Forum Discussion

Wrazil's avatar
Wrazil
Copper Contributor
Nov 04, 2026

How can I reset iPhone without passcode after locked out?

Got locked out of my iPhone and can't remember the password. Find My iPhone wasn't turned on beforehand, so the usual iCloud erase option through Find My iPhone isn't available to me. I still have t...
Anastmsia's avatar
Anastmsia
Brass Contributor
Nov 04, 2026

How to Reset iPhone Without Passcode? (Restore, Not Update)

Yes — you can reset a locked iPhone without the passcode even if Find My iPhone was never on. The key is using "Restore" (not "Update") in recovery mode via a computer.

Since Find My is off, iCloud erase and the on-device "Forgot Passcode?" option aren't available. Your only route is a computer + recovery mode + Restore.

1. Put the iPhone into recovery mode.
2. Connect it to a Mac (Finder) or Windows PC (Apple Devices / iTunes).
3. Choose "Restore" — "Update" will not remove the passcode.
4. Wait for it to finish; the iPhone reboots to the Hello screen.
5. Set it up again.

You'll still need the Apple ID password for Activation Lock if it was previously signed in.

Bottom line: For how to reset iPhone without passcode when Find My was never enabled, recovery-mode Restore on a computer is your only working route. Don't pick "Update."