How to Reset iPhone Without Apple ID

If you’re locked out of your iPhone because you forgot your Apple ID password or bought a used device that’s still tied to someone else’s account, you can still reset it. This guide walks you through the official methods Apple provides to erase and restore your iPhone without needing the Apple ID password. You’ll need a computer with the latest version of iTunes or Finder, and a stable internet connection.

What You’ll Need

A computer (Windows or Mac) with the latest version of iTunes installed, or if on macOS Catalina or later, Finder.
A USB cable compatible with your iPhone.
Your iPhone’s passcode (if you set one).
If you’re resetting a device that’s linked to someone else’s Apple ID, you’ll need their permission and their Apple ID password (or they must remove the device from their account).

Step-by-Step

Back up your data (if possible). If you can still use the iPhone, back it up to iCloud or your computer before resetting. This will be erased during the process.
Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode. The exact steps depend on your iPhone model:
- iPhone 8 or later (including SE 2nd gen and later): Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
- iPhone 7, 7 Plus, iPod touch (7th gen): Press and hold the Top (or Side) button and the Volume Down button together until the recovery mode screen appears.
- iPhone 6s and earlier, iPad with Home button: Press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together until the recovery mode screen appears.
Connect your iPhone to your computer. Use a USB cable. If you’re using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. On Windows or older macOS, open iTunes.
Locate your device. In Finder, your iPhone will appear in the sidebar under Locations. In iTunes, click the device icon in the upper-left corner.
Choose “Restore.” A dialog will appear offering to Update or Restore. Click Restore. This will erase the iPhone and install the latest iOS. If asked to turn off Find My, do so if you can; if you can’t, proceed anyway—the restore will still work.
Wait for the restore to finish. Your computer will download the iOS software and restore your iPhone. This can take several minutes. Do not disconnect the cable during this time.
Set up your iPhone. After the restore completes, your iPhone will restart and show the “Hello” screen. You can now set it up as new, or restore from a backup. If you’re asked for an Apple ID during setup and you don’t have the password, you can skip that step for now (unless Activation Lock is enabled).

Common Mistakes

Not entering Recovery Mode correctly. If you don’t hold the buttons long enough or release too early, the iPhone will just restart normally. Make sure you see the recovery mode screen (a computer cable icon pointing to a laptop).
Using the wrong computer. If you’re using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, you must use Finder, not iTunes. On Windows, you need the latest iTunes version.
Disconnecting during restore. Unplugging the iPhone mid-restore can cause errors or leave the device in a partial state. Keep it connected until the process is fully complete.
Assuming you can bypass Activation Lock. If the iPhone is linked to someone else’s Apple ID and Activation Lock is on, the restore won’t remove that lock. You’ll need the original owner’s Apple ID and password to fully activate the device.

Tips

Use a reliable USB cable. A damaged or non-Apple cable can cause connection drops during restore. If possible, use the cable that came with your iPhone or a certified third-party one.
Check your internet connection. The restore downloads iOS from Apple’s servers. A slow or unstable connection can cause timeouts or errors.
If you forgot your Apple ID password but know the passcode, you can try to reset the password via Apple’s website (iforgot.apple.com) before attempting a restore. That might be simpler.
If you’re selling or giving away the iPhone, make sure you sign out of iCloud and erase all content and settings through Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. That properly removes your Apple ID from the device.

Troubleshooting

If the restore doesn’t go as planned, here’s what to try:

iPhone stuck in Recovery Mode after restore. If the restore completes but the iPhone stays on the recovery screen, try a force restart: press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
Error 4013, 9, or other restore errors. These often indicate a connection issue or a problem with the USB port. Try a different USB port, a different cable, and restart your computer. If the error persists, try a different computer.
“iPhone could not be restored. An unknown error occurred.” This is often temporary. Try again after a few minutes, or put the iPhone into Recovery Mode again and attempt the restore again.
Activation Lock is still on after restore. If you see a screen asking for the Apple ID of the previous owner, you cannot bypass it. You must contact the previous owner to have them remove the device from their account (Settings > iCloud > Find My > Remove Device, or via iCloud.com).
iPhone won’t enter Recovery Mode. Make sure your iPhone has enough battery (at least 20%). If it’s completely drained, charge it for at least 15 minutes before trying again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my iPhone without a computer?

No, the recovery mode method requires a computer. However, if you can still access the iPhone normally, you can go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings, but that will still require your Apple ID password to turn off Find My.

Will this remove the Apple ID from the iPhone?

Restoring the iPhone will erase the device, but it may not remove the Apple ID from Apple’s servers. If Activation Lock is enabled, you’ll still need the original Apple ID and password to activate the iPhone after the restore.

What if I bought a used iPhone and the previous owner’s Apple ID is still on it?

You’ll need to contact the previous owner and ask them to remove the device from their iCloud account. If you can’t reach them, you can request activation lock removal via Apple’s website, but you’ll need proof of purchase.

Will I lose all my data?

Yes, restoring your iPhone erases all data, including photos, contacts, messages, and apps. That’s why it’s important to back up before resetting, if possible.

Can I use iCloud to erase my iPhone if I forgot the passcode?

If Find My iPhone is enabled, you can erase your iPhone remotely via iCloud.com. Go to iCloud.com/find, select your device, and click Erase iPhone. This will erase the device, but you’ll still need your Apple ID password to activate it.

What if I don’t have a computer?

You can try using a friend’s computer, or visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider. They can help you restore your iPhone, but you’ll need to provide proof of purchase or ownership.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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