| If you purchased a used iDevice, forgot the password on your device or have other software related problems that prevent you from restoring the device normally, this guide will help you access Recovery Mode to force it to restore. '''Please note this is NOT for the iPhone 7 and up, as these devices use a different method to access Recovery Mode.''' |
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| '''Warning! This method erases ALL DATA on the device. Take a backup of the data if at all possible (or know you do not need the data).''' |
| '''iCloud warning: iOS8 and up implement an iCloud activation lock. Restoring the device this way will lock you out of your hardware unless you know what the Apple ID that is currently associated with the device. DO NOT USE THIS METHOD ON DEVICES THAT HAVE BEEN BEEN ICLOUD UNLOCKED THROUGH UNOFFICIAL MEANS!''' |
| ++ '''Guide notes''' ++ |
| * This method only works up to the iPhone 6s. The method to do this changed with the iPhone 7. |
| * '''iCloud warning:''' Devices running iOS7 or newer will have an iCloud activation lock. If you restore a device with unknown credentials, you will no longer be able to use the device. Furthermore, devices that were reset through unofficial means will no longer work if the device was reset this way. |
| * '''WARNING: ALL DATA ON THE DEVICE WILL BE ERASED! IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO GUESS THE PASSWORD, THIS IS PREFERABLE.''' |
| If you purchased a used iDevice or forgot the password to your current device, this guide will show you how to restore the device so you can use it again. If you did not forget the password and you are having problems that prevent the device for being restored through normal means, this method can also be used for this purpose. |