If you're locked out of your iPhone and forgot the lock screen passcode, this article offers a complete overview on how to reset the locked iPhone, letting you get into the device without passcode.
Resetting an iPhone that's locked to its factory settings will erase all data and settings on the device.
When an iPhone is locked — whether from a forgotten passcode, repeated failed unlock attempts, or system restrictions — it effectively shuts you out from all access. In such cases, resetting the locked iPhone is often the only way to regain control.
However, due to Apple's built-in security mechanisms, it's not always straightforward to factory reset iPhone when locked. You need to consider factors like the iOS version, whether Find My iPhone is enabled, and whether you still have access to your Apple account.
This article walks you through all available methods on how to factory reset locked iPhone, including Apple's official solutions and the trusted third-party tool iPhone Unlocker, which can perform a reset on any locked iPhone without a passcode, allowing you to quickly restore access to your device.
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Before initiating a factory reset on a locked iPhone, it's crucial to understand what this process actually does and what it doesn't.
Resetting your locked iPhone to default settings will wipe everything: photos, messages, apps, settings, and saved passwords. Unless you previously created a backup via iCloud or iTunes, there's no way to retrieve this data afterward.
Even after a full reset, Apple's iCloud Activation Lock, tied to your Apple account, stays in place and will not be removed. This is a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized access. If you don't know the Apple account and password previously used on the iPhone, you'll be locked out again after the reset.
Depending on your device's state (e.g., connected to Wi-Fi, iOS version, whether it's detected by iTunes), certain reset methods may or may not work. Some methods allow remote resets, while others require a physical connection to a computer.
Attempting to reset an iPhone that isn't yours or whose credentials you don't own can trigger legal issues. It's critical to ensure you are the legitimate owner of the iPhone.
In short, resetting a locked iPhone without passcode is a powerful but irreversible process. It can restore access but won't bypass Apple's security measures or recover unsaved data. Understanding these can help you choose the most suitable path without wasting time.
When your iPhone becomes locked or unavailable because you forgot the iPhone passcode, the built-in iOS feature is the fastest official method, which allows you to reset your locked iPhone without a computer using your Apple account information.
Introduced in iOS 15.2, this feature includes an Erase iPhone option on the lock screen, renamed to Forgot Passcode? in iOS 17 and later versions. This option enables you to directly erase your iPhone to its initial state from the lock screen without a passcode, but it requires meeting the following conditions:
If you satisfy these requirements, here's how to reset a locked iPhone without a computer or passcode:
1. Trigger the Forgot Passcode? Option. Repeatedly enter incorrect passcodes until the lock screen displays "iPhone Unavailable" or "Security Lockout". Look for the Forgot Passcode? button, typically in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
2. Tap Forgot Passcode? and then select Start iPhone Reset.
3. Enter your Apple account password associated with the device to sign out of your apple account and turn off Activation Lock.
4. Tap Erase iPhone to confirm the action. The device will begin erasing all data, including the passcode.
Once the reset is complete, the iPhone will restart to the Hello screen and you'll be guided through the initial setup screen. You can get back your deleted data from an iCloud or computer backup if available.
When Apple's built-in option fails, Higospot iPhone Unlocker becomes a valuable alternative for users seeking a fast, user-friendly solution to unlock their iPhone. This software is designed specifically for situations where users are locked out and need to quickly restore their iPhone to factory settings without the passcode and Apple account.
Featuring a streamlined interface and support for various iOS versions and iPhone models, this software can bypass multiple types of locks, including screen locks, iCloud Activation Lock, and SIM locks, as well as remove Apple account, Screen Time password, and MDM restrictions, making it a powerful all-in-one tool.
Here's how to factory reset your iPhone when locked without passcode via iPhone Unlocker:
1. Download and install iPhone Unlocker on your PC or Mac. Then launch the software and select Wipe Passcode mode. Connect your locked iPhone using a USB-C or Lightning cable.
2. The software should detect the device automatically; if not, follow the on-screen instructions in the given link to put the iPhone into recovery mode.
3. Check the information related to your iPhone, then click Start to download the firmware package specific to your iPhone model.
4. After the download is over, enter 0000 as prompted and click Unlock to start the reset process, which won't take long to complete.
Once done, your iPhone will no longer be locked, and you won't need to enter the original lock screen passcode to get into the device.
During the process of setting up your iPhone from scratch, you may need to verify the previously associated Apple account. If you don't remember the Apple ID credentials and you are stuck on the iCloud Activation Lock, this software can also help you remove the Apple account from your locked iPhone.
When a locked iPhone is offline or unresponsive, entering recovery mode and using iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) is one of the most effective fallback methods. Even if the iPhone screen is disabled or unavailable, this method lets you return a locked iPhone to its out-of-box settings.
Although it requires a computer and can be somewhat time-consuming, it is highly compatible with multiple iOS devices and system versions.
1. Boot your iPhone into recovery mode.
2. Plug your locked iPhone into your computer with a compatible USB cable.
3. Open iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).
4. A window will pop up with the Restore and Update options, choose Restore.
5. Click Restore and Update to perform a full reset without needing passcode and reinstall the latest iOS version on your iPhone.
If you've enabled Find My iPhone beforehand and the device is still online, iCloud.com offers a remote way to factory reset your locked iPhone—no physical access or USB cable required. This approach is especially useful when you've lost your iPhone or can't access the device directly.
1. Open a browser and visit iCloud.com, then sign in using your Apple account linked to the locked iPhone.
2. Click Find My from the iCloud dashboard.
3. Expand the All Devices list and then choose the iPhone that is locked.
4. Click Erase This Device, then follow the instructions below as needed and confirm.
You can use the Find My app on another Apple mobile device to unlock your iPhone without a computer.
After successfully resetting your iPhone, take proactive steps to prevent future lockouts. Here are some measures you can adopt to avoid this situation recurring:
Enable Face ID or Touch ID: Biometric authentication is more convenient and reduces the likelihood of forgetting your screen passcode.
Use a strong yet memorable passcode: Avoid simple number combinations, but also steer clear of overly complex passcodes that are easy to forget. Use a trusted password manager or store your Apple ID and passcode in a secure location.
Keep your Apple account information updated: Ensure your recovery email and phone number are current. Regularly check your Apple ID settings and update them as needed. Set up two-factor authentication for better account security.
Back up regularly: Use iCloud or iTunes to safeguard your data. If you need to reset again, you can quickly restore your settings, apps, and files.
Avoid repeated incorrect passcode attempts: Too many failed passcode attempts can trigger a lockout timer or even lead to data erasure (if "Erase Data" is enabled in Settings). If you forget your passcode, stop trying and use recovery tools immediately.
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