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3 Easy Ways to Factory Reset a Locked iPhone Without iTunes

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Jan 24, 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.

how to factory reset disabled iphone

Part 1. How to Factory Reset iPhone Without iTunes in Clicks with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) [Safe & Fast]

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.

Why Go for Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

  • Delivers reliable results with a high success rate across various lock screen issues and device models.
  • Effectively unlocks iDevices with unresponsive or damaged screens, ensuring accessibility without repair.
  • Completes the factory reset or unlocking process in just a few clicks, saving time and effort.
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Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

Factory Reset a Locked iPhone Without iTunes

  • Simple, click-through, process.
  • Unlock screen passwords from all iPhones and iPads or bypass the activation lock.
  • No tech knowledge is required, everybody can handle it.
  • Support all iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch and all iOS versions fully!New icon
Available on: Windows Mac
3981454 people have downloaded it

Detailed Manual to Factory Reset iPhone Without iTunes via Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

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.

unlock ios screen activating recovery mode

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.

activating recovery mode

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.

choose system version to unlock now

Safe downloadsafe & secure

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.

Part 2. How to Factory Reset iPhone Without iTunes via Find My iPhone

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.

access devices tab from find my

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.

select erase this device option

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.

Part 3. How to Factory Reset iPhone Without iTunes via iCloud

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.

locate find my on icloud web

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.

click erase this device option

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.

Part 4. How to Factory Reset iPhone Without iTunes via Hard Reset

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:

  • iPhone 8 or Later: Tap the “Volume Up” button and immediately let it go before doing the same with the “Volume Down” button. After that, grip the pressed-down “Side” key securely until you view the Recovery Mode screen.
  • iPhone 7/7 Plus: Approach the “Volume Down” and “Sleep/Wake” keys together to press them solidly until the phone transitions into Recovery Mode.
  • iPhone 6s or Earlier: You will be required to hold down the “Home” and “Sleep/Wake” buttons at the same to let them go at the appearance of the Recovery Mode screen.

put iphone on 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.

tap restore button from finder

Pros of Hard Reset

  • Fully resets the iPhone without needing iTunes.
  • Useful for frozen or locked iDevices to restore normal access.

Cons of Hard Reset

  • All data is erased without the option to back up.
  • This method cannot remove the Apple ID activation lock.

Part 5. How to Unlock a Disabled iPhone Without iTunes via Siri (iOS 8 – 11)

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.

ask siri time and tap it

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.

choose plus icon and proceed

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.

select all typed text to share

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.”

use return to access 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.

press home and enter in it

Limitations of the Siri Method

  • This method only works on iOS 8 to iOS 11 devices, as newer ones have patched this loophole.
  • It doesn’t remove the passcode or Apple ID, and access is only temporary and limited.
  • The exploit highlights past security vulnerabilities and is not a secure or reliable solution.
  • You will find it won’t work consistently across all devices, even within the supported iOS versions.

Part 6. Bonus Tip: Prevent Future Lockouts

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:

  • Set up Face ID or Touch ID for quick and secure access to your device.
  • Schedule automatic backups through iCloud or manually back up your data on a computer.
  • Keep your Apple ID and password in a safe and encrypted password manager.
  • Frequently check and update your device's security settings and install the latest iOS updates.
  • Add an extra layer of security by enabling Two-Factor Authentication for your Apple ID.

Conclusion

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.

Safe downloadsafe & secure

FAQs

Doing so will erase all data, including apps, photos, and settings. You can restore your data after the reset if you have a recent backup via iCloud or iTunes.
Try to recover your credentials using the Apple ID account page. Otherwise, employ Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) to reset your phone and bypass the resulting Activation Lock.
The options include Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) or a hard reset through Recovery Mode. However, you’ll still need your Apple ID to bypass the Activation Lock.
You can do that by entering Recovery Mode or using the iCloud Find My service. However, these methods may require your Apple ID and password.
Using trusted solutions like Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) or Apple’s built-in features is safe. Always download third-party tools from official websites to protect your device from malware.
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James Davis

staff Editor

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