Erase iPhone feature, the Forgot Passcode? option on the lock screen allows you to wipe out everything from iPhone without a password. Similarly, the iPhone should be connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network, and you will need the password for the Apple account associated with this device. Follow these steps to erase iPhone when you forgot passcode:

  • Keep entering incorrect passcodes to access your iPhone.
  • The Forgot Passcode? button will show up at the bottom corner of the screen, when the iPhone Unavailable alert appears and your device asks you to try again later.
  • When you're ready, tap Forgot Passcode? and confirm it with Start iPhone Reset option.
  • Input your Apple ID passcode to sign out of your Apple ID on this iPhone.
  • To completely wipe your iPhone, tap Erase iPhone to permanently delete all data and settings.

Once done, the erased iPhone will reboot and show the initial setup screen, allowing you to set it up again for new beginning or trade it in as a used phone.

Way 3. Erase iPhone Passcode by iPhone Unlocker

If you're struggling with a forgotten passcode, the iPhone Unlocker empowers you to erase a locked iPhone without passcode in just a few clicks. This iOS passcode-unlocking software is designed to effortlessly remove all types of screen passcodes, including 4- or 6-digit lock passcode, Apple ID, Face ID, Touch ID, Screen Time passcode and more.

With user-friendly features and step-by-step guidance, it provides a seamless solution to reset and wipe your iPhone clean without a passcode. After erasing, you can regain access to your iPhone and prepare it for new use. Follow these hassle-free steps to erase an iPhone without password and unlock the full features of your device with ease:

Win Download Mac Download

Step 1. Open iPhone Unlocker on computer. This passcode-erasing tool is compatible with both Windows and macOS, and supports the latest iOS 17 and all earlier versions.

Step 2. Choose Wipe Passcode. To erase passcode from iPhone, select Wipe Passcode mode.

Step 3. Connect the iPhone. Link the iPhone to your computer via a USB cable; if it cannot be recognized, follow the onscreen instruction to put your device into Recovery Mode.

Step 4. Download iOS firmware for erasing. Confirm the device information, then click on Start.

And wait for it to download the most suitable firmware package to erase the iPhone.

Step 5. Erase iPhone passcode and unlock it. The erasing process will begin immediately once you enter 0000 at the prompt and click the Unlock button.

That's it! The iPhone will be unlocked after erasing the passcode and all data. You can then choose to set up the iPhone again or sell it, based on your needs.

Way 4. Wipe an iPhone Without Passcode Using iTunes / Finder

If you want to delete everything on your iPhone but don't have the passcode, try using iTunes (or Finder on macOS 10.15 Catalina and later) to erase iPhone data without a password or Apple ID. Apple designed these tools as powerful file and device management programs, allowing users to back up their iPhone or iPad and restore them to factory settings. When you need to reset a locked iPhone, follow these steps to erase it without a passcode:

1. Open iTunes on computer and connect the iPhone you wish to erase.

Open iTunes if you're using Windows or macOS Mojave or earlier. Open Finder if you're using macOS Catalina or later.

2. Enter iPhone Recovery Mode.

The steps to put iPhone into Recovery Mode may vary depending on your device model:

  • iPhone 8 or later: Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone and connect it to the computer while holding the Side button. Do not release the button before you see the Recovery Mode screen.
  • iPhone 7 & 7 Plus: Hold the Side button until you see the power off slider. Slide the slider to shut down your phone, then link it to computer while holding the Volume Down key. Keeping hold it until the Recovery Mode screen shows up.
  • iPhone 6s or earlier: Long-press the Side or Top button. When the power off slider pops up, release the button and drag it to switch off the device. Then, keep holding the Home button and connect the iPhone to your computer quickly, then release after Recovery Mode screen comes into sight.

3. Restore iPhone to factory settings.

A sub-window will appear in iTunes or Finder, giving options to Restore or Update your iPhone. Select Restore and click Restore and Update on the following message box to begin the iPhone reset process.

Note: It takes some time for iTunes or Finder to download the software needed to erase the iPhone and install the latest version of iOS. Be sure not to unplug the device until the process is complete.

4. Set up iPhone after erasing.

Once done, the iPhone will be erased with no passcode, allowing for new setup or restoration from a backup.

Way 5. Erase iPhone Without Passcode or Computer Using iCloud

When Find My iPhone is enabled on your device, you can easily use iCloud to wipe your iPhone without a passcode or computer. This remote erasure ensures all your data is completely removed and the iPhone is reset to factory settings, which is especially useful for ensuring your data's security if your iPhone is lost or stolen. To proceed, you'll need your Apple ID and password, and the iPhone should be connected to the internet.

By following these steps, you should be able to wipe an iPhone without passcode via iCloud.

  • Visit iCloud.com on another device.
  • Sign in with the same Apple ID and password used to set up your iPhone.
  • Once in, open Find My option to view all your Find My-enabled devices.
  • Click All Devices at the top to choose the iPhone you want to erase.
  • From the expanded options, opt for Erase iPhone.
  • Confirm it by selecting Erase iPhone again.

This will wirelessly erase and reset your iPhone even if you've forgotten the passcode. All data and settings on your iPhone will be completely wiped out.

What to Do After Erasing iPhone Passcode

Once your iPhone passcode is erased along with all other data, the device will restart and display the Hello screen. To use it as a new device, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup. If you have a backup in iCloud, iTunes, or Finder, you can restore your iPhone data during this setup process. Set up your iPhone after you erase the passcode successfully:

  • From the Hello screen, follow its instructions to set up your iPhone after resetting.
  • When you reach the Apps & Data page, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
  • If you have a backup in iTunes or Finder, choose Restore from Mac or PC instead and connect your iPhone to your computer for restoration.
  • Restore your data from that backup, and go through the rest of the setup.

Alternatively, if you plan to sell, trade in, or give away the device, you can skip the setup steps after erasing and resetting your iPhone.

About Mark Anderson
Mark is a passionate content creator with years of experience in technical field. He has written a variety of niches and always shares a unique insight into the world of Internet & technology.