How to Factory Reset iPhone 12/11/X/XR/8 without iTunes

You should factory reset your iPhone before you sell it, gift it out, or if it isn’t working correctly. Read this guide to learn how to factory reset iPhone without iTunes.
How to Factory Reset iPhone 12 without iTunes

You’ve probably heard the term ‘Factory reset’ a thousand times. What does it mean? Why should you do it? And most importantly, how exactly do you go about it the correct way without damaging your device? We explain everything you need.

Factory resetting a device basically means restoring the said device to the initial state when you first unboxed it. More like rebranding your old device into a new one. You can factory reset your smartphone, laptop, tablet, gaming consoles, and even electronic appliances. In this guide, we’ll show you how to factory reset your iPhone without iTunes.

When you reset an iPhone, you’re wiping the device clean of all the data, apps, settings, and information stored on it. Why could you possibly need to factory reset your iPhone? We explain below.

Part 1. Why Do You Need to Reset Your iPhone?

Many situations might warrant you to reset your iPhone. If you’re selling or gifting your device, for example, it is highly recommended that you factory reset it. This helps to erase any personal and sensitive information (like location data, payment cards, addresses, etc.) present on your iPhone. Failure to factory reset your iPhone could cause this information to land in the wrong hands. And you definitely can’t risk that happening.

In addition, performing a factory reset is also an effective troubleshooting solution to fixing numerous errors, glitches and other problems that seem unfixable. Say your iPhone won’t charge, or it keeps shutting down unexpectedly, and you’ve tried all possible solutions but nothing works, you might have to resort to factory resetting the iPhone.

Finally, you might need to factory reset your device if it is locked, disabled, or you forgot the passcode. iTunes is Apple’s native software for factory resetting iPhones and doing many other things, but not everyone has access to iTunes. There are also scenarios when iTunes experience some glitches and fails to work correctly.

Just as there are many reasons to factory reset your iPhone, there are different methods to get it done. In this guide, we reveal about four(4) different methods to factory reset iPhone without iTunes.

Part 2. Backup iPhone Data Before Factory Reset

Yes, a factory reset is a surefire solution to many common iPhone problems. However, as we earlier mentioned, you should only factory reset your device as a last resort. This is because the process erases all apps, data, configuration, and settings present on your device. Regarding your personal and app data, you don’t have to worry about losing them — as long as you create a backup.

For whatever reason you’re factory resetting your iPhone, it is strongly recommended that you back it up before you proceed. And don’t just backup your device anywhere or anyhow; PC backups are quicker and more reliable. Backing up your iPhone using Tenorshare iCareFone creates a copy of your contacts, messages, media files, documents, etc. on your computer for easy retrieval.

Since you don’t have access to iTunes, Tenorshare iCareFone is a great iTunes alternative. The backup process is fast, seamless, and requires no internet connection. And the best part — it is available for free. Follow the steps listed below to backup your iPhone without iTunes using Tenorshare iCareFone.

Before you proceed, make sure you have installed the app on your computer. Tenorshare iCareFone is available for Windows (10/8.1/8/7/Vista) and macOS (v 10.10 or newer).

>> Get Tenorshare iCareFone <<

Step 1: Plug your iPhone into the PC via USB cable and grant your computer access to your iPhone’s data and settings.

Step 2: From the homepage, go to the ‘Backup & Restore’ tab on the toolbar.

Tenorshare iCareFone - Backup & restore your iPhone

Step 3: Now, click ‘Device Backup & Restore.’

Tenorshare iCareFone - iPhone backup & restore

Step 4: Select the individual files you want to backup or check the ‘Select All’ box to backup your entire iPhone. This includes Private Data, Media Data, and App Data. Tap the ‘Backup’ button to proceed.

Tenorshare iCareFone - Backup iPhone before factory reset

Wait till you get a prompt notifying you that the backup is successful before you proceed to factory reset your iPhone. Albeit Tenorshare iCareFone is generally fast, you should note that backing up your iPhone might take a couple of minutes—depends on how much data you have on your device.

After factory resetting your device, read this Tenorshare iCareFone review to see how you can easily use Tenorshare iCareFone to restore the iPhone data you backed up earlier.

Part 3. Factory Reset iPhone without iTunes from Settings

You can factory reset your iPhone without iTunes directly from the iOS settings menu. Follow the steps below to see how it’s done.

Factory reset iPhone without iTunes from settings

Step 1: Launch the iPhone settings and select General.

Step 2: Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Reset.

Step 3: Next, tap ‘Reset All Content and Settings.’

Step 4: If you have iCloud backup enabled, you’ll be prompted to choose if you want to reset your iPhone immediately or wait till the upload is completed. Select Erase Now to continue.

Step 5: Finally, enter your device’s passcode and tap ‘Erase iPhone’ on the prompt.

Part 4. Factory Reset iPhone without iTunes Using an iPhone Eraser

An iPhone eraser is a tool that offers thorough and permanent content removal on your iPhone. You see, merely factory resetting your device the regular way could leave fragments of private data and deleted files that hackers could still capitalize upon to steal your information.

If you need to reset iPhone without iTunes in the quickest and most secure way possible, without glitches or delay, you should consider using an iPhone eraser like the iMyFone Umate Pro.

The tool is compatible with Windows and Mac computers and will completely erase data fragments from your iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone X, iPhone XR, or iPhone 8 without leaving any traces whatsoever. Download and install the tool on your computer via the links below.

>> Get iMyFone Umate Pro <<

To use the iMyFone Umate Pro to factory reset iPhone without iTunes, you must first disable ‘Find My iPhone’ on your device. Here’s how.

disable ‘Find My iPhone’ on your iPhone

Step 1: Launch the iPhone settings menu and select your name. That will redirect you to the Apple ID menu.

Step 2: Next, select Find My.

Step 3: Select ‘Find My iPhone.’

Step 4: Toggle off the ‘Find My iPhone’ option.

Step 5: You’ll be prompted to input your Apple ID password to disable ‘Find My iPhone.’

Now proceed to reset your iPhone using iMyFone Umate Pro.

Step 1: Connect the iPhone to your computer using a USB cable and launch the iMyFone Umate Pro software.

Ensure you grant the computer permission to access your iPhone’s data and settings.

Step 2: Go to the ‘Erase All Data’ tab on the left-side toolbar.

iMyFone Umate Pro – erase all data

Step 3: Click the Erase button to commence the process.

Wait till you get a prompt that your iPhone has been successfully erased. Read our iMyFone Umate Pro review here.

Part 5. Hard Reset iPhone without iTunes

If your iPhone is malfunctioning and you don’t want to factory reset it, you could try something known as a ‘Hard Reset’ or a ‘Force Restart’. Doing this most especially comes in handy when your iPhone’s (or iPhone screen) is unresponsive.

How to Hard Reset iPhone 12/11/X/XR/8

Step 1: Tap and release the volume up button.

Step 2: Next, tap and release the volume down button.

Step 3: Finally, tap and hold the Side/Power button. Release the button when the Apple logo appears on the screen.

This method also applies to the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone 8 Plus.

Part 6. Factory Reset iPhone without Passcode and iTunes

To factory reset your iPhone using any of the methods and tools mentioned above, you’ll be required to input your iPhone’s passcode at one point or another. But what if you can’t remember your device’s passcode? What do you do? That’s where Tenorshare 4uKey comes in.

It’s a brilliant and easy-to-use iPhone unlocker that allows you to instantly bypass your iPhone’s passcode, Touch ID, Face ID, and other security technology on your device. One highlight feature of the tool is that it simultaneously updates your iPhone to the latest iOS/firmware version during the factory reset process.

Follow the steps below to learn how to factory reset iPhone without iTunes or passcode using Tenorshare 4uKey.

Step 1: First, download and install Tenorshare 4uKey on your computer via the link below. You should also make sure your device is connected to the internet.

>> Get Tenorshare 4uKey <<

Step 2: Connect your iPhone to your PC via a USB cable and launch the Tenorshare 4uKey. You’ll be prompted to grant the app permission to access your iPhone. Tap OK to continue.

4uKey grant the app permission to access your iPhone

Step 3: On the app’s homepage, select ‘Unlock Lock Screen Passcode.’

Unlock lock screen passcode

Step 4: Next, click the Start button to proceed.

Tenorshare 4uKey – Start to remove iPhone passcode

Step 5: Tenorshare 4uKey will prompt you to download the latest firmware package to your PC before unlocking your iPhone. Tap the Download button to proceed.

Tenorshare 4uKey – Download the firmware before factory reset

When the download is complete, follow the prompt to factory reset your passcode-locked iPhone. Although the process depends on the speed of your internet connection, resetting your iPhone using Tenorshare 4uKey is generally quick and is completed within minutes. Learn more from our complete review of Tenorshare 4uKey here.

Conclusion

Now that you’re cognizant of the different methods and tools you can use to factory reset your iPhone without iTunes, ensure you utilize them to keep yourself and your information safe from hackers and other prying eyes. Remember, do not sell or dispose your phone without factory resetting it. The safety of your online identity and digital assets largely depends on your action (or inaction). Drop a comment below if you have any troubles or questions regarding how to reset iPhone without iTunes.

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