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Forgetting passwords is an all-too-common issue that most of us have experienced at some point. In today’s world, where we have multiple accounts with various credentials, remembering each one can be a daunting task. While forgetting a password to a social media account or an email might be an easy fix, forgetting your iPhone password can be a little more challenging.
If you have forgotten your iPhone password, you might be wondering how you can regain access to your device. The good news is that there are several ways to reset your iPhone, even if you do not remember the password. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about resetting your iPhone when you have forgotten your password, including what a factory reset entails, whether you can factory reset a locked iPhone, and the various methods available to help you regain access to your iPhone in 2023.
[Updates] All the methods in this post support iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone X and iPhone 8.
What Does Factory Reset Mean on iPhone?
A factory reset on an iPhone, also known as a hard reset or master reset, is the process of restoring your device to its original factory settings. This means that all data, including contacts, messages, photos, and apps, will be erased from the device. A factory reset is typically used as a last resort when troubleshooting a problematic device or when preparing an iPhone for resale.
Can You Factory Reset a Locked iPhone?
Yes, it is possible to factory reset a locked iPhone. However, doing so will require additional steps and tools, as the device will not allow you to perform a reset through its settings menu while locked. Additionally, it is essential to note that factory resetting a locked iPhone will erase all data and settings on the device, so it is crucial to ensure you have a backup of your data before proceeding.
Locker Wiper: The Best Way to Reset iPhone When You Forgot the Password
LockWiper is a professional third-party software designed to help users regain access to their iPhones when they have forgotten their passwords. With a user-friendly interface and simple steps, iMyFone LockWiper can bypass screen locks, remove Apple ID without a password, and even unlock Screen Time passcodes. It is compatible with various iPhone models and iOS versions, making it a versatile solution for those in need of a password reset.
How to Use iMyFone LockWiper to Reset iPhone Password:
Step 1: Download and install iMyFone LockWiper on your computer. The software is available for both Windows and Mac.
Step 1: Launch LockWiper and select the "Unlock Screen Passcode" mode from the main interface.
Step 2: Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. Make sure your iPhone is detected by the software. If not, follow the on-screen instructions to put your device into DFU or Recovery mode.
Step 3: Once your device is detected, the software will display the device information. Verify the information and click "Download" to download the appropriate firmware for your iPhone.
Step 4: After the firmware download is complete, click "Start to Extract" to unpack the firmware.
Step 5: Click "Start Unlock" to begin the password reset process. The software will then proceed to remove the screen lock from your iPhone. Keep your device connected during the process and do not use it.
Step 6: Once the process is complete, your iPhone will be reset, and the screen lock will be removed. You can now set up your iPhone as a new device or restore it from a previous backup.
Pros and Cons of LockWiper:
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface: iMyFone LockWiper is designed with a user-friendly interface that makes it simple for users to navigate and use the software effectively.
- Compatibility: The software is compatible with various iPhone models and iOS versions, making it a versatile solution for password resets.
- Multiple unlock features: iMyFone LockWiper can not only reset iPhone passwords but also remove Apple ID without a password and unlock Screen Time passcodes.
- Regular updates: iMyFone LockWiper is frequently updated to ensure compatibility with the latest iOS versions and devices.
Cons:
- Paid software: iMyFone LockWiper is not a free tool, and users need to purchase a license to unlock its full features.
iTunes: The Free Way to Reset Your iPhone When Forgetting iPhone Password
Forgetting your iPhone password can be a frustrating situation, but thankfully, there are multiple methods available to regain access to your device. One of the most reliable and widely used methods is resetting the iPhone password using iTunes. iTunes is Apple’s official software for managing iOS devices and can be used to restore your iPhone, effectively removing the screen lock.
Requirements for Resetting iPhone without Password from iTunes:
- A computer with iTunes installed: You will need a Windows or macOS computer with iTunes installed to reset your iPhone password.
- A USB cable: A compatible USB cable is required to connect your iPhone to the computer.
- A previously synced iPhone: Your iPhone must have been synced with iTunes on the computer you are using to reset the password. If you have never synced your iPhone with iTunes, you may need to use an alternate method like iCloud or Recovery Mode.
Resetting iPhone without Password from iTunes:
Step 1: Use a compatible USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer where you have previously synced your device with iTunes.
Step 2: Launch iTunes on your computer. Ensure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed. If not, update it before proceeding.
Step 3: iTunes will automatically detect your connected iPhone. If prompted to enter your device passcode or to trust the computer, you will need to use an alternate method like iCloud or Recovery Mode, as mentioned earlier.
Step 2: Click on the small iPhone icon in the upper left corner of the iTunes window to select your device.
Step 5: Before resetting your iPhone, it’s a good idea to create a backup of your data. To do this, click "Back Up Now" under the "Backups" section in the "Summary" tab. This step is optional but highly recommended to prevent data loss.
Step 6: In the "Summary" tab, click the "Restore iPhone" button. A pop-up window will appear, warning you that this process will erase all data and settings on your iPhone. Click "Restore" to confirm your choice and proceed with the password reset.
Step 7: Wait for the process to complete: iTunes will now download the required firmware and restore your iPhone to factory settings. This process may take some time, depending on your internet connection and device model. Do not disconnect your iPhone during the process.
Step 8: Once the restore process is complete, your iPhone will restart, and you can set it up as a new device or restore it from a previous backup.
By following these detailed steps, you can reset your iPhone password using iTunes, allowing you to regain access to your device and set a new password.
Recovery Mode: Factory Reset Your iPhone without Computer When You Forgot the Password
Forgetting your iPhone password can be a frustrating experience, but there are multiple methods available to help you regain access to your device. If you have never synced your iPhone with iTunes or enabled Find My iPhone, you can still reset your iPhone password using Recovery Mode. Recovery Mode is a fail-safe mode in iOS devices that allows you to restore your device to factory settings, effectively removing the screen lock.
Requirements:
- A computer: You will need a Windows or macOS computer with iTunes installed (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) to reset your iPhone password in Recovery Mode.
- A USB cable: A compatible USB cable is required to connect your iPhone to the computer.
Detailed Steps to Reset iPhone without Password in Recovery Mode
Step 1: Power off your iPhone completely by pressing and holding the side button and then swiping the power off slider on the screen.
Step 2: Use a compatible USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer while simultaneously holding the side or top button (depending on your iPhone model) until the Recovery Mode screen appears. The steps to enter Recovery Mode vary depending on the iPhone model:
- For iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, followed by the Volume Down button. Then press and hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
- For iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the Side and Volume Down buttons together until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
- For iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold the Home and Top (or Side) buttons together until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
Step 3: Launch iTunes on your Windows computer or macOS Mojave and earlier. For macOS Catalina and later, open Finder. Your computer should automatically detect your iPhone in Recovery Mode.
Step 4: A pop-up window will appear, stating that there is a problem with your iPhone and it needs to be updated or restored. Click "Restore" to confirm your choice and proceed with the password reset. This process will erase all data and settings on your iPhone.
Step 5: iTunes or Finder will now download the required firmware and restore your iPhone to factory settings. This process may take some time, depending on your internet connection and device model. Do not disconnect your iPhone during the process.
Step 6: Once the restore process is complete, your iPhone will restart, and you can set it up as a new device or restore it from a previous backup.
After completing the above steps, you can reset your iPhone in recovery mode even you forgot iPhone password.
Why You Can’t Reset Your iPhone When the Password is Forgotten?
When you forget your iPhone password, it can be challenging to reset your device because Apple has implemented security measures to protect your personal information and prevent unauthorized access. Here are some reasons why you might face difficulties in resetting your iPhone when the password is forgotten:
Security measures: Apple’s security protocols are designed to protect user data from unauthorized access. The password is a primary security feature that prevents others from accessing your iPhone’s content. When you forget your password, it’s difficult to prove that you are the device’s legitimate owner, so resetting the device becomes challenging.
iCloud Activation Lock: If Find My iPhone is enabled on your device, the iCloud Activation Lock is also active. This feature is designed to prevent unauthorized access or use of your iPhone if it is lost or stolen. Even if you manage to reset your iPhone, the Activation Lock will still be in place, requiring the Apple ID and password associated with the device.
No previous synchronization with iTunes: If you have never synced your iPhone with iTunes, you might not be able to use iTunes to reset your device. In this case, you will have to use Recovery Mode or iCloud (if Find My iPhone is enabled) to reset your iPhone.
Two-factor authentication: If you have enabled two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, you may face difficulties resetting your iPhone using iCloud. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, requiring a code sent to a trusted device or phone number in addition to your Apple ID and password. If you don’t have access to a trusted device or phone number, you may not be able to reset your iPhone using iCloud.
Limited internet access: Resetting your iPhone using iCloud requires an internet connection. If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or cellular data, you may not be able to reset your iPhone remotely using iCloud.
Frequently Asked Question about iPhone Reset
1. Will resetting my iPhone delete all of my data?
Yes, resetting your iPhone will erase all data and settings on your device. This includes contacts, messages, photos, apps, and other personal information. Before resetting your iPhone, it is essential to back up your data if possible.
2. Can I restore my data after resetting my iPhone without a password?
If you have previously backed up your data using iCloud or iTunes, you can restore your data to your iPhone after resetting it. Keep in mind that any data not included in the backup will be lost.
3. Will my iPhone be unlocked after resetting it without a password?
Resetting your iPhone will remove the passcode, allowing you to set up a new one during the initial setup process. However, if your iPhone is carrier-locked or has an iCloud Activation Lock, these locks will remain in place after resetting your device.
4. Can I reset my iPhone without a password if I don’t have access to a computer?
If you have Find My iPhone enabled and access to an internet connection, you can use iCloud to remotely erase and reset your iPhone. However, if you have not enabled Find My iPhone, you will need a computer to reset your device using iTunes or third-party software like iMyFone LockerWiper.
5. Are there any risks associated with resetting my iPhone without a password?
Resetting your iPhone without a password will erase all data and settings on your device, so it is crucial to have a backup of your data. Additionally, if your iPhone is still under warranty, using third-party software like iMyFone LockerWiper may void the warranty.
The Bottom Line
Although resetting your iPhone when the password is forgotten can be challenging due to these security measures and limitations, you still have options like using iTunes, Recovery Mode, or third-party software like iMyFone LockWiper to regain access to your device. Always remember to create regular backups of your data and note down your passwords to avoid such situations in the future.