How to factory reset an iphone with a computer

  • You can reset an iPhone by putting it into recovery mode or erasing it via Find My.
  • If the iPhone's password is unknown, or it's been disabled, you'll need to reset it to use it.
  • Once you've reset your iPhone, you can use an iCloud backup to restore its data.

iPhones are notoriously difficult to break into. If you have a unique passcode set up, it's almost impossible for someone to get in without your permission.

But this also works the other way around. If you need to open an iPhone but don't have the password, or it's disabled, your only option to unlock it is to do a factory reset.

Luckily, there are two ways to reset an iPhone without the password so you can access it.

How to reset an iPhone using Finder or iTunes

You can use a computer to access recovery mode and reset your iPhone to get in without the password. If you have a Mac you'll be using Finder, and if it's a PC you'll be using iTunes — which you need to download first.

1. Turn the iPhone off. The exact way to do this will depend on what kind of iPhone you have:

2. Once your iPhone is off, plug it into your computer and put it into recovery mode. To do this, you'll need to press a certain combination of buttons:

3. Keep holding the button and connect the phone to your laptop. Keep holding the button until the recovery mode screen appears. It'll have a picture of a laptop with a charging cable.

4. Once ready, open Finder or iTunes and open the iPhone menu. If you're using Finder, click your iPhone's name in the left sidebar. In iTunes, click the iPhone icon in the upper-left corner.

5. You'll be shown a message saying that the iPhone has a "problem" and needs to be updated or restored. Select Restore.

Restore the iPhone, don't update it. William Antonelli/Insider

6. Keep your iPhone connected to the computer as it resets and restores the iPhone. Time can vary, so be patient.

Once the process finishes, turn your iPhone on and set it up like a new device. When you're asked if you'd like to restore data from a backup, feel free to sign into iCloud and do so.

How to reset an iPhone using Find My

If you have an Apple ID account, your iPhone is probably connected to Find My, Apple's global device tracking network. This service also lets you reset and erase your iPhone without having the password for it.

1. On a computer, go to iCloud's website and log into your account.

2. In the main menu, click Find iPhone.

Open the Find My menu. Apple; William Antonelli/Insider

3. You'll be given a map of all your devices. Click All Devices at the top and then select your iPhone.

4. In the pop-up menu that appears, click Erase iPhone.

Select your iPhone, then erase it from the menu. Apple; William Antonelli/Insider

5. Enter your Apple ID password to erase your iPhone. You may be prompted to answer a security question if you aren't using a trusted browser.

As long as your iPhone is on and connected to the internet, it'll be reset immediately.

Devon Delfino is a Brooklyn-based freelance journalist specializing in personal finance, culture, politics, and identity. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, and CNBC. Follow her on Twitter at @devondelfino.

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William Antonelli

Tech Reporter for Insider Reviews

William Antonelli (he/she/they) is a writer, editor, and organizer based in New York City. As a founding member of the Reference team, he helped grow Tech Reference (now part of Insider Reviews) from humble beginnings into a juggernaut that attracts over 20 million visits a month. Outside of Insider, his writing has appeared in publications like Polygon, The Outline, Kotaku, and more. He's also a go-to source for tech analysis on channels like Newsy, Cheddar, and NewsNation. You can find him on Twitter @DubsRewatcher, or reach him by email at .

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This article will walk you through the steps to reset your iPhone to the factory default state.

Note that this process will erase ALL DATA from your device

What is a factory reset?

A factory restore erases the information and settings on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod and installs the latest version of iOS or iPod software. 

Prepare your device

  1. Check that you have the latest version of iTunes on your Mac or PC. If you can't access a computer and your device still works, you can erase and restore your device without a computer.
  2. If you want to save the information on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, make a backup.
  3. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud, then turn off Find My iPhone. For an unresponsive device or one that won't turn on, learn what to do. If you forgot your passcode, get help.

Restoring a device to Factory Settings

  1. Open iTunes on your Mac or PC. If you can't access a computer and your device still works, you can erase and restore your device without a computer.
  2. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to your computer with the cable that came with your device. 
  3. If a message asks for your device passcode or to Trust This Computer, follow the onscreen steps. If you forgot your passcode, get help. 
  4. Select your iPhone, iPad, or iPod when it appears in iTunes. For an unresponsive device or one that won't turn on, learn what to do. Or get help if your device doesn't appear in iTunes.

How to factory reset an iphone with a computer

In the Summary panel, click Restore [device].

How to factory reset an iphone with a computer

Click Restore again to confirm. Then iTunes erases your device and installs the latest iOS or iPod software.

How to factory reset an iphone with a computer

After your device restores to factory settings, it restarts. Now you can set it up as new.

How do I force my iPhone to factory reset?

Method 1: Hard reset directly from the iPhone Tap the Settings icon on your Home screen. Go to General and then scroll to the bottom of the screen. Tap on Reset -> Reset All Content and Settings. You'll get a warning box appear, with the option to Erase iPhone in red.

Can you reset a locked iPhone with a computer?

If you can't remember your passcode when you try again, use a computer to put your iPhone in recovery mode. Recovery mode allows you to erase the iPhone, giving you access to set it up again. After you erase your iPhone, you can restore your data and settings from a backup.

How do I reset my iPhone to factory settings without iTunes or passcode?

Simply press and hold the Volume buttons and Home button at the same time. iPhone X, 8 & Newer: Press and hold the Volume up button, then the Volume Down button, and the side button at the same time. iPhone 7 / 7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down and the side button at the same time.

Can you factory reset a phone through iTunes?

Connect your iPhone to a computer with a USB cable and open iTunes. On the left side of the screen, navigate to “Summary”. Next, press a button titled “Restore iPhone…”. A prompt will appear, asking you to confirm the factory reset.