Want to factory reset your iPhone but forgot your Apple ID password? This article will guide you on how to erase your iPhone without an Apple ID password and how to reset your forgotten Apple ID password before proceeding.
Use the tips and information below as a guide for your iPhone reset needs.
If Find My is enabled on your iPhone, you'll be required to enter your Apple ID password when navigating to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
This process removes your personal data and signs you out of your Apple ID, allowing the iPhone to be safely traded in or given away. So, you need to enter your Apple ID password to sign out, disable Find My, and allow a new user to activate the iPhone without encountering the Activation Lock.
It's important to avoid performing a factory reset via iTunes or Finder if you have enabled Find My on your device, and don't remember your Apple ID password.
Why? If Find My iPhone is enabled and you don't know your Apple ID password, a direct factory reset won't remove the Apple ID from your iPhone. Instead, it will trigger the Activation Lock, requiring you to enter your Apple ID and password during setup before you can use the device.
If you can't recall your Apple ID password, you'll be permanently locked out by the Activation Lock, preventing access to your iPhone. So, before resetting your iPhone without an Apple ID password, it's essential to first learn how to remove the Apple ID without a password. Let's explore your options.
1. Use Unlockit iPhone Apple ID Remover (Recommended)
Unlockit iPhone allows you to remove the Apple ID from your iPhone without a password and reset your device in the process.
2. Restore Your Device in Recovery Mode via Computer
This method only works if Find My iPhone is turned off. Otherwise, your device will be stuck on the Activation Lock screen.
3. Reset the Forgotten Apple ID Password
If it's your device, you can reset the forgotten Apple ID password before performing the factory reset. During the process, you'll need to enter your phone number and email address. If you have another Apple device nearby, you'll receive a notification to authorize the change.
4. Contact the Previous Owner
If you purchased a second-hand iPhone with someone else's Apple ID logged in, try contacting the previous owner to remove the Apple ID remotely.
For a fast, safe, and easy solution to Apple ID issues, try Unlockit iPhone. This tool helps reset your iPhone without an Apple ID password, regardless of whether Find My iPhone is on or off. It supports various iOS versions, including the latest iOS 17, and offers an easy-to-use interface with consistent results.
Note: Using Unlockit iPhone to reset your iPhone without an Apple ID password will erase all stored data. Please back up any essential data beforehand.
To reset your iPhone without a password using Unlockit iPhone, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Download and install Unlockit iPhone on your computer.
Step 2. Launch the software and click "Unlock Apple ID" (Remove Apple ID from iOS device).
Step 3. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable and click "Start."
Step 4. Unlockit iPhone will automatically reset your iPhone and remove the Apple ID. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Wait for the process to complete. Once done, you can log in with a different Apple ID or create a new one.
You can use Finder on macOS or iTunes on a PC to reset your iPhone in Recovery mode without needing to enter your Apple ID password, as long as Find My is turned off on your device. If it's not turned off, your device will prompt you to enter your Apple ID and password on the iCloud Activation Lock screen after performing a restore in Recovery mode.
Step 1. Make sure your Mac is up to date, or if you're using a PC, ensure you have the latest version of the Apple Devices app or iTunes.
Step 2. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.
Step 3. On a Mac, open Finder. On a PC, open the Apple Devices app, or iTunes if using macOS Mojave or earlier.
Step 4. Put your iPhone in Recovery Mode. The steps vary depending on the iPhone model:
iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold both the Home and the Power/Wake buttons simultaneously. Hold until you see the recovery mode screen.
iPhone 7/iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the Power/Wake and Volume Down buttons at the same time. Hold them until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Power/Wake button until you see the recovery mode screen.
Step 5. Locate Your iPhone in iTunes or Finder when it enters Recovery mode. When the option to "Update" or "Restore" appears, choose "Restore." If the software download takes longer than 15 minutes and your device exits the Connect to computer screen, let it finish and then repeat step 4.
If your iPhone is not running the latest iOS, you'll be prompted to "Restore and Update." Click to confirm.
Step 6. After the restore process, set up your device.
If you forget your Apple ID password on your own device, there are multiple ways to reset it before erasing iPhone. The easiest method, according to Apple, is by using your iPhone or any other trusted Apple device where you're already signed in. This allows Apple to confirm your identity. Starting with iOS 17 and later, resetting your password through the web has become the quickest way to regain access to your account.
Open Settings, tap your name at the top, go to Sign-In & Security, then tap Change Password. Follow the prompts to reset your password.
Visit iforgot.apple.com and choose Reset Password. Enter your phone number and email address. If you have access to your Apple devices, you'll receive a notification to approve the change.
If you don't have access to your device, but have access to your trusted phone number, borrow one from a friend or family member. Download the Apple Support app, scroll to Support Tools, tap Reset Password, then follow the prompts to recover your Apple ID.
When everything is done, you can now reset your iPhone.
If you've purchased or received a used iPhone and the previous owner's Apple ID is still logged in, you can try to contact them to remove the device from their iCloud account remotely, which will erase your iPhone and remove your device from their Apple ID account.
Step 1. Have the previous owner go to www.iCloud.com/find and log in with their Apple ID.
Step 2. They should select the iPhone you want to remove and click Erase iPhone.
Step 3. After your iPhone is erased,s click Remove from Account.
There are several ways to reset your iPhone without an Apple ID password. Choose the method that works best for you and follow the steps carefully for a successful outcome.
If you're having trouble recovering your Apple ID and password, we've provided guides for nearly every possible scenario. We hope this article helps you, now or in the future. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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