How to Factory Reset iPhone Without Apple ID Password (Full Guide)

May 8, 2025 / By

So, you’re stuck with an iPhone and can’t remember the Apple ID password. Maybe you bought a used device, forgot your login, or someone handed you their old iPhone without signing out. No worries—this guide will walk you through how to factory reset an iPhone without the Apple ID password in a clear, easy-to-understand way.

Let’s dive right in.

What Happens When You Try to Reset Without Apple ID?

Before we jump into the methods, let’s get one thing straight.

Apple ID is tied to iCloud. When you factory reset an iPhone, Apple’s Activation Lock kicks in, asking for that Apple ID and password. This is part of Apple’s security to prevent theft and fraud. So if you’re trying to reset without those credentials, Apple will block the process—unless you use the right workarounds.

Now, let’s talk solutions.

Method 1: Use iTunes in Recovery Mode

This is the most accessible method if you don’t have the Apple ID password but can access a computer.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the iPhone.
  2. Put your iPhone in Recovery Mode.
    • For iPhone 8 or later: Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down. Hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen shows up.
    • For iPhone 7: Press and hold the Volume Down + Sleep/Wake buttons.
    • For iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold the Home + Sleep/Wake buttons together.
  3. Connect the iPhone to a computer using a USB cable.
  4. Open iTunes (or Finder if you’re using macOS Catalina or newer).
  5. When prompted, choose Restore (not Update).

This will wipe your iPhone clean. But here’s the thing—it won’t bypass Activation Lock. Once it resets, it’ll still ask for the Apple ID linked to the device.

So use this only if you can reach out to the previous owner.

Method 2: Contact the Original Owner

If you purchased or were gifted a used iPhone and don’t have the Apple ID credentials, this is the cleanest way.

Ask the original owner to:

  1. Go to iCloud.com.
  2. Sign in with their Apple ID.
  3. Click Find iPhone > All Devices.
  4. Select your iPhone.
  5. Click Erase iPhone, then Remove from Account.

Once that’s done, you can set up the iPhone as new. No lock, no password.

Method 3: Use a Professional iPhone Unlock Tool

When you’re truly locked out, third-party tools can help reset your iPhone without the Apple ID password. These tools remove the iCloud Activation Lock by bypassing Apple’s security.

Popular tools:

  • Tenorshare 4uKey
  • Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS)
  • iMyFone LockWiper

Note: These tools often require payment, and some features may be limited in free versions.

How they work:

  1. Download the software on your computer.
  2. Connect your iPhone.
  3. Follow on-screen steps to put the iPhone into DFU or Recovery Mode.
  4. Let the tool wipe the phone and remove the iCloud lock.

These apps make it possible to factory reset an iPhone without an Apple ID or password, even if it’s stuck.

Method 4: Using DNS Bypass (Temporary Access)

This is more of a trick than a real fix, but it lets you use certain features of a locked iPhone.

Steps:

  1. On the iPhone setup screen, connect to Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap the “i” next to your Wi-Fi network.
  3. Go to DNS and enter:
    • USA: 104.154.51.7
    • Europe: 104.155.28.90
    • Asia: 104.155.220.58
  4. Tap back, then connect to Wi-Fi again.
  5. A menu should appear giving you partial access to the device.

This doesn’t fully unlock your iPhone or remove the Apple ID, but you can use some apps like YouTube, Mail, and Maps.

Method 5: Apple Support (Only if You Can Prove Ownership)

If you’re the original owner and have proof of purchase, Apple may help.

What to do:

  1. Go to Apple Support online or visit an Apple Store.
  2. Provide your iPhone’s IMEI number, a receipt, or purchase invoice.
  3. Ask them to remove the Activation Lock.

They won’t help if you can’t prove ownership, so keep your documents ready.

Can You Factory Reset Without Any Software or PC?

You can erase an iPhone directly from the settings only if you know the passcode and Apple ID. If either is missing, your only options are external tools or the original owner.

So no, you can’t do a full reset and bypass Apple ID just from the phone unless it’s already unlocked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset an iPhone without Apple ID using iCloud?

No, iCloud requires the Apple ID to log in. Without that, you can’t erase or reset the device remotely.

Is it legal to bypass Apple ID?

Yes—if you own the device or have permission from the owner. Using these tools on stolen or lost phones is illegal.

Will a factory reset remove iCloud?

No. A regular factory reset does not remove iCloud or Apple ID from the device. Only bypass methods or the original owner can do that.

What is Activation Lock?

Activation Lock is an Apple security feature that prevents unauthorized access after an iPhone is erased or lost.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your iPhone without an Apple ID password isn’t impossible, but it does require the right approach. Whether it’s using iTunes, getting help from the original owner, or relying on trusted unlocking tools, you have options.

Just be sure to avoid shady tools or anything that promises an instant unlock for free. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.