How to Factory Reset iPhone 5/4? Perform It in 5 Ways!

Here’s how to reset an iPhone 5 to factory settings, whether you have the passcode or not. Follow our guide for iPhone 4/5/5S.

Author Avatar Joy Taylor Last Updated: Aug. 20, 2024

Apple has released a range of iPhones, from the iPhone 4 to the latest iPhone 15. While models like the iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, and iPhone 5C are older, many people still use them daily. As the iPhone 5’s hardware ages, some users look to factory reset it for better performance. Factory resetting can be a helpful solution when your iPhone encounters issues. Learn how to factory reset iPhone 4/5 with or without passcode by following our guide.

Factory Reset iPhone 5

Factory Reset iPhone 5

How to Factory Reset iPhone 5/4 via Settings

Once you log in your iPhone, the simplest way on how to factory reset iPhone 4 is via Settings. Here is how you could do it:

Step 1. Open Settings from your home screen and tap General.

Step 2. Scroll down and select Reset, then choose Erase All Content and Settings.

Choose Erase All Content and Settings

Choose Erase All Content and Settings

Step 3. Enter your screen passcode and confirm to erase all data and settings.

How to Factory Reset iPhone 4/5 without Passcode

To erase everything on your iPhone, the simplest way is via Settings. However, if you’ve forgotten your iPhone passcode or it’s not working, you may find yourself locked out of your device. In such cases, you’ll need to factory reset your iPhone without the passcode.

Is it possible to factory reset iPhone 5s without passcode? Yes, it is. Here, we’ll introduce five methods to factory reset your iPhone without passcode.

Method 1: Factory Reset iPhone without Password via AnyUnlock [Safe & Easy]

AnyUnlock is a powerful tool that can unlock various iPhone locks, including screen lock, Apple ID, MDM lock, iCloud activation lock, and SIM lock. Its iPhone Screen Unlocker feature allows you to reset your iPhone 4/5/5s without passcode and without needing an Apple ID. 

AnyUnlock – iPhone Password Unlocker

  • All screen locks: You can remove all kinds of screen locks like password, Face/Touch ID, Pin, etc.
  • User-friendly operations: 1-click to unlock your iPhone to save you from complicated unlock executions.
  • Full iOS series supporter: It supports all iPhone, iPad models and iOS versions above iOS 5.

Free Download100% Clean & Safe

Free Download100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1. Download and install AnyUnlock on your computer. Then connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable. Launch the program and click on the ‘Unlock Screen Passcode‘ menu on the home page.

Choose Unlock Screen

Choose Unlock Screen Passcode

Step 2. Once your device is recognized by AnyUnlock, please click Start Now in the home menu.

Click Start Now

Click Start Now

Step 3. Then you will see the program matches firmware. Then, AnyUnlock will automatically detect your device model. Please choose the firmware version provided and then click the “Download” button.

Getting Firmware for iPhone 5

Getting Firmware for iPhone 5

Step 4. When the downloading process is completed, click ‘Unlock Now‘ in the next window.

Click Unlock Now

Click Unlock Now

Step 5. AnyUnlock will back up your iPhone in case of data loss, and also it will encrypt the backup.

Backup Your iPhone with AnyUnlock

Backup Your iPhone with AnyUnlock

Step 6. Once the process is complete, you’ll see a message saying ‘Screen passcode removed successfully‘. After Successfully removing the screen passcode on your iPhone, it will be factory reset simultaneously.

Screen Passcode Is Removed Successfully

Screen Passcode Is Removed Successfully

Note: If Find My iPhone is enabled, you’ll need to enter your iCloud account and password to set up your device after the passcode is removed.

Method 2. Factory Reset iPhone without Password in Recovery Mode

If you have iTunes installed on your computer, you can reset your locked iPhone by entering recovery mode. Here are the steps to factory reset a locked iPhone without a password:

Step 1. Launch iTunes and press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons simultaneously until the recovery mode screen appears. (iPhone 6S & earlier)

iPhone 8 & later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and finally hold the Side button until the recovery-mode screen appears.

iPhone 7: Press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the recovery-mode screen appears.

Step 2. Connect your locked iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 3. When prompted with the option to Restore or Update on the computer screen, choose Restore. This process may take more than 15 minutes as the software for your iPhone is downloaded. If the iPhone remains stuck in recovery mode, you may need to repeat the above steps.

Restore iPhone with Recovery Mode

Restore iPhone with Recovery Mode

Method 3. Use iCloud to Factory Reset iPhone without Password

If you’ve enabled Find My iPhone on your device, you can reset your iPhone without a passcode using iCloud. Here’s how:

Step 1. Open a web browser on your computer and go to iCloud.com.

Step 2. Log in with your iCloud account using the same Apple ID and password as your iPhone.

Enter your Apple ID and Password

Enter your Apple ID and Password

Step 3. Click on ‘Find My iPhone‘ and then select ‘All Devices‘.

Step 4. Choose your iPhone from the list of devices associated with your Apple ID.

Step 5. Click ‘Erase iPhone‘ to wipe all data from your device.

Choose to Reset

Choose to Reset

Method 4. Restore iPhone without Password in iTunes

If you have a backup on iTunes, you can use iTunes to factory reset your iPhone without the passcode and then restore your data. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using the original USB cable and open iTunes.

Step 2. In iTunes, click on the ‘Summary‘ tab in the left sidebar, then choose ‘Restore iPhone‘.

Go to Summary and Restore iPhone

Go to Summary and Restore iPhone

Step 3. Confirm by clicking ‘Restore‘ when prompted.

Step 4. iTunes will check for updates. If there are any, click ‘Restore and update‘ to proceed with the factory reset.

Step 5. Wait for the process to complete. Your iPhone will restart, and you’ll be guided to set it up as new or restore from a backup.”

Method 5. Restore iPhone without Password via Hard Reset

You can reset a locked iPhone without a computer using the hard reset feature. For your iPhone 4/5/5s, directly press and hold the side button and top button simultaneously. (For iPhone 6S and earlier)

For iPhone X, 8, and newer:

– Press and hold the volume up button, volume down button, and side button simultaneously.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus:

– Press and hold the volume down button and side button simultaneously.

 Your iPhone will enter data recovery mode and erase all data, restoring it to its original state.

FAQs on How to Factory Reset iPhone 5

Q1: What is a factory reset on iPhone 5?

A: A factory reset erases all data and settings on your iPhone 5, restoring it to its original factory condition.

Q2: When should I perform a factory reset on my iPhone 5?

A: You might perform a factory reset if you’re selling or giving away your iPhone 5, experiencing persistent software issues, or preparing it for a fresh start.

Q3: How to reset iPhone 5 if touch screen not working?

A: If the touch screen is unresponsive, you can reset iPhone 5 using iTunes or AnyUnlock.

Q4: Is there a reset button on iPhone 5?

A: No, iPhone 5 does not have a physical reset button. You can use the methods mentioned above to factory reset it.

Q5: Can I undo a factory reset on iPhone 5?

A: No, once you perform a factory reset and erase all content and settings, it cannot be undone. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

Sum It Up

After reading this article, you now know how to factory reset iPhone 5 with or without a passcode. For the most complicated situations, try AnyUnlock! This tool empowers you to unlock various passcode with ease! Download it now and try yourself!

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Author Avatar
Joy Taylor Twitter Share Facebook Share

Senior writer of the iMobie team as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS & Android-related issues.

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