[2025 Full Guide] How to Erase iPhone in Recovery Mode?

Locked out of your iPhone? Maybe you forgot your passcode, the screen is frozen, or your device gets stuck. Whatever the reason, sometimes the only way to regain control is by erasing the iPhone.

The simplest way to factory reset an iPhone is through the Settings, but if you can't access the device, here's how to erase iPhone in recovery mode using iTunes. Also, you can learn about other effective solutions.

If you have forgotten your iPhone passcode and you have never synced with iTunes before, then you will need to use recovery mode to restore your iPhone. Follow steps below to see how to reset iPhone from recovery mode.

Step 1: Install the latest version of iTunes on your Windows PC or Mac, then launch it.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable, then follow the steps below to put different iPhone models in recovery mode.

Step 3: Once iTunes detects your device in recovery mode, you can see two options from the interface. Click Restore button to erase iPhone in recovery mode.

Step 4: iTunes will automatically download the iOS firmware file, which will then be used to reset iPhone with recovery mode. Wait fo the process to complete within 20-25 minutes.

Pros

• If you're locked out due to a forgotten passcode, failed Face ID/Touch ID or iPhone with unresponsive screen, this method works.
• Completely erases all data and settings, useful before selling or giving the device away.
• Require iTunes/Finder and a USB cable only.

Cons

• Not guarantee 100% success rate, it's likely that iTunes can't detect your device.
• Everything on the device is erased unless you have a backup.
• You must connect to iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).

Don’t want to use iTunes to reset your iPhone in recovery mode? Maybe iTunes isn't recognizing your device, or you're simply looking for a more straightforward solution.

In that case, you can try iMyFone LockWiper iPhone Eraser to factory reset your iPhone from recovery mode without iTunes. It's a fast and effective solution that can easily erase the device without the need of password/iTunes/Finder.

Key Features of iMyFone LockWiper:

• Erase iPhone Without Password: It can factory reset your device without requiring for password/iTunes/Finder.
• Restore to Default Settings: Completely factory reset your iPhone, 100% safe to use for all users, including non-tech people.
• Compatible with Recovery Mode: It works seamlessly with iPhone already in recovery mode, so you won't need to exit or restart the process.
• All Models Supported: It supports most iPhone models and iOS versions, including iPhone 13/14/15/16 and iOS 17/18.
• Other Features: Also able to reset iPhone without Apple ID, unlock screen locks, bypass MDM and unlock Screen Time passcode.

Here's how to reset iPhone in recovery mode without iTunes via iMyFone LockWiper.

Step 1: Download and install LockWiper on your computer. Open the program and select Start to Unlock to begin.

Step 2: Follow to put your iPhone into recovery mode for it to get detected. You can also watch the video.

Step 3: Click Start again when prompted, then connect your iPhone to your PC or Mac using a USB cable.

Step 4: To proceed with the factory reset, LockWiper will need to download the appropriate firmware for your device. Just click Download to get started.

Step 5: Once the firmware finishes downloading, hit Unlock. LockWiper will automatically begin erasing your iPhone and restoring it to factory settings.

Wait for the process to finish. When it's done, your iPhone will restart. That's how to reset iPhone from recovery mode without iTunes via LockWiper, get it to have a free try!

Pros

• Reset iPhone in recovery mode without iTunes or password.
• Erase your device with up to 99% success rate.
• Completely wipe your iPhone clean, no need to worry about data leakage.
• Compatible with all iPhone models and iOS versions.
• Also able to unlock iPhone in different situations.

Cons

• You need to use it via a computer and connect your device with a USB cable.

If you prefer to factory reset your iPhone without recovery mode rather than using iTunes or third-party tool, here's a quick solution for you. Before using this method, you need to satisfy the following requirements:

Step 1: From your iPhone's lock screen, try to enter the wrong passcode multiple times until the "iPhone Unavailable" screen appears.

Step 2: For iPhone running iOS 17 or later, tap Forgot Passcode?, while for iPhone running iOS 15.2 or iOS 16, tap Erase iPhone option in the bottom corner of the screen.

Step 3: On the Security Lockout screen, tap Start iPhone Reset to confirm.

Step 4: Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple Account on your device. Then, tap the button again to confirm erasing all your data and settings.

Note

That's how you can factory reset iPhone without entering recovery mode. If your iPhone is running iOS 15.2 or earlier, this method won't suit you. You can try LockWiper or iTunes to erase your iPhone in recovery mode.

If you wonder how to erase iPhone in recovery mode, this article should help. Also, you can learn about how to factory reset iPhone directly without recovery mode. In case you should need a more straightforward solution, iMyFone LockWiper is recommended. It can reset your iPhone from recovery mode without iTunes or password, you can try it.

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Article by

Melvin Cooper

Melvin Cooper has over 10 years of experience in the technology industry and is an expert at providing tips and handy solutions to Apple and Android users. Dedicated to helping millions of users improve their experience with mobile devices, he has maintained an impressive record of solving problems.