Most phone users lock their phones to prevent one from accessing the phone, but you may find yourself in a situation where you cannot remember the PIN or ID password, especially for iPhone users. Then what should you do? Read on to see the steps on how to factory reset iPhone without ID password.
An iPhone is a product of Apple Inc., known as one of the tech giants. An iPhone is just like other normal mobile phones, although its features are unique and it performs several functions. It’s like having a mini supercomputer in your palms.
One of the main reasons people love the iPhone is its user-friendly interface. The App Store is also a big draw, with plenty of apps available for download to customize your phone the way you want it. In addition, the sleek design and high-quality camera make every Instagram photo look like a work of art.
But what happens when your iPhone starts acting up and you need to give it a fresh start? In this case, you will need to enter the factory reset.
What is a factory reset in an iPhone?
iPhones contain a built-in feature known as factory reset. A factory reset transforms your iPhone into its default condition, which means it deletes all personal data and settings. The factory reset is useful for troubleshooting hardware issues or when a user is planning to sell the phone.
Why you may need to factory reset without an ID password
Many situations require you to perform a factory reset when you cannot remember the ID password. Here are a few of them:
- Forgot password: It happens to many of us. You set a password for your device but suddenly you cannot remember, the best option is go factory reset, when you reset it, it will enable you to create a new password.
- Didn’t buy a new phone: If you bought a used device and the previous owner didn’t remove his or her ID or forgot to give you the password, you may need to factory reset the device to start fresh.
- Device malfunction: Devices sometimes develop issues that lead to endless loops, this may require that the user input the ID password. A factory reset is the only available solution to resolve this problem.
- Security breach: If you suspect an unauthorized access to your device, a factory reset can help to secure your device and protect your personal information. In any of these scenarios, you can reset it without the ID password.
How To Factory Reset iPhone Without ID Password
Apple has a security feature called Activation Lock, this features prevent unauthorized access to an iPhone. When you factory reset an iPhone, it will ask for the Apple ID password to turn off Find My iPhone. If you don’t have the password, you will struggle to turn it off, however, there are tricks to maneuver your way.
1. Using iTunes
Here are some reliable methods to reset your iPhone without the Apple ID password.
Use iTunes to Reset your iPhone (Suitable for Older iPhone models)
If your iPhone runs an older iOS version, you can use iTunes to reset it.
Steps to Reset iPhone Using iTunes:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer that has iTunes installed.
- Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode.
- For Users with iPhone 8: Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery screen.
- For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons together until the recovery screen appears.
- For iPhone 6: Press and hold the Home button and Power button together until the recovery mode screen appears.
- Once iTunes detects your iPhone in Recovery Mode, click Restore.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
2. Reset iPhone Using Finder (For macOS Catalina and Later)
If you’re using a Mac with macOS Catalina, you’ll need to use Finder instead of iTunes.
Steps to Reset iPhone Using Finder:
- Connect your iPhone to the Mac.
- Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode (Follow the steps mentioned above).
- Open Finder, and select your iPhone from the left panel.
- Click Restore iPhone and wait for the process to finish.
3. Use Third-Party Tools to Bypass Apple ID Password
Different third-party tools can help reset your iPhone without an Apple ID password. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Tenorshare 4uKey
- Dr.Fone – Unlock
- iMyFone LockWiper
Steps to Reset iPhone Using Third-Party Software:
- Download and install a reputable iPhone unlocking tool.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Follow the software’s on-screen instructions to reset your device.
4. Contact Apple Support for Help
You can contact Apple Support for help when you lose access to your Apple ID and cannot reset your iPhone. The representatives will assist with the device reset once they confirm your ownership. Your iPhone will reboot after a factory reset and show the “Hello” screen until setup begins. The screen will guide you to either establish your device as new or to recover data from a backup.
To set up your iPhone:
- Select your language and region.
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
- Begin the setup process by using your existing Apple ID or creating a new one.
- Decide whether to activate or deactivate Siri and Screen Time functionality.
- You can activate extra safety layers through Face ID or Touch ID setup.
- The next step involves deciding whether you want to restore your device from an iCloud backup or iTunes backup or start with a new setup.
- Click on the terms and conditions to complete the process.
How to Prevent Further Lock
After resetting your iPhone, follow these measures to prevent future issues from occurring.
- Write Down Your Apple ID & Password: Keep it safe; save it in your email or diary.
- Use Password Managers: Apps like LastPass or 1Password are nice storage platforms.
- Turn Off Find My iPhone Before Selling Your Device: This will prevent Activation Lock issues for the new owner.
- Update Recovery Information: Keep your email and phone number updated with Apple in case you forget your password.
Before you use this recovery method, you need to back up your information because the iPhone restoration process will delete all the data on your device. Users will set up a new iPhone after restoration by following the typical device setup process.
Backing up data before a factory reset
It is vital to make a backup of your data before starting the factory reset process on your iPhone because you don’t have your ID password. The backup process protects your vital information and files from permanent loss during the reset operation.
To do this, connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes. From there, you can easily back up your device, and rest assured that your data is safe.
Conclusion
You can overcome the challenge of an iPhone factory reset when your Apple ID password is unavailable. Your various options to recover iPhone control include using iTunes, Finder, third-party tools and Apple Support resources; however, save important data before starting the reset procedure.
If you’re not sure of how to do a factory reset without the ID password, use your device’s user manual or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.