Can you restart a locked iPhone?

Yes, you can reboot a locked iPhone, but you still cannot access the device. After power-off the locked iPhone, long-press the Side button until you see the Apple logo. Then you will be taken to the Lock Screen.

How to reset an iPhone without Apple ID password?

The Recovery Mode allows you to reset an iOS device without Apple ID and password, but it requires a computer running the latest operating systems.

How to access my locked iPhone again?

The only way to access a locked iPhone again is to reset the device. Here you have multiple choices, such as resetting it with iCloud, iTunes, or third-party software.

How to Properly Factory Reset a Locked iPhone and iPad

Penny Warren Published on June 25, 2025Unlock iOS4-min reading

"I have an old iPhone and want to sell it, but I forgot the passcode; how can I reset my iPhone?" While the lock screen passcode is able to protect your data, it blocks access to your iOS device once you forgot it. The good news is that you still can factory reset your locked iPad or iPhone without the passcode. This tutorial demonstrates the proven methods with steps.

In this article:

Part 1: Backup Your iPad iPhone Data Before Reset
Part 2: Erase iPad iPhone with Apple ID Without Computer
Part 3: Factory Reset iPad Without Apple ID Password or Passcode
Part 4: Factory Reset iPad Using Recovery Mode
Part 5: Erase iPad iPhone via Find My

Part 1: Backup Your iPad iPhone Data Before Reset

Since the factory reset erases all data on your device, you’d better back up your iPhone or iPad before the process. Bear in mind that it is only available to back up your device to a trusted computer in such a case.

Step 1

Connect your iPhone or iPad to a PC or Mac with a USB cable.

Step 2

Open iTunes on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier.
On macOS Catalina or newer, open Finder.

Step 3

Click the Phone button at the top left corner of iTunes.
In Finder, click your device name on the sidebar instead.

Step 4

Go to the Summary or General tab.

Step 5

Select This Computer under the Backups section.
Select Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac in Finder.

Step 6

Click the Back Up Now button.

Note: If you want to encrypt your backup, tick the box next to Encrypt local backup and leave a password.

Part 2: Erase iPad iPhone with Apple ID Without Computer

The easiest way to factory reset a locked iPhone or iPad is the Erase option on the Security Lockout or Unavailable screen. However, you must update your device to the latest versions of iOS or iPadOS.

Prerequisites

1. Your iPhone runs iOS 15.2 or later.

2. Your iPad runs iPadOS 15.2 or later.

3. You must remember your Apple ID password.

4. Your touchscreen is still working and not freezing.

Step 1

Repeatedly type a wrong passcode until you see Security Lockout.

Step 2

Tap the Erase iPhone button at the bottom.

Step 3

Press the Erase iPhone button again.

Tip: On iOS 17 or later, tap Forgot Passcode and hit Start iPhone Reset.

Step 4

Step 4: Enter your Apple ID password and tap Erase iPhone again.

Part 3: Factory Reset iPad Without Apple ID Password or Passcode

Can you factory reset a locked iPad without the Apple ID password? The answer is yes, and all you need to do is iPassGo. It allows you to reset an iOS device without any limitations. Furthermore, the user-friendly interface makes it easy to learn for beginners.

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How to Factory Reset an iPad Without Any Limitations

Step 1

Link your iPad to a computer
Launch the best iPad unlocking software once you install it on your PC. There is another version for Mac. Choose the Wipe Passcode mode. Link your iPad to your PC with a Lightning cable. Tap Trust if the first time you link two devices. Then, the software will detect your device immediately.

Step 2

Download the firmware
Click the Start button to scan your device and load the device information. If any item is wrong, correct it manually. Next, click the Start button to download the necessary firmware package. It may take a while.

Step 3

Reset your locked iPad
When firmware downloading finishes, click the Unlock button to proceed. Read the alert message carefully and confirm the unlocking. Then, enter 0000 to ensure the process. When it is done, disconnect your iPad or iPhone. You can also unlock your iPhone without a password with it.

Part 4: Factory Reset iPad Using Recovery Mode

The Recovery Mode is another way to restore an iPad when locked. This method doesn’t ask for your iPad passcode or Apple ID password. If you have turned on Find My, your Apple ID password is required when setting up your device.

Prerequisites

1. You have a computer with the latest version of iTunes or Finder.

2. You have a compatible USB cable.

3. Physical buttons are working on your iPad or iPhone.

Step 1

Hook up your iPad to a computer with a compatible cable.

Step 2

Open iTunes or Finder depending on your operating system.

Step 3

Put your iPad or iPhone in Recovery Mode:

On an iPad without a Home button or iPhone 8 or later

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.

Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.

Long-press the Side button until you see the Recovery Mode screen.

On an iPhone 7/7 Plu

Hold the Volume Down + Side buttons.

When you see the Recovery Mode screen, release the buttons.

On an iPad with a Home button or iPhone 6s or earlier

Hold the Home + Sleep/Wake buttons.

Let the buttons go until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

Step 4

Once iTunes or Finder detects your device in Recovery Mode, a dialog will pop up.

Step 5

Click the Restore button on the dialog and follow the onscreen instructions to complete restoring your locked iPad or iPhone

Part 5: Erase iPad iPhone via Find My

Find My is a significant feature that allows iPad and iPhone users to track their devices. Once you turn on Find My on your device, you can remotely factory reset a locked iPad on iCloud Find My or a borrowed iOS or Mac device.

Prerequisites

1. Find My is enabled on your iPad or iPhone.

2. You still remember your Apple ID and password.

3. You have a web browser on another iOS device or a Mac computer.

How to Erase iPad via Find My Online

Step 1

Go to www.icloud.com/find in a web browser.

Step 2

Tip: If you have set up Two-factory Authentication, enter the verification code.

Step 3

Click and expand the All Devices menu and choose your iPad.

Step 4

Click the Erase This Device button on the dialog.

Step 5

Hit Continue and type your Apple ID password again. Finally, click Erase to confirm the action.

How to Erase iPad via Find My on a Borrowed Apple Device

Step 1

Open the Find My app on a borrowed iPhone, iPad, or Mac..

Step 2

Go to the Devices tab from the bottom.

Step 3

Find your iPad or iPhone on the list. If you cannot find it, tap or click the + button next to Devices. Then, add your Apple ID and password.

Step 4

Click or touch the toolbar and swipe upward to expand it. Then, click or tap the Erase This Device button.

Step 5

Click or tap Continue, and hit the Erase button.

Step 6

Finally, enter your Apple ID password and press the Erase button.

Conclusion

Now, you should understand how to reset a locked iPad or iPhone without a passcode. After the software update, you can erase your device with the option on the Security Lockout screen. Find My and Recovery Mode are able to reset a locked iOS device in specific conditions. iPassGo is the best option for doing the job without any restrictions. If you have other questions about this topic, please write them down below.

Penny Warren

Penny Warren, a senior editor from imyPass, is specialized in MS Office software. You can find professional tutorials and solutions of MS Office software from her posts.