5 Solutions to Factory Reset iPhone 5/5S/5C - Step by Step

By Andy Samuel to iPhone Tips | 2025-03-17
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Factory resetting an iPhone 5, 5S, or 5C is sometimes necessary when troubleshooting issues, selling the device, or removing old data. However, if you don 't have the passcode, it can be challenging. This guide provides 5 different ways on how to factory reset iPhone 5/5S/5C with or without passcode.

Additionally, we will answer common questions regarding factory resets and Apple ID removal to ensure you have all the necessary information before proceeding. Let 's explore the methods step by step.

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MethodsApple AccountFMI EnabledComputerDifficulty
SettingsEasy
PassFab iPhone UnlockerEasy
iCloudMedium
Find My AppMedium
iTunesMedium
ButtonsMedium

Part 1: How to Factory Reset iPhone 5/5S/5C without Passcode

If you are stuck at iPhone disabled screen or locked out of the iPhone and do not know the Apple ID password, PassFab iPhone Unlocker stands out as an excellent screen lock removal tool, offering simple and easy solution to factory reset iPhone 5/5S/5C with computer.

Apart from screen lock removal, PassFab iPhone Unlocker enables you to bypass Screen time passcode, get rid of Apple ID, and even bypass iCloud Activation lock. If you are interested in this software, learn how to factory reset iPhone 5/5S/5C without Apple ID passcode.

Why Choose PassFab iPhone Unlocker?

  • Fast - Remove screen lock/iPhone Passcode/Activation Lock in minutes
  • Secure - Bypass screen time/MDM lock without data loss
  • Easy to operate - Unlock by yourself at home without hassle
  • Compatible - Compatible with the latest iOS 18 and iPhone 16 models
  • ü Supports Windows and MacOS

Steps to Reset iPhone 5/5S/5C with PassFab iPhone Unlocker:

  • Download and install PassFab iPhone Unlocker on your computer. Launch the program and connect your iPhone 5/5S/5C using a USB cable.

  • Click Unlock iOS Screen.

    select unlock ios screen
  • Click Next.

    click next
  • Now you’re required to download a firmware package that matches your device. Click Download to proceed.

    factory reset iphone 5 without passcode
  • Once the dowonload is done, click Start to Remove to start the factory reset process.

  • Wait for the reset to complete, and your iPhone will be restored to factory settings.

    factory reset iphone 5 without apple id factory reset iphone 5 without passcode successfully

Part 2: How to Factory Reset iPhone 5/5S/5C with Buttons

If you prefer using buttons to reset your iPhone, there are two effective methods you can try. These methods are particularly useful if you don 't have access to your device 's settings or if your iPhone is unresponsive. Follow the steps carefully to ensure a successful hard reset.

Way 1: Factory Reset iPhone 5/5S/5C via Recovery Mode

Recovery Mode is an effective way to factory reset an iPhone when you can 't access the device normally.

  • Connect your iPhone 5/5S/5C to a computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).

  • Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode:

    Press and hold the Home and Power buttons simultaneously.

    Keep holding them until you see the recovery mode screen (iTunes logo).

  • A prompt will appear on iTunes or Finder with the option to Restore or Update.

  • Select Restore to erase all data and factory reset the iPhone. Wait for the process to complete, and your iPhone will restart as a new device.

    factory reset ihone 5 with buttons

Way 2: Factory Reset iPhone 5/5S/5C with iTunes

Using iTunes is another common method to reset an iPhone 5/5S/5C when you have access to a computer. By utilizing iTunes, you can restore your iPhone to factory settings and remove all personal data, making it as good as new. Here’s how you can effectively reset your iPhone 5/5S/5C using iTunes.

  • Open iTunes on your computer and connect your iPhone using a USB cable.

  • Click on the Device icon in iTunes.

  • Under the Summary tab, click Restore iPhone.

  • Confirm the action and wait for iTunes to download the necessary firmware and reset your device. Once completed, set up your iPhone as a new device.

    use itunes to restore iphoine

Part 3: How to Factory Reset iPhone 5/5S/5C without Computer

If you don’t have access to a computer, you can still factory reset your iPhone using these methods. This is especially useful if you 're away from home, don’t have a USB cable, or simply want a quicker way to erase your device. Whether you have access to the iPhone 's settings or need to use a remote wipe solution, the following options will help you reset your iPhone 5/5S/5C without a computer.

Way 1: Factory Reset iPhone 5/5S/5C from Settings

  • Open Settings on your iPhone.

  • Go to General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

  • If prompted, enter your passcode or Apple ID password.

  • Confirm the action and wait for the reset to complete.

  • Your iPhone will restart with factory settings.

    factory reset iphone 5 from settings

Way 2: Factory Reset iPhone 5/5S/5C via Find My App

Using the Find My app is a great way to remotely erase your iPhone if you have lost it or cannot access it physically.

  • Open the Find My app on another Apple device or go to iCloud.com.

  • Sign in with your Apple ID and select your iPhone 5/5S/5C from the list of devices.

  • Click Remove this Device and confirm.

  • Your iPhone will be remotely reset, erasing all data.

    factory reset iphone 5 via find my

FAQs on Factory Reset iPhone 5

Q1: How to remove previous owner Apple ID without password?

To remove a previous owner’s Apple ID, you can:

  • Ask the owner to remove the device from their iCloud account.
  • Use PassFab iPhone Unlocker to bypass iCloud activation lock.
  • Contact Apple Support with proof of purchase to request assistance.

Q2: How to reset a disabled iPhone 5?

If your iPhone 5 is disabled, use iTunes or Recovery Mode to reset it:

  • Put the device into Recovery Mode and restore it via iTunes.
  • Use PassFab iPhone Unlocker to reset without iTunes.

Q3: How to put iPhone 5 in recovery mode?

  1. Turn off your iPhone 5.
  2. Hold the Home and Power buttons while connecting the device to a computer.
  3. Keep holding until you see the recovery mode screen.

Q4: Does a Factory Reset Completely Wipe an iPhone?

Yes, a factory reset erases all data, including apps, settings, and personal files. However, iCloud backups and Activation Lock remain unless manually removed.

Q5: How do I wipe my iPhone 5 before selling it?

If you 're planning to sell your iPhone 5, make sure to:

  1. Back up your data via iCloud or iTunes.
  2. Sign out of your Apple ID in Settings > Apple ID > Sign Out.
  3. Disable Find My iPhone to remove Activation Lock.
  4. Factory reset using Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
  5. Remove your SIM card before handing over the device.

Conclusion

Factory resetting an iPhone 5/5S/5C without password is simple if you follow the right steps. Whether using a computer, buttons, or settings, this guide provides six different methods to reset your device effectively. If you don’t have a passcode or Apple ID, third-party tools like PassFab iPhone Unlocker can help you regain access. Be sure to back up your data before performing a reset!

Now that you know all the ways to factory reset an iPhone 5, you can choose the best method that suits your situation and proceed with confidence.

passfab iphone unlocker

PassFab iPhone Unlock

  • Fast - Remove screen lock/iPhone Passcode/Activation Lock in minutes
  • Secure - Bypass screen time/MDM lock without data loss
  • Easy to operate - Unlock by yourself at home without hassle
  • Compatible - Compatible with the latest iOS 18 and iPhone 16 models
  • Supports Windows and MacOS

PassFab iPhone Unlock has Recommended by many medias, like macworld, makeuseof, appleinsider, etc.

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