How to Factory Reset Your iPhone/iPad/iPod Without Password

Samuel Spenser Published on July 04, 2025Unlock iOS3-min reading

Even if you forgot your password and your iOS device is locked, you can still perform a factory reset. Of course, you cannot access your device once you forgot the lock screen passcode. As a result, you cannot enter the Settings app or factory reset your device with the Erase All Content and Settings feature. The alternative solution is iTunes or Finder depending on your computer operating system. This guide demonstrates how to perform a factory reset on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod without a password.

Part 1. One-Stop Solution - How to Factory Reset iPhone/iPad/iPod Without Password

Even if your iPhone, iPad, or iPod is locked, you can do a factory reset. Bear in mind that factory resetting an iPhone without a password will erase all data on your device including contacts, messages, photos, and more. Therefore, you'd better back up your data to iCloud or a computer.

For ordinary users, we recommend imyPass iPassGo. It simplifies the workflow and the user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate. More importantly, it doesn't require any restriction to complete a factory reset.

How to Factory Reset an iPhone Without a Password

Part 2. How to Factory Reset iPhone Without Password

How to Factory Reset iPhone Without Passcode

As mentioned previously, you can factory reset your iPhone 8/7/6s/SE and other models with iTunes or Finder. Remember that you still need to enter your Apple ID password when setting up your device after a factory reset if you have turned on Find My.

How to Factory Reset iPhone in Recovery Mode

If your iPhone is disabled or iTunes/Finder cannot recognize your device, you must put your device into Recovery Mode to perform a factory reset on your iPhone without the passcode. Here are the steps below:

On an iPhone 8 or Above

Quickly press the Volume Up button and release it.

Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.

Long-press the Side button.

When you see the connect-to-iTunes screen, release the button.

On an iPhone 7/7 Plus

Hold the Volume Down + Side buttons at the same time.

When you see the connect-to-iTunes screen, let the buttons go.

On an iPhone 6s or Older

Hold the Home + Sleep/Wake buttons simultaneously.

If the connect-to-iTunes screen appears, release the buttons.

Part 3. How to Factory Reset iPad Without Password

How to Factory Reset iPad Without Password in iTunes/Finder

iTunes is still a useful tool to factory reset an iPad without a password. Moreover, it allows you to back up all your data on your iPad to your computer before a factory reset. Here is the step-by-step guide:

Tip: If you didn't back up your iPad, click the Back Up Now button to make one.

How to Factory Reset iPad Without Password in Recovery Mode

On an iPad Without a Home Button

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.

Do the same thing with the Volume Down button.

Hold the Top button until you see the connect-to-computer screen.

On an iPad with a Home Button

Hold the Home + Top or Sleep/Wak buttons together.

Release them after the connect-to-computer screen pops up.

How to Factory Reset iPad Without Passcode Using Find My

If you still remember your Apple ID password, you can reset factory settings on your iPad without the passcode or computer in Find My. This method requires a second Apple product, like a borrowed iPhone, iPad, or MacBook. Another prerequisite is you have turned on Find My iPad on your device.

Tip: You can download the app from the App Store for free.

Tip: If you cannot find your iPad, tap the + button next to Devices. Choose Add AirTag or Add Other Item to discover your device. Then, enter your Apple ID password to verify your identity.

Note: If your device is online, an iPad factory reset will begin without a passcode. If your device is offline, the factory reset will begin once your iPad connects to an internet connection. Moreover, this method is available to factory reset an iPhone.

Part 4. How to Factory Reset iPod Touch Without Password

How to Factory Reset iPod Touch Without Password by Buttons

One solution to factory reset your iPod Touch without the password is the buttons. You can press the right buttons to bring your iPod settings to the factory status and erase all music and data.

How to Factory Reset iPod Touch Without Password in Recovery Mode

If the button combination is unavailable on your iPod, you can perform a factory reset in Recovery Mode. This approach is available to various situations, including when your iPod Touch is disabled or locked. This method requires a PC running Windows 10 or later and installing the latest version of iTunes or Apple Devices app. On macOS Catalina or later, you need to use the Finder app.

For an iPod Touch (7th generation), hold the Volume Down button.

For an iPod Touch (6th generation or earlier), hold the Home button.

Note: If the download process takes longer than 15 minutes, wait for it to finish, then power off your iPod and restart the process.

How to Factory Reset iPod Without Password by Apple Support

Apple's Activation Lock Support is able to factory reset your iPod touch without a password. Of course, you need to provide evidence of valid ownership, such as purchase proof. Plus, Apple may refuse your request.

Conclusion

This guide explained how to factory reset an iPhone, iPad, or iPod without a password. We demonstrated the proven methods and the workflow for each method according the device model. You can follow the steps to bring your device to factory default. imyPass iPassGo is available to almost all iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. If you have other questions about this topic, please write them down below.