How to Reset iPhone with Activation Lock in 2025 [Easy Way]

Part 1. Can You Factory Reset an Activation-Locked iPhone

Yes, you can factory reset an activation-locked iPhone, but it won’t bypass the Activation Lock itself. The Activation Lock is a security feature linked to the original owner’s Apple ID and iCloud account. Even if you manage to erase all data and restore the iPhone to factory settings, the lock will still be active when the device restarts. It indicates that during the setup process, you will be asked to enter the related Apple ID and password.

Apple designed Activation Lock to deter theft and protect personal data. Therefore, a simple factory reset won’t bypass it unless the Apple ID credentials are entered. However, in the sections below, we’ll show you multiple ways how to reset iPhone with Activation Lock, both with and without the Apple ID, so you can select the strategy that fits your situation.

Part 2. Reset iPhone with Activation Lock with Apple ID password

If you still recall the Apple ID and password that were used with the locked iPhone, removing the activation lock is easy. Apple allows a user to reset their device using multiple official ways securely. So, you have the option to reset directly from the device, through iCloud, or by way of the Find My feature on iCloud. All methods will remove the activation lock if the Apple ID and password match in the system. Here's how to reset an activation locked iPhone using the Apple ID password:

Option 1. Reset an Activation-Locked iPhone in Settings

The easiest case of how to reset an iPhone with Activation Lock is through the device's Settings, provided you are signed into the correct Apple ID. Below are the steps to reset your iPhone from Settings.

Following the reset, the iPhone will restart and act as if it's brand new. This option works best if you have access to the iPhone and/or the linked iCloud account.

Option 2. Factory Reset an iPhone with Activation Lock at iCloud.com

If you don’t have physical access to the iPhone but still know the Apple ID credentials, you can perform a remote factory reset through iCloud.com. This option is especially useful if the device is lost, sold, or given to someone else.

Here’s how to factory reset an iPhone with Activation Lock using iCloud

You will have ensured that the iPhone is remotely erased and removed from your Apple ID, enabling a new user to set up without any complications. It is a safe and official method suggested by Apple for managing lost secondhand devices.

Option 3. Reset an iPhone with Activation Lock Using Find My

You can erase your iPhone using the Find My App on a different Apple device if you are signed into the iPhone and Find My is turned on. This method is useful when you have lost the device, or you are selling it or transferring ownership.

Here’s how to factory reset iPhone that has Activation Lock using the Find My App

Using this method guarantees that your data is deleted and that the iPhone is no longer linked to your Apple ID, preparing it for sale or other new uses.

Part 3. Reset an Activation-Locked iPhone without Apple ID

If you don’t have access to the original Apple ID or password, bypassing Activation Lock becomes more difficult but not impossible. While Apple’s official methods require account credentials, there are still a few workarounds to reset an iPhone under Activation Lock. These methods don’t remove the lock itself, but can help you erase the device and prepare it for potential unlocking solutions.

Method 1. Factory Reset iPhone on Activation Lock in iTunes

Even if an iPhone is activation locked, you can still use iTunes or Finder to perform a factory reset. However, keep in mind that this does not remove the Activation Lock. You’ll still be required to enter the original Apple ID and password during setup. This method is useful when you want to erase the device and start the unlocking process cleanly. Follow these steps to factory reset an activation-locked iPhone using iTunes.

After the iPhone restarts, it will ask for the Apple ID linked to the device. If you don’t have it, the Activation Lock will still be present, and you’ll need a tool or official support to proceed further.

Method 2. Erase iPhone on Activation Lock on Lock Screen

If the iPhone is stuck on the Activation Lock screen, Apple lets users erase the device right from that screen, but only if you have the Apple ID password. It is a great option when you have purchased or received a used iPhone and the previous owner is there to unlock it. Here’s how to erase an iPhone while on the Activation Lock screen.

While this method wipes the data, it will not remove the Activation Lock unless the Apple ID is verified.

Part 4. Will the Factory Reset Remove the Activation Lock

No, a factory reset does not clear the Activation Lock. Even after erasing all data from your iPhone, Apple’s security feature will still require the original Apple ID and password during setup. It is designed to prevent unauthorized use of lost or stolen devices. However, suppose you don’t have access to the Apple ID. In that case, you can use a third-party unlocking tool like Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker to remove the iCloud Activation Lock and regain control of the device.

How to Use Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker to Remove iCloud Activation Lock

Note: This method may erase all data on your device. Make sure to back up anything important beforehand if possible.

Part 5. FAQs about Resetting iPhone with Activation Lock

Conclusion

If you're wondering how to reset a activation locked iPhone, it depends on whether you have the Apple ID. With the ID, you can reset it easily via Settings, iCloud, or Find My. Without it, tools like Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker can help bypass the lock. A factory reset alone won't remove Activation Lock, so choose the right method for your situation.