There are a few key reasons why users may need to reset a locked iPhone to its factory settings. The most common scenarios include:
- Forgetting the passcode and being unable to unlock the device
- Preparing to sell or give away the device to someone else
- Troubleshooting persistent software issues that a reset may resolve
- Removing all personal content and wiping the device before recycling
Before resetting a locked iPhone, it’s crucial to understand that a factory reset will permanently erase all data, settings, apps, and content on the device. Any content that has not been properly backed up, such as photos, messages, notes, etc. will be lost. It essentially returns the iPhone to its out-of-the-box state. Make sure to exhaust all other options before resetting.
Back Up Data
Before factory resetting your iPhone, it’s highly recommended to back up your data first if possible. This will allow you to restore your content after the reset. There are two main ways to back up an iPhone – using iCloud and using iTunes.
To backup to iCloud, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup on your iPhone. Turn on iCloud Backup and your device will automatically backup daily when connected to WiFi, plugged in, and with the screen locked. You can also manually trigger a backup by tapping Back Up Now.
To backup to iTunes, connect your iPhone to a computer with the latest version of iTunes installed. In iTunes, click on your connected iPhone icon, then go to the Summary tab. Check “Automatically back up” to turn on automatic backups, or click “Back Up Now” to do a manual backup of your iPhone data to that computer.
Backing up your data ensures you won’t lose your photos, messages, apps and settings when factory resetting your iPhone. Storing a current backup is strongly recommended before proceeding with a reset.1
Enter Recovery Mode
To enter recovery mode on an iPhone, you need to hold down a specific combination of buttons until the recovery mode screen appears. The button combination depends on the iPhone model:
- For an iPhone 8 or later, press and hold the Side button and one of the Volume buttons until you see the recovery mode screen. This will display a connector cable icon.
- For an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and Volume Down button simultaneously until the recovery mode screen appears.
- For an iPhone 6s or earlier, press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button at the same time until you see the Connect to iTunes screen.
This process can take up to 10-15 seconds. Don’t release the buttons too soon or you may accidentally power the device off. Keep holding the buttons down until the recovery mode screen comes up and connects the device to a computer via USB cable.
Here are step-by-step instructions from Apple Support on how to enter recovery mode on an iPhone 8 or later model: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201263
Connect to iTunes
To factory reset a locked iPhone, you first need to connect it to a computer with iTunes installed. This allows you to sync data and access the device through iTunes.
To connect your iPhone to iTunes:
- Download and install the latest version of iTunes on your Windows or Mac computer. iTunes can be downloaded for free from Apple’s website.
- Use the USB cable that came with your iPhone to connect it to your computer. Insert the USB end into an open port on your computer and connect the Lightning end to your iPhone.
- Open iTunes on your computer. iTunes should automatically detect and show your connected iPhone.
- If prompted, enter your iPhone passcode to unlock it and allow access from iTunes.
- You can now access your iPhone’s contents through iTunes and proceed with resetting the device.
Once successfully connected to iTunes, you can use iTunes to backup data, restore from an existing backup, reset settings, or fully factory reset your locked iPhone device.
Restore iPhone
One way to factory reset a locked iPhone is by restoring it in iTunes. When you restore an iPhone in iTunes, it erases all content and settings and installs the latest iOS version. According to Apple Support, “Restoring software on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch erases all your information and settings” (source).
To restore your iPhone to factory settings in iTunes, first connect your device to your computer and open iTunes. If you have a passcode enabled on your iPhone, you will need to enter it to continue. In iTunes, click on your iPhone icon and go to the Summary page. Under Manually Back Up and Restore, click Restore iPhone. This will erase your iPhone data and settings and install the latest software. You can then set up your iPhone as new or restore from an iTunes or iCloud backup (source).
Restoring your iPhone using iTunes is an easy way to factory reset it when locked out. Just make sure to back up your data first if you want to restore it later.
Restore from Backup
One way to reset your iPhone while retaining your data is to restore it from a previous iCloud or iTunes backup. Before factory resetting your iPhone, it is highly recommended to back up your data so you don’t lose your photos, messages, and other important information.
To restore from an iCloud backup after resetting your iPhone, tap “Restore from iCloud backup” when prompted during setup. Sign in with your Apple ID and password and select the desired backup. Your iPhone will restore your settings and data from that backup. Learn more at Apple Support.
Alternatively, you can restore from an iTunes backup on a computer. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes. Select your iPhone and go to Summary > Restore Backup. Select the backup you want to restore from. iTunes will download the backup and restore your device. For details, see Apple’s guide.
Restoring from a previous backup allows you to reset your iPhone without losing your data and settings. Just ensure your backup is recent before resetting your device.
Reset All Settings
Reset All Settings is an alternative to completely resetting the iPhone that allows you to keep your data and content. This option resets all settings, preferences, and accounts without erasing media, apps, or other iPhone data (Apple Support).
To use Reset All Settings, go to Settings > General > Reset and select Reset All Settings. You will be asked to enter your passcode and confirm that you want to reset your settings. This will reset settings like wallpaper, ringtones, Control Center configuration, keyboard dictionaries, and more. It will also sign you out of iCloud, iTunes, email, and other accounts on the device.
Resetting all settings can help resolve some issues caused by settings without deleting personal data. However, it is less thorough than restoring or erasing the iPhone. If resetting settings does not resolve the problem, you may need to perform a deeper reset using recovery mode.
Reset Network Settings
If you’re having issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks or using cellular data on your iPhone, resetting just the network settings can often resolve the problem without erasing any of your personal data or settings. To do this on iOS 15 or later:
1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Reset.
3. Tap Reset Network Settings.
This will reset your Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and other network preferences while keeping the rest of your data and settings intact (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204051). If you use your iPhone for business, this can also remove any installed configuration profiles.
Resetting network settings is worth trying if you’re having connection issues or your iPhone can’t seem to maintain a stable network connection. It essentially gives the network side of things a fresh start, which often resolves a lot of commonly encountered wireless networking problems.
Forgotten Passcodes
If you have forgotten your iPhone passcode and cannot unlock your device, you will need to perform a factory reset to regain access. Here are the steps to factory reset a locked iPhone due to a forgotten passcode:
- Make sure you have a computer available (Windows or Mac). You will need to connect your iPhone to the computer via USB cable.
- Turn off your iPhone by holding down the Power button until you see the “slide to power off” prompt. Slide to turn it off completely.
- With the iPhone turned off, hold down the Power and Volume Down buttons together until you see the Connect to iTunes screen. This puts your iPhone into recovery mode.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using the USB cable. Open iTunes if it doesn’t launch automatically.
- In iTunes, you will get a prompt saying there’s a problem with your iPhone and it needs to be updated or restored. Click Restore to start the restore process.
- iTunes will download software for your iPhone and restore it to factory settings, erasing all data and resetting the passcode. This process can take some time.
- Once the restore is complete, you’ll be able to set up the iPhone as new or restore from a backup.
Factory resetting is the only way to regain access to an iPhone with a forgotten passcode. Be sure to back up your data beforehand if possible so you don’t lose your information.
Contact Apple Support
If you’ve tried all of the steps to factory reset your locked iPhone and still can’t access it, you may need to contact Apple Support for additional assistance. Apple has dedicated support teams that can provide individualized help resolving device issues.
Before contacting Apple Support, make sure you know the make and model of your iPhone, iOS version, Apple ID email, and any other relevant details about your device. This will help the support representative better troubleshoot your specific issue.
There are a few ways to get in touch with Apple Support:1
- Call 1-800-APL-CARE (1-800-275-2273) in the United States.
- Use Apple Support app chat messaging.
- Schedule an appointment at an Apple Store’s Genius Bar.
Apple Support can walk through advanced diagnostics, possibly suggest additional reset steps, or initiate a replacement process if needed. Getting personalized help is recommended if you’ve exhausted other self-service reset options.