Unlock your devices in 3 steps
Recover data in 3 steps
Feb 21, 2025 • Filed to: Remove Screen Lock • Proven solutions
Lost your access to your phone after forgetting the screen lock? This situation can be frustrating, as you get cut off from your contacts and daily routine. One common way to regain device access is to factory reset it using iTunes. However, not everybody finds it beneficial due to its long and cumbersome procedure. Luckily, multiple other ways can erase your mobile device without requiring this software.
These methods are safe and require minimal technical knowledge to work. This guide will help you learn how to factory reset disabled iPhones effortlessly. Follow along to regain access to your device and restore it to its original settings.
For a truly quick and hassle-free phone erasure, nothing beats a dedicated program. Instead of dealing with complex processes, you can rely on a specific tool. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) stands out among the most trusted and efficient options. It offers a safe and straightforward way to unlock and reset your iDevice in just a few clicks.
This software specializes in removing various iOS locks, including passcodes and biometrics, in no time. Its support for a wide range of iDevices and firmware versions ensures compatibility with the old or the latest releases. What sets this program apart is its commitment to safety when using it to factory reset iPhones without a passcode or iTunes. Furthermore, it can bypass the Activation Lock and remove Apple ID without needing the official account.
Factory Reset a Locked iPhone Without iTunes
Designed for all users, the program offers clear instructions and a simple process that requires no technical skills. Utilize the following detailed steps to learn how to factory reset your iPhone when locked:
Step 1. Approach the Screen Unlock Menu to Proceed
On your system, run Dr.Fone's latest version and go to the “Toolbox” tab. Here, you will need to click “Screen Unlock” and opt for “iOS” when asked for the phone type. Now, select the “Unlock iOS Screen” option and link your locked iDevice to the computer.
Step 2. Activate the Recovery Mode on Your iPhone
Following that, hit “Start” and proceed to put your phone into Recovery Mode using the provided guide if needed.
Step 3. Get the Targeted Firmware and Unlock the iDevice
Once done, you will be asked to choose a “System Version” after the app displays “Device Model.” After making the choice, click “Start” as the iOS file download and wait for it to complete. Then, hit the “Unlock Now” button and agree to the warning prompt by entering the provided code. Lastly, click “Unlock” and let the software remove the screen lock and factory reset your phone.
As evident, it is designed with user safety as a top priority to ensure the entire process is completely secure. The software operates without causing any harm to your device’s system or hardware. Hence, users can confidently reset their locked phones, knowing their device is safe. Additionally, this software simplifies the process for both beginners and advanced users.
You can also erase your device remotely using a trusted phone when you lack access to a computer. To do that, you will employ the Find My feature for Apple devices.
This approach allows you to erase your mobile using the Find My app, making it ideal when you can’t access your phone directly. Follow these detailed instructions for learning how to reset your iPhone without a passcode and computer:
Step 1. On another trusted Apple device, make your way to the Find My app and launch it. Now, access the “Devices” tab from the bottom toolbar and select the locked iDevice to proceed.
Step 2. Afterward, press “Erase This Device” from the available choices and hit the “Next” button. Lastly, enter the Apple ID password when asked to confirm and factory reset the phone.
Using this method requires the Find My feature to be enabled beforehand on the locked device. Additionally, you need access to your Apple ID credentials to sign in and authorize the reset.
Those who want to restore their phone to its original condition but lack access to the Find My app still have an option. iCloud's remote erase feature is especially useful for lost or inaccessible devices. This approach also utilizes the same Find My feature to help achieve your goal. Use the following quick guide to discover how to reset an iPhone that is locked:
Step 1. Approach a secure web browser to visit the iCloud website and log in using the Apple ID credentials linked to your phone. Now, tap the “Find My” option from the main page to access the iCloud Find Devices screen.
Step 2. You will likely need to enter the account password again and move to the left side once on the map screen. Here, select the locked iDevice from “All Devices” and opt for the “Erase This iPhone” option. Finally, use “Next” and provide the account password when prompted to erase the phone.
Using this method requires enabling the Find My feature and a stable internet connection. Moreover, you'll need your Apple ID credentials to log in and authorize the reset. It won't work if Find My is disabled, the phone is offline, or you can't access the linked account.
Another approach to restore your mobile to its default condition is using the Recovery Mode. Commonly known as hard reset, it allows you to erase your device using a related tool. You can choose a third-party option or Finder to replace iTunes for this solution.
This method is beneficial when the phone is unresponsive or locked. These instructions should help you find out how to factory reset an iPhone that is locked:
Step 1. Make sure Finder or the other selected tool is running on your Mac, and attach the locked iDevice via a USB cable. Once the connection is secure, proceed to follow one of these instructions to activate Recovery Mode:
Step 2. In Finder, a prompt will appear stating there's a problem with the phone. Here, opt for “Restore” and follow the instructions to factory reset the device with ease.
When using an older iDevice, there’s an unconventional yet effective way to regain access to it. For iOS 8 to 11 users, Siri can be exploited as a workaround to bypass the lock screen.
While this method doesn’t provide a full reset, it grants temporary access to the device. This approach uses a security loophole to teach how to reset an iPhone without an Apple ID password or computer using these steps:
Step 1. Access your locked iDevice and long-press the “Home” or “Side” button to activate Siri. Now, ask, “What time is it?” and let it display the current time with a clock icon.
Step 2. Following that, tap the Clock icon to open the Clock app and press “+” to add a new clock. Next, type any random text in the search bar and long-press the typed text.
Step 3. Once a small pop-up menu appears, choose “Select All” and tap “Share” to proceed. From the sharing options, select the Messages app and access its “To” field.
Step 4. Here, type any random text or number and tap “Return” on the keyboard. Following that, press the “+” icon next to the text field to opt for “Photo Library.”
Step 5. After the photo library opens, you will need to press the “Home” button. Doing so should take you directly to the Home Screen, bypassing the lock screen.
To avoid the frustration of being locked out, it is essential to take proactive measures to safeguard your device. Implementing a few simple practices can significantly reduce the risk of such issues. Here are some practical tips to avoid having to learn how to reset an iPhone without a password or computer:
In summary, knowing how factory reset disabled iPhones can prove helpful in many situations. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) offers the quickest and safest to achieve this goal. It provides unique advantages that make it the best fit for their situation. By getting this tool, you can remain ready to deal with sudden dilemmas and continue your workflow.
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