How do I factory reset an iPhone that is locked to an owner using a Mac?
Answer
If the iPhone is Activation Locked to a previous Apple ID, a Mac recovery erase alone will not remove that lock. Use Finder recovery mode on a Mac to restore the iPhone only when you can sign in with the owner Apple ID afterward—or when the previous owner removes the device from their account.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- A factory restore does not remove Activation Lock. Without the owner Apple ID or removal by the previous owner, the iPhone will remain unusable after erase.
- Ignore paid “unlock” services or popups that claim they can bypass an owner lock.
Follow these steps
Confirm Activation Lock status
Read the lock screen or setup screen carefully. If it says the iPhone is locked to an owner or asks for an Apple ID you do not control, note that a restore will not skip that requirement.
You should see: You know whether this is Activation Lock versus a simple forgotten passcode on a device you own.
Connect the iPhone and open Finder
On the Mac, open Finder. Connect the iPhone with a compatible cable. If asked to Trust This Computer, unlock the iPhone if you can and tap Trust; if you cannot unlock it, continue with recovery mode instead.
You should see: The Mac either shows the iPhone in Finder or is ready for a recovery-mode restore.
Enter recovery mode and restore
Put the iPhone into recovery mode using Apple’s button sequence for your model, then in Finder choose Restore (or Update if offered first and restore afterward if needed). Let the Mac download and install iOS without unplugging the phone.
You should see: The iPhone erases and reinstalls iOS, then returns to the setup screen.
Complete setup with the correct Apple ID
During activation, sign in with the Apple ID that locked the device. If you do not have those credentials, stop and have the previous owner remove the iPhone from their Apple ID account or Find My list before trying again.
You should see: The iPhone activates successfully, or you confirm that the previous owner must release Activation Lock.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Messages such as “iPhone locked to owner,” Activation Lock, or a prompt for a previous Apple ID after erase or restore.
Before you change anything: Confirm whether you know the Apple ID and password that originally locked the iPhone. Back up anything still accessible before a restore if possible. Use a trusted Mac with a current version of macOS and a genuine cable. Never pay a stranger or share Apple ID codes to “bypass” Activation Lock.