How to Factory Reset a Phone Without a Password (2026)

How to factory reset an Android phone or iPhone without the screen password.
Official recovery options can erase a forgotten screen lock, but they also erase local data and do not remove ownership verification.
Written by: Shahroze Azmat Category: Troubleshooting Focus: Forgotten screen locks and safe factory resets Updated: July 5, 2026

Forgot your Android PIN, pattern or password—or your iPhone passcode? The supported fallback is usually to erase the phone and set it up again. That removes the forgotten screen lock, but it also permanently deletes local data and may still require the Google Account, Apple Account or manufacturer account previously linked to the device.

The quick answer: Yes, you can usually factory reset your own phone without entering the forgotten screen password. Use Apple’s lock-screen or computer recovery process, Google Find Hub, Samsung SmartThings Find, or the manufacturer’s official Recovery Mode. A reset is not an ownership bypass: Google device protection and Apple Activation Lock can remain active after the erase.
Ownership and anti-theft warning: Use these instructions only for a phone you own or are authorised to manage. This guide does not explain how to bypass Google Factory Reset Protection (FRP), Apple Activation Lock, Xiaomi Account verification, HONOR ID, IMEI restrictions, mobile-device management or any other ownership safeguard. For a second-hand phone, ask the legitimate previous owner to remove it from their account.

Before You Erase the Phone

A factory reset should be the last step because modern phones encrypt local storage. Once the device is erased, photos, messages, downloads, app data and authentication information that were not backed up are normally unrecoverable.

iPhone: try the old passcode first

On iOS 17 or later, Apple’s Passcode Reset feature can accept the previous passcode for 72 hours after a passcode change. After five incorrect attempts, tap Forgot Passcode?, choose Enter Previous Passcode, enter the old passcode and create a new one.[1]

Samsung: check for the previous-lock option

Supported Galaxy devices running One UI 6.1 or later can retain the previous PIN, password or pattern for 72 hours after it is changed. After repeated failed attempts, look for Forgot PIN/Password/Pattern on the lock screen.[2]

If biometric unlock still works

Back up important photos, documents, messages and authenticator recovery information immediately. Do not restart the phone before the backup finishes, because a reboot normally requires the PIN or passcode.

Confirm the linked account

Test the Google Account or Apple Account password on another trusted device before resetting. Google advises waiting 24 hours after a recent Google Account password change before performing a factory reset.[3]

Charge and connect first: Google recommends charging an Android phone to at least 70% and having an internet connection available for account verification after the reset. Apple’s computer recovery process also requires a Mac or Windows PC, a suitable cable and internet access.[3][8]

What a Factory Reset Deletes

Swipe horizontally to view the full table →

Usually erased from the phone Restorable only when backed up Usually not removed by the reset
Installed apps, local app data, local photos and videos, downloads, text messages, call history, accounts, settings, fingerprints, face data and the old screen lock Cloud-synced contacts, calendar entries, photos, messages, app data and settings—depending on the backup service, app and account Google device protection, Apple Activation Lock, manufacturer account locks, carrier or IMEI restrictions and data on some removable SD cards

Current 2026 Phone Families Covered

This guide is written for current phones as well as many older models. The model names below were checked against official product pages on July 31, 2026. A newer model name does not guarantee identical button timing: regional software, carrier builds and hardware layouts can still differ.

Swipe horizontally to view the full table →

Brand Current examples checked Relevant reset section
Apple iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17e and iPhone 16[18] iPhone reset methods
Samsung Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8 and Z Flip8[19][20] Samsung Galaxy methods
Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold[21] Google Pixel method
Xiaomi Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra, plus recent Redmi and POCO phones using Xiaomi Recovery[22] Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO
OnePlus OnePlus 15 and recent OxygenOS phones[23] OnePlus method
OPPO Find X9, Find X9 Pro, Find X9 Ultra, Find X9s and Find N6 families[24] OPPO method
Why the table does not promise one universal button combination: Android manufacturers can change recovery menus, button timing and USB requirements between models. Google itself recommends checking the manufacturer’s support site for device-specific instructions when Settings cannot be opened.[3]

Choose the Correct Reset Method

Swipe horizontally to view the full table →

Your situation Best official option What you will probably need
You changed the passcode recently Try Apple or Samsung’s previous-passcode feature first The former passcode, PIN, pattern or password
The Android phone is powered on and online Google Find Hub or the manufacturer’s remote service The linked account; Find Hub may also request the device PIN
The iPhone shows Forgot Passcode? Reset directly from the lock screen Internet access and the linked Apple Account password
The phone is offline or remote reset is unavailable Official Recovery Mode or Fastboot procedure The previously linked account for activation after the erase
Buttons are damaged, Recovery Mode does not open or the device is managed Authorised manufacturer service Proof of purchase and device identification details

How to Reset Android Remotely with Google Find Hub

Google Find Hub can erase a compatible Android phone when it has power, is connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi, is signed into a Google Account, has Find Hub enabled and is visible in Google Play.[4]

  1. On another phone, tablet or computer, open Google Find Hub.
  2. Sign in with a Google Account associated with the locked phone.
  3. Select the correct device from the device list.
  4. Open Settings for that device.
  5. Select Factory reset [device name] and confirm the erase.
Find Hub may still ask for the forgotten PIN: Google says Find Hub may request the lock-screen PIN for an Android 9 or later device. If you cannot pass that identity check, use the manufacturer’s official Recovery Mode instructions instead. A remote erase permanently deletes device data and may not delete an SD card.[4]

After the erase, Android can require a Google Account previously added and synced to the phone. If that verification cannot be completed, the protected device cannot be used after setup.[5]

How to Factory Reset an iPhone Without the Passcode

Use the following order: try the 72-hour previous-passcode feature first, then the on-device reset, and finally computer Recovery Mode.

Option 1: Reset Directly from the Lock Screen

This method requires iOS 15.2 or later, Find My to have been enabled, an active cellular or Wi-Fi connection, and the linked Apple Account password.[6]

  1. Enter the wrong passcode until the iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout screen appears.
  2. On iOS 17 or later, tap Forgot Passcode?.
  3. Tap Start iPhone Reset.
  4. Enter the Apple Account password to sign out on the device.
  5. Tap Erase iPhone.
  6. When offered on iOS 17 or later, choose whether to keep or delete the eSIM.
  7. After restart, set up the iPhone and restore a backup if one exists.

On iOS 15.2 or iOS 16, the equivalent lock-screen option can appear as Erase iPhone rather than Forgot Passcode?.[6]

Option 2: Use Recovery Mode with a Computer

  1. Use a Mac with Finder or a Windows PC with the Apple Devices app, a compatible cable and an internet connection.
  2. Turn off the iPhone. On a Face ID model, Apple’s current instructions use the Side button and Volume Down button to show the power-off slider.
  3. Connect the cable to the computer first.
  4. Connect the iPhone while holding the correct recovery button:
    • Face ID iPhones and iPhone 8 or later: hold the Side button.
    • iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: hold Volume Down.
    • iPhone 6s, iPhone SE first generation or earlier: hold the Home button.
  5. Keep holding through the Apple logo. Release only when the computer-and-cable Recovery Mode screen appears.
  6. In Finder or Apple Devices, select the iPhone and choose Restore.
  7. If the software download takes long enough for the iPhone to leave Recovery Mode, allow the download to finish and repeat the Recovery Mode steps.

Apple states that this restore process erases the data currently on the iPhone.[8]

Activation Lock remains: When Find My is enabled, Activation Lock remains tied to the Apple Account even after the iPhone is erased. The linked credentials—or legitimate removal by the account owner—may be required before the iPhone can be activated again.[9]

Recovery-Button Combinations by Brand

This table replaces the earlier infographic so that the guidance can be corrected when manufacturers change a recovery path. Always read the notes column before pressing buttons.

Swipe horizontally to view the full table →

Phone family Typical official entry method Important qualification
Current iPhone with Face ID Connect to a Mac or PC while holding the Side button Hold until the computer-and-cable screen appears; restore through Finder or Apple Devices
Current Samsung Galaxy Connect the powered-off phone to a computer by USB, then use the model’s Recovery Mode button combination On many current no-Home-button models this is Volume Up + Side/Power; Samsung’s own model wording varies, so check the exact support page
Google Pixel 6 or later Volume Down + Power Enter Fastboot, choose Recovery Mode, then use Power + a quick Volume Up press at “No command”
Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO Volume Up + Power Recovery wording can vary between MIUI and HyperOS builds
OnePlus Power + Volume Down Select Recovery Mode and use only the official wipe or format option
Motorola Volume Down + Power At “No command,” hold Power and press and release Volume Up
OPPO and realme Power + Volume Down Recovery menus and whether a forgotten lock permits formatting vary by software version
vivo, supported models Power + Volume Up Not every vivo model supports the same button-based clear-data path
HONOR Power + Volume Up Use HONOR’s exact model guidance; the linked HONOR ID may still be requested afterward

How to Factory Reset a Samsung Galaxy Without the PIN

These methods cover recent Galaxy S and Z families, including the Galaxy S26 series and Galaxy Z Fold8/Flip8 family. Exact buttons can differ on older models with a Bixby key or physical Home button.

Option 1: Erase with SmartThings Find

Samsung’s remote erase requires the phone to be online, signed into a Samsung Account, and configured with the relevant remote-control settings.[10]

  1. Open SmartThings Find.
  2. Sign in with the Samsung Account registered on the locked phone.
  3. Select the phone and choose Erase data.
  4. Complete the available identity-verification step.
  5. Confirm the Samsung Account password and the erase.

Option 2: Reset Through Android Recovery

  1. Power off the Galaxy phone. If it cannot be powered off while locked, follow Samsung’s exact model guidance; one official option is to let the battery run down.
  2. Connect the phone to a computer using a USB cable.
  3. Open Recovery Mode using the combination for the model:
    • Many current Galaxy models without a Home or Bixby key: Volume Up + Side/Power.
    • Older models with a separate Bixby key: Volume Up + Bixby + Power.
    • Older models with a physical Home button: Volume Up + Home + Power.
  4. Use the Volume buttons to highlight Wipe data/factory reset, then press Power or the Side button.
  5. Select Factory data reset, Yes or the equivalent confirmation.
  6. When Data wipe complete appears, select Reboot system now.
Samsung model warning: Samsung’s support wording can differ between regional pages and older hardware examples. If Volume Up + Side/Power does not open Recovery Mode, stop rather than repeatedly forcing the phone and search Samsung Support using the exact model number.

After a button reset, the Galaxy phone can request the Google Account previously used on it. Samsung directs locked-out owners who cannot recover that account to an authorised service centre with proof of purchase.[10]

How to Factory Reset a Google Pixel Without the PIN

Google’s current manual procedure for Pixel 6 and later—including the Pixel 10 family—is:

  1. Turn off the Pixel.
  2. Hold Volume Down + Power for up to 30 seconds until Fastboot Mode appears. If the phone restarts, release sooner and try again.
  3. Use the Volume buttons to highlight Recovery Mode, then press Power.
  4. At the No command screen, hold Power, press Volume Up, and quickly release both buttons.
  5. Select Wipe data/factory reset.
  6. Select Factory data reset.
  7. After Data wipe complete appears, select Reboot system now.

Google documents a different initial Fastboot combination for some earlier Pixel models, so use the official page when resetting a Pixel older than Pixel 6.[11]

How to Factory Reset Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO Without the Password

Xiaomi Recovery is commonly opened with Volume Up and Power, but wording can differ between MIUI, HyperOS and individual models.

  1. Power off the phone.
  2. Hold Volume Up + Power until the Recovery menu appears.
  3. Select Wipe Data.
  4. Select Wipe All Data or the equivalent factory-reset option and confirm.
  5. Return to the main menu and choose Reboot.
Xiaomi Account verification can remain: A linked Xiaomi Account and a previously synced Google Account may still be required during activation. Do not use “Mi Account bypass” or “FRP bypass” software; recover the account through Xiaomi or Google instead.[12]

OnePlus, Motorola, OPPO, realme, vivo and HONOR

OnePlus

  1. Power off the OnePlus phone.
  2. Hold Power + Volume Down until Recovery Mode appears.
  3. Select the language when requested.
  4. Choose the official Wipe data or Format data option and follow the on-screen confirmation.
  5. Choose Reboot when the erase completes.

OnePlus Recovery Mode wording can vary between OxygenOS versions. If Recovery Mode requests a credential you do not know or does not offer an official wipe option, use Google Find Hub or contact OnePlus Support rather than using third-party unlock software.[13]

Motorola

  1. Charge the battery to at least 30%, then turn off the phone.
  2. Hold Volume Down + Power until the phone turns on.
  3. Use Volume Down to select Recovery mode, then press Power.
  4. At the Android robot or No command screen, hold Power and press and release Volume Up.
  5. Select Wipe data/factory reset, then Factory data reset.
  6. Select Reboot system now.

Motorola states that the Google Account previously synced to the device is required on the post-reset verification screen.[14]

OPPO and realme

  1. Power off the phone.
  2. Hold Power + Volume Down until the OPPO or realme Recovery menu appears.
  3. Select a language if prompted.
  4. Choose Wipe data or Format data.
  5. When Recovery displays its own verification code, enter that displayed code and confirm the format.
  6. Restart the phone after the erase completes.
Older OPPO software can be different: OPPO notes that certain ColorOS versions may not allow a Recovery Mode reset when the lock-screen passcode is forgotten. In that situation, use an authorised OPPO service centre with proof of purchase.[15]

realme uses a similar official Recovery Mode flow, but menu labels and regional software can differ.[16]

vivo

vivo recommends using its official lock-screen support and Google Find Hub first. On supported models, the button-based route is generally:

  1. Power off the phone.
  2. Hold Power + Volume Up until Fastboot appears.
  3. Select Recovery Mode.
  4. Select Clear data, then Clear all data, when those options are available.
  5. Confirm and restart.

Not every vivo model or software build supports the same clear-data path. Use the exact model’s support page or an authorised service centre when the option is absent.[17]

HONOR

HONOR’s support page for a forgotten lock-screen password should be treated as the final authority for the exact model. On models that provide a button-based factory-reset path, the usual entry combination is Power + Volume Up. Follow the displayed Recovery instructions to clear data and restart. The linked HONOR ID or Google Account may still be requested afterward.[25]

Stop when the menu does not match: Do not select unfamiliar options such as bootloader unlocking, flashing, sideloading or service menus. Exit and consult the exact manufacturer support page. A normal factory reset does not require unofficial firmware or a paid bypass tool.

What Happens After the Factory Reset?

Android ownership verification

Android may require a previously synced Google Account or the former screen lock. This is Google device protection, commonly called FRP.

Apple Activation Lock

An erased iPhone can remain linked to Find My and require the associated Apple Account before activation.

Manufacturer accounts

Samsung, Xiaomi, HONOR and other brands may request their own account during remote management or activation.

Restore a trusted backup

Sign in with the legitimate account and restore the newest verified cloud or computer backup. Banking, authenticator and encrypted-messaging apps may require separate recovery.

Use an authorised service centre when: buttons are damaged, Recovery Mode does not open, the phone is company-managed, parental controls block the process, you cannot identify the linked account, or a second-hand device remains tied to its previous owner. Bring the original receipt, proof of purchase and identification where required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I factory reset a phone without knowing the screen password?

Yes. Most current phones can be erased through an official remote service or Recovery Mode without entering the forgotten screen lock. The reset deletes local data and does not remove ownership verification.

Will a factory reset remove the forgotten PIN or passcode?

Yes. The old screen lock is removed because the phone’s data and settings are erased. You create a new screen lock during setup. Google device protection and Apple Activation Lock can remain.

Can I reset the phone without losing photos?

Only photos already backed up or synced elsewhere can be restored. An official factory reset cannot selectively preserve local photos on a locked, encrypted modern phone.

Why does Android ask for the old Google Account after reset?

Google device protection is designed to stop a lost or stolen phone from being reused after an unauthorised erase. Setup may require a Google Account previously added and synced to that device.[5]

Why does an erased iPhone still ask for an Apple Account?

Find My enables Activation Lock. The protection remains after an erase and requires the linked Apple Account or legitimate removal by its owner.[9]

Can a repair shop unlock the phone without deleting data?

For a modern encrypted phone, an authorised service centre generally cannot reveal or bypass a forgotten screen lock while preserving inaccessible local data. It may verify ownership, repair damaged buttons or perform an official reset.

Should I use an FRP-bypass or Activation-Lock-bypass tool?

No. Such tools can be fraudulent, unsafe, unlawful in some circumstances or designed to steal credentials. Use official account recovery, the legitimate previous owner or an authorised service centre.

How long should I wait after changing my Google password?

Google’s factory-reset guidance says to wait 24 hours after a recent Google Account password reset before performing the phone reset.[3]

Final Meem Gadgets Verdict

A factory reset can legitimately remove a forgotten screen lock from a phone you own, but it does so by erasing the device—not by recovering the old password or bypassing ownership security.

Try a supported previous-passcode feature first. If that is unavailable, prefer an official remote erase when the device is online, or follow the exact manufacturer Recovery Mode instructions. Recover the linked account before erasing, confirm that important data is backed up, and expect Google or Apple ownership verification during setup.

When the phone’s menu, buttons or account state do not match this guide, stop and use the manufacturer’s support page for the exact model. That is safer than guessing, flashing firmware or paying for an unofficial bypass.

Official References

  1. Apple Support — Temporarily use the previous passcode within 72 hours
  2. Samsung Pakistan — Unlock a Galaxy device using the previous screen lock
  3. Google Android Help — Prepare for and perform a factory reset
  4. Google Android Help — Find Hub remote erase
  5. Google Android Help — Device protection after factory reset
  6. Apple Support — Reset a forgotten passcode without a computer
  7. Apple — Apple Account password recovery
  8. Apple Support — Reset an iPhone with a computer
  9. Apple Support — Activation Lock for iPhone and iPad
  10. Samsung Support — Factory reset with Settings, SmartThings Find or device buttons
  11. Google Pixel Help — Manual reset with Fastboot Mode
  12. Xiaomi Support — Forgotten lock-screen password and Recovery Mode
  13. OnePlus Support — Recovery Mode
  14. Motorola Support — Forgotten passcode or pattern lock
  15. OPPO Support — Hard reset through Recovery Mode
  16. realme Support — Factory-reset methods
  17. vivo Support — Forgotten lock-screen password
  18. Apple — Current iPhone lineup
  19. Samsung Global Newsroom — Galaxy S26 series
  20. Samsung Global Newsroom — Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8 and Flip8
  21. Google Store — Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold lineup
  22. Xiaomi Global — Xiaomi 17
  23. OnePlus — OnePlus 15
  24. OPPO Global — Current smartphone lineup
  25. HONOR Support — What to do after forgetting the lock-screen password
Verification method: Reset steps, ownership warnings and model examples were checked against the official manufacturer pages listed above on July 31, 2026. Button timing, menu labels, account requirements and regional service policies can change. The exact model’s current support page remains the final authority.

About the Author

Shahroze Azmat writes practical, fact-checked smartphone and troubleshooting guides for Meem Gadgets. This article prioritises manufacturer-supported recovery procedures and clearly separates a legitimate device erase from unsafe or unauthorised account-lock bypasses.

About Meem Gadgets

Meem Gadgets publishes clear guidance about smartphones, accessories, connectivity, AI technology, privacy and troubleshooting. Technical procedures can vary by model and software version, so readers are encouraged to confirm the latest official documentation before erasing valuable data.

Fact-checked: July 5, 2026 · Official reset paths and current model examples reverified before publication

Comments

Post a Comment