How to factory reset iPhone without passcode and computer or Apple ID?

Resetting your iPhone to factory settings can be useful if you’re selling or giving away your device and want to wipe all personal data. It can also help resolve software issues you may be experiencing. While resetting normally requires your passcode, computer and Apple ID, there are a few workarounds to reset your iPhone without them.

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Can You Reset an iPhone Without a Passcode?

Yes, it is possible to reset an iPhone without knowing the passcode. Since the passcode is designed to protect your data and prevent unauthorized access, you’ll need to use special methods to bypass it when resetting your device. Here are a few ways to reset your iPhone without the passcode:

Use recovery mode – This involves connecting your iPhone to a computer and putting it in recovery mode. From there, you can restore and reset it.

Use DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode – This is a deeper version of recovery mode that will allow you to reset the device.
Use iTunes or Finder to reset – Connecting your locked iPhone to a computer will give restore options to wipe the device.
Use iPhone unlocking software – Specialized software like iMyFone LockWiper can unlock and reset locked iPhones without the passcode.

Take it to Apple – An Apple Store can factory reset your device for you if you provide valid proof of ownership.

The recovery mode and DFU mode options involve putting the iPhone into special states that bypass the passcode and allow resets. iTunes or Finder can force a device restore as well once connected. The safest bet is to use unlocking software or take it to Apple if you get locked out and don’t know the passcode.

How to Reset iPhone Without a Computer

Resetting an iPhone typically requires connecting to a computer to access iTunes or Finder. However, there are a couple ways to wipe an iPhone without a computer:

Erase in Settings – Go to Settings > General > Reset and select “Erase All Content and Settings”.
Restore through iCloud – Use the “Erase iPhone” option on iCloud.com from any web browser.
Use iPhone unlocking software – Programs like iMyFone LockWiper have reset options that don’t need a computer.

Take it to Apple – The Genius Bar can factory reset your iPhone without needing your computer.

The settings erase will wipe the device and remove any passcode or Apple ID locks. Restoring through iCloud lets you remotely wipe the device if it’s connected to the Internet. iPhone unlock tools are the most reliable option since Settings and iCloud require the passcode. Taking it to Apple is the other sure way to reset without a computer readily available.

Factory Resetting Without an Apple ID

Normally when resetting an iPhone, you need to enter the Apple ID and password that was associated with the device. This removes it from the old Apple ID account. If you don’t have access to that Apple ID anymore, you can still reset the device:

Recovery/DFU Mode – Using recovery or DFU mode to restore the iPhone will reset it without needing the Apple ID.
iTunes/Finder – Connecting the iPhone to a computer will allow you to bypass entering the Apple ID when restoring.
iPhone Unlock Software – Programs like iMyFone Fixppo can remove the Apple ID activation lock so you can reset without the Apple ID.

Take to Apple Store – Genius Bar staff can factory reset the iPhone and remove any Apple ID locks with proof of purchase.

The key is to use methods that don’t require entering the old Apple ID to process the reset. Since the device will already be wiped, the new owner can setup the iPhone with their own Apple ID after the reset.

Put iPhone in Recovery Mode to Reset

Putting an iPhone into recovery mode is one of the simplest ways to reset it without passcode or Apple ID access. Here are the steps to get an iPhone into recovery mode:

Connect the iPhone to a computer using the charging cable.
Launch iTunes or Finder on the computer.
Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.

Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.

For iPhone 8 or earlier, press and hold the Home and Side buttons instead until recovery mode. Once in recovery mode, the device will be ready to reset. You can then restore and choose to set up the device as new to finish the reset.

Use DFU Mode to Reset iPhone

DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is an alternative to standard recovery mode that can reset an iPhone without the passcode. To enter DFU mode:

Connect the iPhone to your computer using the cable.
Open iTunes or Finder and make sure the iPhone is recognized.

Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down simultaneously.
After 8 seconds, release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down.
Hold Volume Down until the iPhone enters DFU mode and the display goes black.

For iPhone 8 and earlier, press Home and Side instead of Side and Volume Down. When in DFU mode, you’ll be able to restore and reset the iPhone through iTunes or Finder without needing the passcode or Apple ID.

Reset iPhone Using iTunes or Finder

iTunes on a Windows PC or Finder on a Mac provide the option to factory reset an iPhone when it is connected to a computer. Follow these steps:

Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.

Open iTunes on a PC or Finder on a Mac. Your iPhone should appear in the sidebar.
Select your iPhone and go to the Summary tab.
Click Restore iPhone to start the reset process.

Agree to the terms and iTunes or Finder will download software.
Once done, you can set up your iPhone as new to finish resetting.

This forces the iPhone into recovery mode so you can bypass any passcode locks. iTunes and Finder will reset the device and install the latest iOS without needing your passcode or Apple ID info.

Reset iPhone Using iCloud

If you still have access to the iCloud account associated with your iPhone, you can remotely wipe and reset the device from iCloud.com:

Go to iCloud.com and login to your account.
Click Find My iPhone.

Select your device by clicking on it.
Choose Erase iPhone to reset and delete all data.

This will immediately wipe the iPhone from any web browser. The iPhone will still need to be removed from the old iCloud account eventually. But this lets you reset a lost iPhone or one you no longer have physical access to.

Use iPhone Unlock Software

Specialized iOS unlocking tools like iMyFone LockWiper can reset an iPhone without the passcode, computer or Apple ID. Main features include:

Remove Screen Lock – Bypass iPhone passcode limits and screen locks.
Unbind Apple ID – Reset without needing the old Apple ID and password.

1 Click Reset – Simple whole device reset options for quick factory resets.
No Data Loss – Reset without losing your data so it can be recovered after.

This gives you a quick and easy way to reset from the device itself without any other equipment needed. Below are the general steps to use unlocking software to reset an iPhone:

Download and install the software on a computer.
Open the tool and connect your iPhone via USB.
Click through to the reset options and choose full factory reset.

The software will bypass any locks and reset the device.
Your iPhone will be wiped clean and ready to set up fresh.

Benefits of Software Unlocking

Using dedicated iPhone unlock software has several notable benefits:

Works without passcode or Apple ID access.
No computer required after initial install.
Much faster and easier than recovery mode.

Retains data so you can recover it.
Removes activation lock to use with new Apple ID.

This makes software unlocking the most flexible and capable option for many situations. Advanced tools like iMyFone LockWiper work on all models of iPhone and iOS versions.

Take iPhone to Apple Store

As a last resort, you can take your iPhone to an Apple Store and have the Genius Bar factory reset it for you. This may be an option if:

You forgot your passcode and most of the steps above aren’t working.
You don’t have access to your computer or iCloud account.

You can’t install software tools for some reason.

The Apple Store will be able to reset your iPhone, however you will likely need to provide valid proof that you own the device. This is to prevent unauthorized people from resetting and taking someone else’s iPhone.

Scheduling a Genius Bar appointment or walking in are both options. Expect to pay a fee if your iPhone is no longer under warranty and needs hardware service to get back up and running.

Reset iPhone to Sell or Gift It

Doing a factory reset makes it easy to sell or gift your iPhone once you’re ready to upgrade. The reset wipes all of your personal data, accounts, settings and content from the device so it’s like new for the next owner. Follow these tips when resetting an iPhone before selling or gifting:

Backup important data like photos to iCloud or your computer first.
Sign out of iCloud and other accounts on the device.

Use recovery mode or iPhone unlock software to reset.
Check that Activation Lock is disabled after resetting.
Include any accessories like cases, cables or headphones.

Resetting your iPhone before selling or gifting ensures it has a clean slate. The new owner won’t have access to any of your information and can set it up themselves. Just don’t forget to remove your SIM card from the device once reset.

Before Selling Your iPhone

If you plan on selling your iPhone once you are done using it, here are some important steps to take before meeting a buyer:

Back up your data – Make sure contacts, photos, etc. are backed up to iCloud or your computer.

Sign out of accounts – Sign out of iCloud, iTunes, iMessage, App Store, and other accounts.
Reset the device – Factory reset it to wipe your information and settings.
Check it’s unlocked – Make sure there is no carrier lock or Activation Lock on the device.

Get a clean IMEI – Obtain a clean IMEI report to confirm the iPhone hasn’t been stolen or blacklisted.
Meet buyer in a safe place – Arrange to meet in a secure public location during the day if selling to someone you don’t know.

Taking these steps will protect your personal information while also making the sale smooth for the buyer. Be upfront about any defects or issues with the device when advertising it for sale.

Before Gifting Your iPhone

If you plan on gifting your iPhone to a friend or family member, here are some tips to prepare it:

Backup your data – Sync your photos, messages, notes and other important data to iCloud or your computer.
Sign out of accounts – Make sure you are signed out of email, social, financial, and other sensitive accounts.

Reset the device – Do a factory reset to wipe all settings and content from your use.
Ensure it’s not carrier locked – Request an unlock from your provider if it was a contract phone.
Check Activation Lock status – Confirm there is no Activation Lock which would prevent resetting.

Include accessories – Bundle relevant accessories like cases, cables, headphones to go with it.

Taking these steps cleans the device and makes setting it up like new for your recipient. They’ll be able to add their own accounts and customize it after the factory reset.

Reset iPhone for Resale Value

Resetting your iPhone before reselling it can significantly boost the resale value and get you more money back. Here are some ways it helps:

Wipes your personal data – Buyers may pay more if no trace of your data remains on the device.
Removes locks and restrictions – Activation Lock deter buyers so removing it adds value.
Resolves software issues – Resetting can fix unstable software and other glitches.

New user can fully setup – The new owner will be able to fully configure the device themselves.
Highlights real condition – Resetting enables accurately checking the cosmetic and hardware condition.

Make sure to backup your data, sign out of linked accounts, obtain a clean IMEI report, and take photos of the reset iPhone when selling. List the data capacity, original box/accessories, and software version as well in the sale listing.

Reset iPhone Before Trading In

When trading in your iPhone to a third-party program or directly to Apple, be sure to factory reset it beforehand. This will maximize the trade-in value you receive by:

Wiping all personal data for privacy.
Removing any passcodes or account locks.

Fixing any minor software glitches.
Letting staff easily inspect device condition.
Preventing trade-in rejection or penalties for locks or unwanted data.

Apple states they require devices be factory reset before trade-in under their terms. So taking this simple step will ensure there are no issues or delays when trading in old iPhones for credit.

Reset iPhone Without Erasing Data

If you need to factory reset your iPhone but don’t want to lose all of your data, there are a couple options to try. These will reset the device while keeping data intact.

Use iPhone unlock software – Advanced tools can reset devices while retaining data like photos, messages, and app info.

Backup then reset – Manually backup device data to iCloud or a computer, then erase all content and settings.
Sign out of iCloud before resetting – This will keep data stored locally rather than wiping from iCloud.
Choose to set up as new after reset – Opting out of restoring a backup will preserve the existing data.

The ideal solution is specialized unlocking software that resets the iPhone while protecting your data at the system level. But combining the above options does give a good chance of resetting the device without losing everything.

Conclusion

Resetting an iPhone without your passcode, computer, or Apple ID is possible using methods like recovery mode, iPhone unlocking software, or taking it to Apple. These options bypass locks and wipes the device to factory default settings. Before selling, gifting or trading in your iPhone, be sure to backup data and factory reset for privacy and maximum value. With the proper steps, you can securely reset your iPhone despite not having typical access to passcodes or accounts.