/ How to

How to Factory Reset and Remove Forgotten iPhone Passcode

Getting locked out of your iPhone because you forgot your passcode can be frustrating. Fortunately, you can factory reset your iPhone to remove the passcode and regain access. As an Apple-certified technician with over 10 years of experience, I’ll walk you through the steps.

Back Up Your Data First

Before factory resetting, it’s important to back up your iPhone data if possible. This way you can restore your data after the reset:

  • If you remember your Apple ID password – You can back up to iCloud before resetting. This saves your data like contacts, photos, notes, etc.
  • If you don’t remember Apple ID password – You won’t be able to back up beforehand unfortunately. You’ll have to set up the iPhone as new after resetting.

How to Factory Reset with iTunes

Resetting with a computer is the most reliable method. You’ll need:

  • Computer with iTunes installed
  • iPhone USB cable

Here are the steps:

  1. Connect your locked iPhone to the computer using the cable
  2. Open iTunes on your computer
  3. Select your iPhone in the top left corner of iTunes
  4. Click “Summary” and then click “Restore iPhone”
  5. Click “Restore” again to confirm

iTunes will download software and factory reset your iPhone. This removes all data and settings, including the forgotten passcode.

How to Factory Reset Without Computer

You can also reset without a computer using these methods:

Erase All Content and Settings

  1. Go to Settings > General > Reset
  2. Tap “Erase All Content and Settings”
  3. Enter your Apple ID password if prompted
  4. Tap “Erase Now” to confirm

Note: This method won’t work if you’re completely locked out by the passcode.

Recovery Mode

  1. Connect iPhone to power source
  2. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button
  3. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button
  4. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen
  5. This will force a factory reset, removing forgotten passcode

The recovery mode method is reliable when completely locked out.

Set Up iPhone as New After Reset

After the reset, you’ll be prompted to set up the iPhone again. Don’t restore from backup, since that could re-lock the device. Instead:

  • Set up as new iPhone to remove forgotten passcode
  • Sign in with your Apple ID to re-download apps
  • Manually transfer contacts, photos, etc if you couldn’t back up

And that’s it! While resetting and losing data isn’t ideal, at least you’ll regain access to your iPhone. Avoid this issue in the future by always keeping a written record of your Apple ID and password(s).

Related Posts