How to Factory Reset a Locked iPhone: Comprehensive Guide

When your iPhone is locked and you cannot access it, performing a factory reset can help erase all data and restore the device to its original settings. But how do you wipe a locked iPhone without a passcode? This guide will walk you through several reliable methods to factory restore a locked iPhone, including using a professional unlocking tool, iTunes/Finder, iCloud, and the built-in erase option on iOS. Whether you forgot your password or your iPhone is disabled, you can find a suitable solution here.

Part 1. How to Factory Reset a Locked iPhone via iPhone Unlocker

If you forgot your iPhone passcode or your device is disabled after too many incorrect attempts, you may need to factory reset it to regain access. A professional iOS unlocking tool, such as iPhone Unlocker, can help remove the screen lock and erase all data from your device without requiring iTunes or Finder. It provides a simple solution to reset a locked iPhone and restore it to factory settings.

Key features of iPhone Unlocker:

• Perform a factory reset on a locked iPhone without the passcode.
• Quickly reset your Apple ID password without the original password.
• Recover or remove the Screen Time passcode without losing any data.
• Quickly remove MDM (Mobile Device Management) from your iPhone or iPad.
• Clear iTunes backup encryption settings from your iPhone or iPad with just one click.
• Support almost all iPhone models, including the latest iPhone 17/16/15/14, etc (iOS 27/26 supported).

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Here is how to wipe iPhone when locked using iPhone Unlocker:

Part 2. How to Restore a Locked iPhone Using iTunes/Finder

If you don't want to use a third-party tool, you can restore your locked iPhone using iTunes or Finder. This official method allows you to erase the device and remove the screen passcode by putting your iPhone into recovery mode. However, the process will delete all data and settings on your device, so make sure you have a backup if possible.

Here is how to wipe a locked iPhone using iTunes/Finder:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable, then open iTunes or Finder.

Step 2. Depending on your iPhone model, follow the steps below to enter recovery mode:

• iPhone 8 and later: Press and release the "Volume Up" button, then press and release the "Volume Down" button. Finally, press and hold the "Side" button until the recovery mode screen appears.
• iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold both the "Power" button and the "Volume Down" button until the recovery mode screen appears.
• iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold both the "Power" button and the "Home" button until the recovery mode screen appears.

Step 3. Once your iPhone enters recovery mode, iTunes will automatically prompt you with options to restore or update. Select "Restore" to begin the factory reset process.

Part 3: How to Erase a Locked iPhone via iCloud

If you have enabled Find My on your locked iPhone and remember your Apple ID credentials, you can remotely erase your device through iCloud. This method allows you to delete all data, remove the screen passcode, and restore your iPhone to factory settings without connecting it to a computer.

Here is how to wipe an iPhone when locked with iCloud:

Step 1. Open a browser on your computer or another device and go to the iCloud website. Log in with your Apple ID.

Step 2. Click "Find Devices" (or "Find My") and select your locked iPhone from the device list.

Step 3. Click "Erase iPhone" and confirm the action to start the reset process. Once completed, all data on your iPhone will be erased, and the screen passcode will be removed.

Note: Erasing your iPhone through iCloud does not remove the Apple ID Activation Lock. You will still need the original Apple ID and password to set up the device again.

Part 4. How to Factory Reset a Password Locked iPhone Without Computer

For iOS 15.2 and later, Apple provides an option to erase a locked iPhone directly from the Lock Screen. This feature allows you to factory reset your device without using a computer, as long as your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data and you know the Apple ID password linked to the device.

Here is how to clear a locked iPhone without a computer:

Step 1. Enter the wrong lock screen passcode several times until the "Security Lockout" message appears.

Step 2. On the lock screen, tap the "Erase iPhone" option and confirm the action.

Step 3. Enter the Apple ID password associated with the iPhone. The device will begin erasing all data and restoring to factory settings.

Takeaway

That's all about how to factory restore a locked iPhone. Depending on your situation, you can choose different methods, such as using iTunes/Finder, iCloud, or resetting the device directly from the Lock Screen. If you want a simpler solution, a professional iPhone Unlocker can help remove the screen passcode and restore your device to factory settings with just a few steps, even when you cannot access your iPhone.

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