In this article, we will show you how to wipe an iPhone including how to erase it without a passcode or with a broken screen. Protect your privacy and prepare your device for resale or donation with this easy step-by-step guide.

How to erase Iphone – Whether you’re upgrading to a new iPhone or preparing to sell or donate your old device, wiping your iPhone clean is an essential step.

This ensures that all your personal data is removed, keeping your privacy safe.

Here, we will guide you through the process of wiping your iPhone, including how to wipe an iPhone without a passcode and how to wipe an iPhone with a broken screen.

See Also: 15 Best Call Blocking Apps for iPhone and Android

Reasons to Wipe Your iPhone

Before we dive into the steps, you might wonder why it’s important to wipe your iPhone properly. Here are a few reasons:

1. Privacy Protection: When you wipe your iPhone, it deletes all your personal information, including photos, messages, contacts, and accounts. This is especially important if you plan to sell or give away your device.
2. Clear Out Space: Wiping your iPhone can help free up space if you’re looking to reset the device for a fresh start.
3. Fixing Performance Issues: If your iPhone has been slow or glitchy, wiping it can help resolve software-related issues.

How to Wipe an iPhone

Now, let’s walk through the process of wiping your iPhone safely.

Step 1: Backup Your Data

Before you erase everything, it’s crucial to back up your data. Once your iPhone is wiped, all your personal information will be lost. You can back up your data via iCloud or iTunes (or Finder if you’re using macOS Catalina or later).

How to back up to iCloud:

1. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
3. Tap Back Up Now.

How to back up to iTunes (or Finder):

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Open iTunes (or Finder if you’re on macOS Catalina or later).
3. Select your device and choose Back Up Now.

See Also: 10 Best Free Apps to Transfer Files from iPhone to Other Devices

Step 2: Sign Out of iCloud, iTunes, and the App Store

To prevent any issues with activation or Apple’s Activation Lock, you’ll need to sign out of iCloud, iTunes, and the App Store.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap on your name at the top to access your Apple ID settings.
3. Scroll down and tap Sign Out. You may be asked to enter your Apple ID password.
4. Make sure you choose to turn off Find My iPhone during this process.

Step 3: Erase All Content and Settings

Once your data is backed up, it’s time to erase everything from your device. Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Scroll down and select Reset.
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
5. If prompted, enter your passcode or Apple ID password to confirm the action.
6. Confirm that you want to erase the device. Your iPhone will begin erasing all data and resetting itself to factory settings.

See Also: 15 Best Free Scanner Apps for iPhone

Step 4: Wait for the Process to Complete

The process can take a few minutes. Once complete, your iPhone will restart and display the “Hello” screen, just like when it was brand new. This means it’s been wiped clean and is now ready for the next user or for you to set up as a new device.

How to Wipe an iPhone Without a Passcode

If you’ve forgotten your passcode or you’re locked out of your iPhone, you can still wipe your iPhone by using iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later) or iCloud. Here’s how:

Option 1: Use iTunes/Finder (If You’ve Previously Synced Your iPhone)

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Open iTunes (or Finder if you’re using macOS Catalina or later).
3. Force Restart your iPhone:
   • On an iPhone 8 or later: Press and release the Volume Up button, press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
   • On an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake buttons until the recovery mode screen appears.
   • On an iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold both the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons until the recovery mode screen appears.
4. In iTunes or Finder, choose your device and select Restore.
5. Confirm the action, and iTunes/Finder will download the latest iOS version and restore your iPhone to factory settings.

Option 2: Use iCloud (Find My iPhone Must Be Enabled)

If you’ve enabled Find My iPhone on your device, you can wipe it remotely using iCloud.

1. Visit iCloud.com and log in with your Apple ID.
2. Go to Find iPhone.
3. Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
4. Click Erase iPhone to wipe the device remotely. This will delete all your data from the device.

See Also: 4 Ways to Scan on iPhone

How to Wipe an iPhone With a Broken Screen

If your iPhone’s screen is broken or unresponsive, wiping it may seem tricky. But don’t worry—there are ways to erase the device without using the screen.

Option 1: Use iTunes/Finder (If You’ve Previously Synced Your iPhone)

If you’ve synced your iPhone with iTunes or Finder before, you can erase it from your computer.

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB.
2. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).
3. Force Restart your iPhone (follow the same steps outlined earlier).
4. Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, iTunes/Finder will prompt you to either Restore or Update your device. Select Restore.
5. iTunes/Finder will download the latest iOS software and reset your iPhone to factory settings.

Option 2: Use iCloud (If Find My iPhone Is Enabled)

If Find My iPhone is enabled and you don’t need to interact with the screen, you can still wipe your iPhone remotely.

1. Visit iCloud.com from any browser.
2. Log in with your Apple ID credentials.
3. Open Find iPhone and select your iPhone from the list of devices.
4. Click on Erase iPhone to remotely wipe your iPhone.

See Also: 4 Steps to Turn Off SOS on iPhone

Step 5: Remove Your iPhone from Your Apple Account (Optional)

If you plan to sell or give away your iPhone, it’s a good idea to remove it from your Apple ID account to prevent any future issues. You can do this from another device or via the web:

1. Visit appleid.apple.com and log in with your Apple ID.
2. Scroll down to Devices and select your iPhone.
3. Click Remove from Account.

Final Thoughts

Wiping your iPhone ensures that all your personal information is erased, protecting your privacy and preparing the device for its next owner. Whether you’re resetting it for a fresh start or passing it on to someone else, following these simple steps will ensure the process is smooth and secure.

By following this guide, you can confidently wipe your iPhone, knowing that your data is safe and the device is ready for its next chapter.

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