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Factory Reset iPhone Without a Password!
  • Permanently erase anything from iOS devices.
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How To Factory Reset iPhone: 4 Step-by-Step Guides [2025]

Feb 13, 2025 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions

One way to resolve persistent software glitches on your iOS device is to restore it to its default state. A factory reset completely erases all data, settings, and personal information. This process is useful for fixing significant bugs, removing malware, or clearing up storage space. Furthermore, it safeguards sensitive information from unauthorized access upon the device's transfer of ownership.

Therefore, this guide covers 4 simple, step-by-step solutions when looking for how to factory reset an iPhone. We will also help you back up important data before initiating the reset to prevent permanent data loss. Follow along to discover a smooth and hassle-free process for your needs.

factory reset iphone

Part 1. How To Factory Reset iPhone With a Password [All Models]

The simplest and default way to restore your device to its original state is through phone settings. However, this approach requires access to your mobile’s passcode. It’s ideal for resolving software issues, clearing storage, or preparing the device for resale.

Before proceeding, ensure that your essential data is backed up to avoid losing it. Follow these steps as an answer to how can you factory reset an iPhone:

Step 1. Approach the Settings app on your iDevice to launch it and access the “General” tab. On the subsequent screen, scroll to the bottom and tap the “Transfer or Reset iPhone” option.

press transfer or reset iphone

Step 2. Following that, opt for “Erase All Content and Settings” and provide the phone passcode when prompted. Afterward, tap “Continue” to confirm and wait for the erasing process to complete.

continue to erase content and settings

Part 2. How To Factory Reset iPhone Without a Password [All Models]

It becomes comparatively hard to restore your mobile to its default settings if you don’t remember the phone passcode. However, several reliable methods allow you to erase all data on your device without needing a password. To answer a query like how do I factory reset an iPhone without a security code, three ways are described below:

Way 1. Factory Reset iPhone Using Dr.Fone - Data Eraser (iOS)

Using dedicated and specialized software to erase your device is recommended when you don’t know the phone passcode. Such tools are designed to bypass security restrictions and offer a secure way to delete all mobile content. Among the most reliable options, Dr.Fone - Data Eraser (iOS) stands out for its advanced data removal capabilities. It provides a hassle-free solution to restore your device to factory settings in all scenarios.

Furthermore, this comprehensive data management app securely erases all data, making it irrecoverable. It ensures complete privacy by permanently deleting sensitive files, system data, and app information. Additionally, its support for all iOS versions and iDevice models makes it a versatile choice for all users. The following detailed guide should help you discover how do you master reset an iPhone:

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Dr.Fone - Data Eraser

One-click tool to erase iPhone permanently

  • It can delete all data and information on Apple devices permanently.
  • It can remove all types of data files. Plus it works equally efficiently on all Apple devices. iPads, iPod touch, iPhone, and Mac.
  • It helps enhance system performance since the toolkit from Dr.Fone deletes all junk files completely.
  • It provides you with improved privacy. Dr.Fone - Data Eraser (iOS) with its exclusive features will enhance your security on the Internet.
  • Apart from data files, Dr.Fone - Data Eraser (iOS) can permanently get rid of third-party apps.
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Step 1. Access the Data Eraser and Choose a Security Level

After launching Dr.Fone – Data Eraser (iOS) on your system and linking your phone, move to the “Toolbox” tab. Within this tab, find and click “Data Eraser” to proceed. On the next screen, go to the “Erase All Data” tab and opt for “Start” to begin. Next, you will be asked to choose a Security Level from “High Level, “Medium Level,” and “Low Level.”

choose level to erase data

Step 2. Start the Device Erasure and Check the Report for Details

Once you have made your choice, confirm your intent to delete all data by entering the provided code. Finally, hit “Erase Now” to kickstart the process to remove all your phone and wait for it to complete. Afterward, tap “OK” and opt for “Erasure Report” to find out the details of the device erasing operation.

access erasure report button

Way 2. Hard Reset iPhone via iCloud

Another effective method to erase your device is to utilize the Find My feature. As long as this function is enabled beforehand, it provides a remote way to factory reset your phone.

This option is advantageous if the device is lost, stolen, or inaccessible. By using iCloud via these steps, you can learn how to restore an iPhone to factory defaults without needing the passcode:

Step 1. Move to access a secure browser on your system and visit the iCloud website to sign in using the Apple ID. Following that, click “Find My” from the dashboard and enter the account password to view the iCloud Find Devices page.

press find my from icloud site

Step 2. Now, choose your mobile from the “All Devices” list on the left side and opt for “Erase This Device.” Lastly, tap “Next” and enter the account password to reset your phone to its original settings.

click erase this device option

Way 3. Try Recovery Mode to Hard Reset iPhone

This method forces the device into a state where it can be restored using iTunes or Finder. Doing so effectively erases all data and settings without needing the passcode. Recovery Mode is especially useful for fixing unresponsive or disabled devices and software bugs.

While effective, it's important to note that this method will delete all data. To answer how can you reset an iPhone, use the following detailed guide:

Step 1. Run the latest version of iTunes or Finder on your system and link your iDevice using a secure USB cable. Afterward, utilize one of the following guides to activate Recovery Mode on your phone:

  • For iPhone 8 or Later: Quickly press and release the “Volume Up” button, then the “Volume Down” button. Following that, solidly hold down the “Side” key until you can view the Recovery Mode screen.
  • For iPhone 7/7 Plus: You will need to firmly long-press the “Volume Down” and “Sleep/Awake” keys simultaneously until the Recovery Mode screen makes its appearance.
  • For iPhone 6s or Earlier: Get your hands on the “Home” and “Sleep/Awake” buttons and long-tap them together until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

put iphone on recovery mode

Step 2. As soon as you are done, you will be prompted to “Update” or “Restore” your phone. Lastly, opt for the “Restore” option and adhere to the on-screen instructions to erase your mobile.

proceed with restore and update button

Pro Tip. How To Backup Your iPhone Data Before Factory Reset To Secure Important Information?

Since erasing your device will result in losing your phone content, it is essential to back it up for safekeeping. Without doing so, you risk permanently losing your data during the reset process. While iCloud is a handy way to create a backup, its free storage is too limited. One highly reliable option is Dr.Fone' backup feature, which provides an efficient way to back up your critical information.

It is a robust data management tool designed to back up and restore your iOS data selectively. Unlike traditional iTunes backups, this tool lets you choose which content types you want to back up. Additionally, it enables you to restore individual files rather than the entire backup. This ability provides greater flexibility and control over your data management.

Moreover, your existing data remains unchanged when some parts of the backup are restored. Dr.Fone ensures your data is secure and easily recoverable whenever you need it. Furthermore, it lets you create incremental backups wirelessly at regular intervals on your system. So, make sure to generate a comprehensive phone backup when you attempt to hard reset your iPhone.

Guide To Backup Your iPhone Data Before Factory Reset via Dr.Fone

This robust tool lets you create backups of your mobile data using a USB cable or wirelessly on your local machine. Follow these elaborate instructions to securely store the contents of your phone on your computer:

Step 1. Proceed to the My Backup in the Program

Start by running Dr.Fone on your computer and attach your iOS device using a reliable USB cable. Now, wait for the program to detect and load your phone to proceed. Following that, move to the “My Backup” tab from the left panel.

access my backup from left panel

Step 2. Create a Backup of Your Targeted Phone Content

Once there, choose the desired data categories and click “Back Up Now” to kickstart the process. It will take a few minutes to back up all the content you have chosen. When the process is complete, use “Open in Folder” to view the backed-up files. Similarly, tapping “View Backups” will take you to all previously created data backups.

tap view backup to end process

Conclusion

In summary, an iPhone system reset is an effective solution for resolving software issues and improving performance. With or without having access to the phone passcode, multiple ways are available to restore your mobile to its default settings. However, safeguarding your essential data before resetting is crucial to prevent permanent loss.

For a secure and hassle-free experience, Dr.Fone - Data Eraser (iOS) and backup feature offer powerful solutions. Dr.Fone - Data Eraser ensures complete and permanent data removal without a passcode. On the other hand, its backup feature allows you to back up your files selectively and restore them with ease. These tools provide a safe way to manage your iDevice, making them highly recommended options.

safe Downloadsafe & secure

FAQs

Merely erasing your device does not remove your Apple account from your phone. As a matter of fact, doing so will lead to the mobile being locked by iCloud Activation Lock.
Doing so using normal means is almost impossible because your mobile content is permanently deleted. However, employing a dedicated data retrieval tool can help you extract your files.
It is only possible if you have access to the phone passcode and do it from device settings. For a locked mobile, you reset them from the lock screen if you are using iOS 15.2 or higher.

James Davis

staff Editor

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