Erasing an iPhone from its own lock screen, without a computer
When "Erase iPhone" appears on the lock screen, and how to use it safely.
4 min read · Beginner
Before you start: You must know the Apple Account password for the iPhone. Activation Lock will ask for it after the erase.
Data loss: This erases the iPhone. Anything not in an iCloud or computer backup is gone.
Recent iPhones can erase themselves from the lock screen after enough failed passcode attempts, with no computer needed. It only helps if you know the Apple Account password, because Activation Lock asks for it when the phone comes back.
When the option appears
On iOS 15.2 and later, after several wrong passcodes the lock screen shows a long lockout timer and, in the corner, an "Erase iPhone" option. The phone must be on iOS 15.2+ and connected to Wi‑Fi or cellular.
This is Apple’s own Security Lockout flow. It is the same erase you would do from a computer, just triggered on the device.
Do this first
- Confirm you know the Apple Account (Apple ID) password. Reset it now at iforgot.apple.com if you are unsure — you will need it in a few minutes.
- Check for a backup: iCloud from a browser, or a computer you have synced to. The erase is final.
- Tap Erase iPhone, confirm, and enter the Apple Account password to sign out.
- The iPhone erases and restarts to the Hello screen. Sign in with the same Apple Account to clear Activation Lock, then restore your backup or set up as new.
If you do not know the Apple Account password, do not erase. The phone will finish the wipe and then stop at Activation Lock, unusable until that account is recovered.
Official escalation: Apple’s guide: "If you forgot your iPhone passcode" — support.apple.com/en-us/118427. Account recovery: iforgot.apple.com.
Phones this covers
Stuck on your specific phone?
Ask on the community board — real people, owner-to-owner.