Are you locked out of your iPhone and need to reset it? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of factory resetting your iPhone even when it’s locked. Whether you’ve forgotten your passcode or purchased a second-hand device with a locked screen, these steps will help you regain access to your iPhone.
Before You Begin
Before diving into the factory reset process, there are a few important things to note:
- Backup Your Data: Resetting your iPhone will erase all data on the device. Therefore, it’s crucial to create a backup of your data before proceeding.
You can do this by connecting your iPhone to iTunes or using iCloud Backup.
- iCloud Activation Lock: If your iPhone has iCloud Activation Lock enabled and you don’t have the Apple ID credentials, you won’t be able to activate your device after the reset. Ensure that you have the necessary login details before proceeding.
Steps to Factory Reset an iPhone When Locked
If you’re ready to proceed with the factory reset process, follow these steps:
Step 1: Connect Your iPhone to a Computer
The first step is to connect your locked iPhone to a computer using a USB cable. Make sure to use a computer that has iTunes installed.
Step 2: Launch iTunes
Launch iTunes on your computer. If it doesn’t open automatically when you connect your iPhone, manually open it before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Put Your iPhone into Recovery Mode
To put your locked iPhone into Recovery Mode, follow these steps:
- For iPhone 8 and newer models:
- 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 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:
- Press and hold both the Side (or Top) button and the Volume Down button at the same time.
- Continue holding them until you see the recovery mode screen.
- For iPhone 6s and earlier models:
- Press and hold both the Home button and the Top (or Side) button at the same time.
- Continue holding them until you see the recovery mode screen.
Step 4: Restore Your iPhone
In iTunes, you’ll see a prompt that asks if you want to restore or update your device. Click on “Restore” to initiate the factory reset process.
This will erase all data on your locked iPhone and install the latest iOS version. The restore process may take some time, so be patient and keep your device connected to your computer throughout.
Step 5: Set Up Your iPhone
Once the restore is complete, your locked iPhone will restart. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device as new or restore from a backup. If you had created a backup earlier, you can choose to restore your data during this step.
Congratulations! You have successfully factory reset your locked iPhone. Now you can set it up as new or restore your data from a backup.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, we’ve learned how to factory reset an iPhone when it’s locked. Remember to always create a backup of your data before proceeding with a factory reset. Following the steps outlined in this article will help you regain access to your locked iPhone and start fresh with a clean device.
Disclaimer: Resetting an iPhone will erase all data on the device, including personal information and settings. Make sure to create a backup before proceeding with these steps.