How to reset a locked iPhone without a computer

Image of person holding an iPhone showing the lock screen number pad

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Apple'due south latest iPhone operating system, iOS 15, introduced a agglomeration of new features when it was released, including the power to reset a locked iPhone without a computer in its latest version, iOS 15.2.

Whether y'all accept the high-terminate iPhone 13 Pro Max or the more affordable iPhone 13, it can exist a real pain if you've forgotten your passcode. And if y'all try to guess it incorrectly too many times, y'all'll end upwardly locking the handset. At this signal, you'll need to wait until you lot can enter the passcode again — something that may be hard if y'all simply can't call back it. The culling is to erase and reset your iPhone so it tin at least become usable again.

Prior to iOS 15.two, a locked iPhone could only be brought back to life using a estimator. Now, however, you tin reset and erase a locked iPhone from the device itself. All you need is your Apple ID and countersign — a handy requirement that prevents someone who finds or steals your phone from bringing information technology back to life.

So, if you've forgotten your passcode, here'due south how to reset a locked iPhone without a estimator.

Note: Your iPhone must be running iOS xv.two or above for this guide to piece of work.

How to reset a locked iPhone without a computer

1. If y'all've forgotten your passcode, don't worry. Assuming the phone is continued to a cellular or Wi-Fi network, simply keep inbound an incorrect passcode. Somewhen, your iPhone will tell you it is unavailable for a ready catamenia of time, starting with a minute.

iOS 15 home screen asking for passcode to be entered — (Epitome credit: Apple)

ii. Expect until the time is upward and enter an wrong passcode multiple times once again. As before, the iPhone will become unavailable, this time for five minutes.

iOS 15 lock screen with "iPhone unavailable try again in 5 minutes" on the display — (Image credit: Apple tree)

3. Again, expect until the time passes and keep entering incorrect passcodes until the iPhone becomes unavailable for 15 minutes. You will see a new option called "Erase iPhone" appear in the lesser-right corner. If you want to go alee and wipe your device clean of all content and settings, then simply tap "Erase iPhone".

iOS 15 lock screen with "iPhone unavailable try again in 15 minutes" on the display — (Image credit: Apple)

4. Y'all volition now be asked to confirm your decision (the alternative being to wait until you can attempt entering passcodes again) and then tap "Erase iPhone" once more if y'all want to keep.

iOS 15 lock screen with Erase all contents and settings on the display — (Image credit: Apple)

5. Enter your Apple ID countersign and so that your device can be signed out of your Apple tree account and related services.

iOS lock screen asking for password to be entered — (Epitome credit: Apple)

Now you've discovered how to to reset a locked iPhone without a computer, y'all'd might like to encounter some other guides for your iPhone. Check out 15 essential Letters tips every iPhone owner should know to larn nearly the many features in the Messages app. If you lot miss full-screen caller ID, run into how to get full-screen Caller ID on iOS 15. Or discover the hidden trackpad that makes editing a breeze on iPhones and iPads.

David Crookes is a freelance writer, reporter, editor and author. He has written for technology and gaming magazines including Retro Gamer, Web User, Micro Mart, MagPi, Android, iCreate, Total PC Gaming, T3 and Macworld. He has too covered crime, history, politics, instruction, health, sport, motion-picture show, music and more, and been a producer for BBC Radio 5 Live.