How to erase an iPhone without Apple ID (2024)

Nmzacky6

20 points

My iPhone requires the previous owner's apple ID to activate i

but he's unreachable what do I do

Limnos

415,879 points

If you cannot recover the information required to unlock the phone to erase it, Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Do this online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not detail what currently constitutes proof. Prior to this new online service Apple typically required the original receipt issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the original owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership). This will give you access to the device but won't restore access to the account used to lock it.There is nothing that can be done to expedite an Activation Lock request.

Apple recommends you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support

youmi16

62 points

Hey, guys. If you can no longer use your Apple ID, you can reset your iPhone using iTunes or Finder. However, if your iPhone has Find My enabled, it may get stuck at the activation lock screen after resetting. If this happens, you might need to contact official support to recover your iPhone.

If you forgot your Apple ID, how to fix it?

If you've just forgotten your Apple ID password, you can change the password in the Apple ID settings on your iPhone, and then proceed with the reset. This is a more reliable method to prevent your iPhone from becoming unusable.

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

How to factory reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

IdrisSeabright

165,719 points

Nmzacky6 wrote:

My iPhone requires the previous owner's apple ID to activate i

but he's unreachable what do I do

And if you can't return it, recycle it properly.

Oichoooooo

301 points

Hello, bab9620.

You can erase your iPhone without the Apple ID if you fulfill some conditions, but I would like to remind you, that this will cause data loss.

1 - Using iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) Erase iPhone - Apple Support

1. Connect iPhone to Computer:

• Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to a computer that has iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) installed.

1. Enter Recovery Mode:

• For iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
• For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously until the recovery mode screen appears.
• For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the Home and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously until the recovery mode screen appears.

1. Restore iPhone:

• On iTunes or Finder, a prompt will appear asking whether you want to Restore or Update. Choose Restore.
• This will download the latest iOS software and restore your device, erasing all data including the Apple ID.

2 - Using iCloud (If Find My iPhone is Enabled) Erase a device in Find Devices on iCloud.com - Apple Support (HK)

If you can access the iCloud account linked to the iPhone, you can erase the iPhone remotely:

1. Log in to iCloud:

• Go to iCloud.com on a web browser.
• Sign in with the Apple ID and password.

1. Access Find My iPhone:

• Click on "Find iPhone".
• You may need to re-enter your Apple ID password.

1. Select the iPhone:

• Click "All Devices" at the top of the screen.
• Select the iPhone you want to erase.

1. Erase iPhone:

• Click "Erase iPhone".
• Confirm the action. This will erase all the data on the iPhone, including the Apple ID.

If you can't use iTunes, Finder, or you don't have another Apple device to erase this iPhone, you might consider searching for some alternative methods. You can also check this out; it might be helpful.

How to factory reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

[Edited by Moderator]

Katana-San

67,591 points

Hello ~ That is the activation lock. If the person/persons that you bought the iPhone from cannot or will not remove it …the iPhone is basically useless to you. If they cannot/will not remove it…return it and get your money back. We cannot help remove it nor can Apple. Take a look here:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Also:

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone

~Katana-San~

IdrisSeabright

165,719 points

Oichoooooo wrote:

You can erase your iPhone without the Apple ID if you fulfill some conditions, but I would like to remind you, that this will cause data loss.

No, you can't.

1 - Using iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) Erase iPhone - Apple Support1.

Connect iPhone to Computer:

• Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to a computer that has iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) installed.

1. Enter Recovery Mode:

• For iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.

• For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously until the recovery mode screen appears.

• For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the Home and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously until the recovery mode screen appears.

1. Restore iPhone:

• On iTunes or Finder, a prompt will appear asking whether you want to Restore or Update. Choose Restore.

• This will download the latest iOS software and restore your device, erasing all data including the Apple ID.

No, this will not allow you to restore the phone without the Apple ID password.

2 - Using iCloud (If Find My iPhone is Enabled) Erase a device in Find Devices on iCloud.com - Apple Support (HK)1.

If you can access the iCloud account linked to the iPhone, you can erase the iPhone remotely:

Log in to iCloud:

Go to iCloud.com• on a web browser.

• Sign in with the Apple ID and password.

1. Access Find My iPhone:

• Click on "Find iPhone".

• You may need to re-enter your Apple ID password.

1. Select the iPhone:

• Click "All Devices" at the top of the screen.

• Select the iPhone you want to erase.

1. Erase iPhone:

• Click "Erase iPhone".

• Confirm the action. This will erase all the data on the iPhone, including the Apple ID.

These instructions, as you've copied them, explicitly state that you need the Apple ID password. So, no, this doesn't allow you to restore the phone without the Apple ID password. It might be a good idea to read things before copying and pasting.

If you can't use iTunes, Finder, or you don't have another Apple device to erase this iPhone, you might consider searching for some alternative methods. You can also check this out; it might be helpful.

How to factory reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

The only alternate method is to contact Apple with proof of original purchase.

AlWeir

1,168 points

Mac Jim ID

20,309 points

Oichoooooo wrote:

Sorry, but the information you have provided is false and of no use to the OP. It does not appear you have reviewed any of the information that you posted. This is typical of AI responses and using AI to generate content is subject to removal by moderators for a violation that can be found in the Terms of Use for this site. I suggest a review of these terms.

Apple Support Communities Use Agreement - Apple Community

Mac Jim ID

20,309 points

King2583 wrote:

I have iPhone 11 iCloud is lock

how will I open it?

If your Apple ID is Locked:

If your Apple ID is locked, not active, or disabled - Apple Support

If this is related to the OP question of not knowing the Apple ID, then you will need to provide some more details including how you acquired the device.

IdrisSeabright

165,719 points

IdrisSeabright

165,719 points

Katana-San wrote:

Hello~ Spot on and great information posted on your part.

Aww, thank you!

IdrisSeabright

165,719 points

youmi16 wrote:

Hey, guys. If you can no longer use your Apple ID, you can reset your iPhone using iTunes or Finder.

Not without the Apple ID you can't.

Mac Jim ID

20,309 points

Mac Jim ID

20,309 points

eliestrella07 wrote:

how to reset your iphone. mine keeps declining when i click the erase iphone and type the password, even though it's correct. i forgot my iphone passcode and I can't remember it until now so i don't have any choice but to reset/erase my iphone.

Are you able to sign in at appleid.apple.com with that Apple ID and Password?