If you need to erase an iPhone but do not know its passcode, you generally cannot open Settings and use the normal Erase All Content and Settings command. Apple’s supported recovery methods let you reset the device from the lock screen in eligible cases or restore it with a computer. The process erases the iPhone.
How to do it
- On the lock screen, look for Forgot Passcode? or the available device-reset option after unsuccessful passcode attempts.
- If your iPhone offers an on-device reset, follow the prompts and authenticate with the Apple Account when requested.
- Otherwise, turn off the iPhone and connect it to a Mac or Windows PC while entering recovery mode.
- Open Finder on a Mac or the Apple Devices app on a current Windows PC.
- Select the iPhone and choose Restore.
- When restoration finishes, set up the iPhone and restore a backup if one is available.
Erasing does not remove Activation Lock
If Find My was enabled, Activation Lock can remain after the device is erased. You may need the Apple Account credentials associated with the iPhone before it can be activated again.
Before you erase
If you still have access to the phone, make a backup before erasing it. If the iPhone is already locked and no usable backup exists, data stored only on that device may be lost.
Before you finish
Menu names can change slightly between iOS releases, iPhone models, carriers, and app versions. If your screen does not exactly match these instructions, install available software updates and look for the same feature under the closest matching Settings section. Avoid changing unrelated security, privacy, or account options simply to make a missing control appear.
After making the change, test the feature once so you know the result is what you expected. If the setting affects an account, cellular service, privacy protection, or device security, keep your account credentials and a recent backup available before doing additional troubleshooting.