How do I factory reset an iPhone 13 with a Mac mini when the passcode is rejected?
Answer
Put the iPhone 13 into recovery mode while connected to the Mac mini, open Finder, choose Restore, and erase the phone. After restore you must unlock Activation Lock with the correct Apple ID. If the name or password is wrong, recover that Apple ID on Apple's official site before the phone can activate.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Recovery-mode Restore erases all data and settings on the iPhone 13.
- Avoid paid third-party unlock tools; many are scams and can compromise your Apple ID.
Follow these steps
Connect the iPhone and enter recovery mode
Connect the iPhone 13 to the Mac mini with a cable. Quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then hold the side button until the recovery-mode screen appears (computer cable icon). Keep holding even after the Apple logo shows.
You should see: The iPhone shows the recovery-mode screen and the Mac detects it.
Restore with Finder
Open Finder, select the iPhone in the sidebar, and click Restore. Allow the software download and erase to finish. If the phone exits recovery mode before the download completes, enter recovery mode again and click Restore.
You should see: The iPhone is erased and restarts into setup.
Unlock Activation Lock with the correct Apple ID
On the Hello / Activation Lock screen, sign in with the Apple ID email and password that previously locked this iPhone. If the password is rejected, use iforgot.apple.com on another device to reset it, then return to the iPhone.
You should see: Activation Lock clears and iOS setup can continue.
Finish setup without repeating a bad passcode
Complete setup, create a new device passcode you will remember, and optionally restore from a backup. Update the Apple ID password in a password manager if it was recovered.
You should see: The iPhone 13 is usable again with a new passcode and active Apple ID.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Recovery-mode screen with a computer/cable icon; Finder offering Update or Restore; Activation Lock asking for Apple ID after erase; incorrect password errors.
Before you change anything: Expect the iPhone to be fully erased. Gather the Apple ID email used on the iPhone 13. Use a trusted data cable to the Mac mini and update macOS if Finder never sees the phone.