Quick Answer
Yes, erasing an iPhone does remove the passcode. When you erase an iPhone, it resets the device back to factory settings, which removes any passcode that was previously set.
Overview
The passcode on an iPhone is an important security feature that prevents unauthorized access to the device and its data. The passcode gets synced to the device when you first set it up and enables encryption.
Erasing or resetting an iPhone through the Settings app removes the passcode by resetting the device back to its factory defaults. This erases all content and settings on the device, including the passcode.
There are a few different ways to erase an iPhone:
Using Settings App
You can erase your iPhone directly through the Settings app:
1. Open Settings app
2. Tap General > Reset
3. Tap “Erase All Content and Settings”
4. Enter your passcode if prompted
5. Tap Erase to confirm
This resets the device back to factory settings, removing any passcode, Apple ID, data, apps, settings, etc.
Using iTunes or Finder
If you connect your iPhone to a computer, you can also erase it through iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac):
1. Connect iPhone to computer
2. Open iTunes or Finder
3. Select your iPhone
4. Click Restore or Restore iPhone
5. Click Erase to confirm
This performs a full device restore, wiping the passcode.
Using iPhone Recovery Mode
You can also erase an iPhone by putting it into recovery mode:
1. Connect iPhone to computer
2. Force restart iPhone (press and release volume up, press and release volume down, then press and hold side button)
3. Keep holding side button until you see Recovery Mode screen
4. Erase iPhone through iTunes or Finder
This brings the device into a special recovery state allowing you to wipe it completely back to factory settings.
Does Find My iPhone prevent erasing?
Find My iPhone is an Apple service that helps locate and remotely wipe a lost or stolen iPhone. When enabled, Find My iPhone sets an activation lock that prevents the iPhone from being erased through normal means.
If you attempt to erase an iPhone with Find My iPhone enabled, you will be prompted for the Apple ID and password used to set up Find My iPhone. Without providing proper authentication, the iPhone cannot be reset back to factory settings to remove the passcode.
To erase an iPhone with Find My iPhone activated:
– Enter the Apple ID and password used to activate Find My iPhone when prompted during device wipe
– Sign out of Find My iPhone prior to erasing
– Contact Apple support to remove activation lock
Erasing the device without bypassing Find My iPhone will leave the passcode in place.
What exactly gets erased when resetting an iPhone?
Resetting or erasing an iPhone through the methods above resets the device back to its original factory state. Here are some of the main items that get erased:
– Passcode
– Biometric data (Face ID, Touch ID)
– All settings and preferences
– Home screen layout
– Contacts, calendars, messages
– Photos, videos, music, books
– Apps and App Data
– Keychain passwords
– Health data
– Call history
– Safari history and bookmarks
– Apple Pay information
– WiFi settings and keys
Basically, all user data, content, customized settings, and the passcode are wiped clean. The device reverts to a blank-slate version of iOS, with default apps and settings.
Reasons to erase an iPhone
Here are some common reasons you may want to erase your iPhone:
Removing Passcode
– Forgotten passcode makes device inaccessible
– Erase to reset and remove passcode
Removing Private Data
– Wiping before selling or giving away iPhone
– Ensuring sensitive data like messages, photos, emails, etc are erased
Fixing Software Issues
– Dealing with persistent bugs or glitches
– iPhone is freezing, crashing, or acting slow
– Resetting device back to factory state may improve performance
Starting Fresh
– Removing all apps and settings to have a fresh start
– Customizing a used iPhone recently obtained
– Preparing iPhone for a new user
Risks of Erasing iPhone
While erasing an iPhone can provide benefits in many cases, there are some downsides to be aware of:
Data Loss
– Any data not backed up to iCloud or iTunes will be permanently erased
– Messages, photos, notes, app data, and settings will be wiped
Lost Access
– If you don’t remember Apple ID details, may be locked out of device activation
– Require account used to activate and manage device
Time Consuming
– Erase process can take awhile to complete
– Resetting all settings from scratch is tedious
Non-Reversible
– Data erased cannot be recovered or restored (unless previously backed up)
Resetting vs. updating vs. restoring
There are a few terms related to wiping an iPhone that are worth distinguishing:
Reset
A reset erases all content and settings from an iPhone. This returns the device to factory default settings without updating to a new iOS version.
Update
An update installs the latest version of iOS without erasing any data or settings. It preserves the user content on the device.
Restore
A restore erases the iPhone and installs the latest iOS version. This wipes all content and brings the device back to default state. A restore is essentially a reset combined with an update.
So in summary:
– Reset erases data but keeps same iOS version
– Update keeps data and upgrades iOS version
– Restore erases data and upgrades iOS version
How to backup iPhone before erasing
Since erasing an iPhone resets it to factory settings, you will lose all data and settings on the device. To preserve your information, be sure to back up your iPhone before erasing.
iCloud Backup
You can enable iCloud backups to securely store your iPhone data in the cloud. iCloud backs up photos, messages, contacts, calendars and more.
To backup to iCloud:
1. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud
2. Tap iCloud Backup
3. Toggle on iCloud Backup
4. Connect to WiFi and plug in device to power
5. Tap Back Up Now to manually trigger backup
iTunes or Finder Backup
You can also backup your iPhone by connecting it directly to your computer via a USB cable. The backup will save to your computer rather than iCloud.
To backup to computer:
1. Connect iPhone to computer
2. Open iTunes (PC) or Finder (Mac)
3. Select phone icon
4. Click Summary tab
5. Click Back Up Now to trigger manual backup
Encrypted vs Non-Encrypted Backup
For both iCloud and local iTunes backups, you have the choice between an encrypted or non-encrypted backup:
| Encrypted | Not Encrypted |
|---|---|
| – Backup data is encrypted | – Backup data is not encrypted |
| – Requires passcode to restore | – Does not require passcode to restore |
| – Backs up sensitive info like passwords, messages, and health data | – Does not backup sensitive info |
| – Takes longer | – Faster backup |
An encrypted backup will include more of your personal content and offer greater protection. But a non-encrypted backup skips sensitive data for a quicker process.
How to restore iPhone backup after erasing
After erasing your iPhone, you’ll want to restore your backup to get all your apps, data, and settings back:
Restore iCloud Backup
1. Erase iPhone to factory settings
2. Set up device again through onboarding screens
3. Select Restore from iCloud Backup option
4. Sign in with Apple ID used to create backup
5. Select desired backup
6. Wait for restore process to complete
Restore iTunes/Finder Backup
1. Erase iPhone to factory settings
2. Connect iPhone to computer
3. Open iTunes or Finder
4. Select iPhone
5. Click Restore Backup
6. Select backup file to restore from
7. Wait for restore to finish
Choosing Backup Source
When setting up a wiped iPhone, you have the option to restore from:
– Latest iCloud backup
– iTunes/Finder backup
– Set up device as new (no restore)
Choose the source containing the most relevant and up-to-date version of your data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does erasing delete everything permanently?
Erasing an iPhone permanently deletes all content and settings unless you have a backup. With a recent iCloud or iTunes backup, data can be fully restored after wiping the device.
Can I recover erased iPhone data?
If you do not have a backup, erased iPhone data cannot be recovered. However, with a backup, an erase is completely reversible.
Will I lose my data plan if I erase my iPhone?
No, your cellular plan and phone number stay active after erasing. Reactivating the wiped iPhone will restore phone service.
Can I erase my iPhone if Find My iPhone is on?
You need to turn off Find My iPhone before erasing, otherwise activation lock will prevent wiping. Sign out or disable Find My iPhone first.
Is it better to reset or restore iPhone?
Restoring is generally better since it upgrades iOS while resetting just erases. But resetting may help diagnose software-related issues since it keeps same iOS version.
Conclusion
Erasing or wiping an iPhone completely removes any existing passcode and resets the device back to factory default settings. While this results in permanent data loss, backups can fully restore the iPhone contents after erasing. Before performing a full reset or restore, be sure to backup important data via iCloud or iTunes. With a current backup available, you can securely erase and reset your iPhone without worry.