2 Ways to Factory Reset iPhone Without Apple ID Password

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Completely reset your iPhone using a computer

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: September 18, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Using Recovery Mode
|
• Using Activation Lock Support

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Do you need to force your iPhone to factory reset? If you received an iPhone from someone and need to erase it without the password, you can use Recovery Mode. However, if you forgot your own Apple ID password, you can reset it and log in with the new one. If you still can't reset, you can contact Apple to unlock your device. Here's how to factory reset your iPhone without the Apple ID password.

Erasing an iPhone Without Apple ID

• If you don't have access to the Apple ID, put your iPhone in recovery mode.
• Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, use the Finder or iTunes to factory reset it.
• If you forgot your Apple ID password, you can reset it instead. Then, use the new password to log in.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Recovery Mode

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1. 
   1
   Power off your iPhone. On iPhones without a Home button, press and hold the Volume down and side button. On iPhones with a Home button, press and hold the side button. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.

   • You'll need to use the Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) to factory reset your device. Make sure you have the correct cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
   • Keep in mind that factory resetting your device will delete all files, apps, and settings.
   • If this is your Apple ID and you forgot your password, you can reset your password instead.
2. 
   2
   Hold the Recovery button and connect your iPhone to your computer. The Recovery button will vary depending on your device.

   • iPhone 8 and later: Side button
   • iPhone 7/7+: Volume down button
   • iPhone SE/6: Home button
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3. 
   3
   Continue holding the Recovery button. You'll see the Apple logo appear and disappear.
4. 
   4
   Release the button when you see the computer and cable icon. It may take up to 30 seconds to see this.

   • If you see the Enter Passcode screen, repeat this process.
5. 
   5
   Locate your iPhone on your computer. This process is different depending on your device.

   • On Mac: Open the Finder. Click your device in the left panel, under Locations.
   • On Windows: Open iTunes. Click the phone icon in the top-left corner.
   • You may need to select Trust [your device] on your iPhone and/or computer.
6. 
   6
   Select Restore iPhone…. This is in the iPhone's summary tab.
7. 
   7
   Select Restore again. Your computer will begin erasing your device. Once the iPhone is finished, it will restart.

   • You can now disconnect your iPhone from your computer and set it up again.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Activation Lock Support

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1. 
   1
   Contact Apple to reset your device. You must provide evidence of valid ownership, such as a receipt. Apple does not detail what counts as proof, so if you received your iPhone from a third-party, you may be able to show them your transaction confirmations.

   • Go to https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support in a web browser.
   • Agree to the terms and click Continue.
   • Enter your email address.
   • Enter your device's Serial Number, IMEI, or MEID.
   • Type the characters in the image.
   • Click Continue.
   • Click the confirmation link sent to your email.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your iPhone.

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