Forgot your passcode or bought a used, locked iPhone? Wanna can you factory reset a locked iPhone? Of course you can, this guide show you 4 methods to reset your device.
Finding yourself locked out of your iPhone is a stressful situation. Whether you've forgotten your passcode, purchased a second-hand device still linked to a previous owner's account, or simply need to wipe the phone clean, the question remains: can you factory reset a locked iPhone?The short answer is yes, it is possible. However, the method you must use and the outcome depend entirely on why the iPhone is locked.
Before attempting a reset, identifying the type of lock is essential. The process differs significantly between these two common scenarios:
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This guide will clear the confusion, detailing every legitimate method to reset your device and the crucial prerequisites for each.
Forgetting your passcode shouldn't mean navigating complex button combinations. For a locked iPhone due to a forgotten screen passcode, the most straightforward and reliable method is using dedicated software. FoneTool Repair can safely wipe your device and restore it to factory settings without requiring you to remember complex button sequences.
This powerful iOS system repair tool is the best way to fix iOS/iPadOS issues without data loss
Step 1. Download and launch FoneTool Repair on your Windows computer.
Step 2. Connect your locked iPhone via USB cable. Select the Erase Device function from the main interface.
Step 3. Choose Advanced reset, follow the on-screen instructions, and download the required firmware.
Step 4. Click the Start Reset button to initiate the erase. Your iPhone will be restored to factory settings.
This is Apple's official method for when you can't remember your iPhone's passcode. Warning: This will completely erase your device and its data.
Step 1. Plug your locked iPhone into a Mac or PC using a USB cable.
Step 2. Let your iPhone enter Recovery Mode:
Step 3. On a Mac (macOS Catalina or later) or PC with iTunes, a pop-up will appear. Select Restore. The computer will download the latest iOS/iPadOS software and erase the iPhone.
Step 4. The process may take 15 minutes or more. Once complete, your iPhone will restart as a brand-new device. You can then set it up from scratch.
📝Important Note: This method perfectly solves a forgotten screen passcode. However, if Find My iPhone was enabled, the deeper Apple ID Activation Lock will remain after the erase, requiring a different solution (see Method 4).
This method requires that "Find My iPhone" be enabled on the device before it is locked. It’s ideal for a lost or stolen phone, or one you can't physically access.
Step 1. On any computer or smartphone, go to icloud.com/find.
Step 2. Sign in with the Apple ID linked to the locked iPhone.
Step 3. Click All Devices at the top and select the iPhone you want to erase.
Step 4. Click Erase iPhone.This will remotely wipe the device, including the passcode. Once the erase is complete, you can set up the iPhone.
📝Important Note: If Activation Lock is on, you will still need the original Apple ID password to activate it.
What if you're facing an Apple ID Activation Lock on a used iPhone and don't have the previous owner's credentials? Or what if "Find My" is off and you can't use Recovery Mode? This is where a professional tool like FoneTool Unlocker becomes a viable solution.
FoneTool Unlocker is designed to bypass iOS locks directly from a computer. It is particularly useful for:
Removes Apple ID Activation Lock without the previous owner's password.
Unlocks forgotten screen passcodes on disabled iPhones.
User-friendly process with clear, guided steps.
High success rate and broad iOS device compatibility.
Offers a reliable solution when official methods are not an option.
Step 1. Download and install FoneTool Unlocker on a Windows PC. Launch the software and connect your locked iPhone.
Step 2. Select the appropriate function (e.g., "Remove Apple ID").
Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions and tap Next, put your device into the required mode. You can set a backup password for data security.
Step 4. Click Remove Now to remove the specified lock.
Yes, you can factory reset a locked iPhone. Choose the right tool for the job: use iCloud.com for a remote erase, Recovery Mode with a computer for a forgotten passcode, or FoneTool Unlocker to overcome a stubborn Activation Lock.
Ready to regain access? Explore the right solution for your situation today.