iPhone/iPod/iPad Recovery Mode Restore

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Aug 22, 2018 - 05:44:18

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Introduction

Guide notes

(iPhone only) This method only works up to the iPhone 6s. The method to do this changed with the iPhone 7.
iCloud warning: Devices running iOS 7 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 with an unofficial iCloud unlock will no longer work.
With iOS 8 and up, the device data is encrypted. If you need your data, you must guess the password.
WARNING: ALL DATA ON THE DEVICE WILL BE ERASED! IF POSSIBLE, GUESS THE PASSWORD.

If you purchased a used iDevice or forgot the password on 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 but are having problems that prevent a normal recovery, this method can also be used for this purpose.

Step 1 Plug the device into a computer

iPhone/iPod/iPad Recovery Mode Restore, Plug the device into a computer: step 1, image 1 of 2

iPhone/iPod/iPad Recovery Mode Restore, Plug the device into a computer: step 1, image 2 of 2

Clearing a unknown password while keeping the data intact is beyond the scope of this guide.
Plug your device into your computer. Use the cable that matches the era your device is from (30-pin or Lightning).

Step 2 Mount the device in iTunes

iPhone/iPod/iPad Recovery Mode Restore, Mount the device in iTunes: step 2, image 1 of 1

Some older devices and firmware do not show up in iTunues while locked and do not provide warning.
Since this is a used device, the previous owner's name is blurred out.
Once the device is plugged in, verify it shows up in iTunes. The device will not sync while it is locked, but this is normal.

Step 3 Reset the device

iPhone/iPod/iPad Recovery Mode Restore, Reset the device: step 3, image 1 of 2

iPhone/iPod/iPad Recovery Mode Restore, Reset the device: step 3, image 2 of 2

Reset the iPod. To do this, hold both the power and home buttons down at the same time. Do this until the device's screen turns black.
This is the power button.
This is the home button.

Step 4 Put the device in recovery mode

iPhone/iPod/iPad Recovery Mode Restore, Put the device in recovery mode: step 4, image 1 of 2

iPhone/iPod/iPad Recovery Mode Restore, Put the device in recovery mode: step 4, image 2 of 2

The logo at this screen is firmware and device dependent. 30-pin devices show this screen while Lightning devices use a Lightning connector.
Once the Apple logo shows up on the screen, let go of the power button. Hold the home button until the screen on the example device comes up.

Step 5 Restore the device

iPhone/iPod/iPad Recovery Mode Restore, Restore the device: step 5, image 1 of 3

iPhone/iPod/iPad Recovery Mode Restore, Restore the device: step 5, image 2 of 3

iPhone/iPod/iPad Recovery Mode Restore, Restore the device: step 5, image 3 of 3

If you have done the previous steps correctly, the device shows up in iTunes in recovery mode.
Click Restore iPod/iPhone and then click Restore and Update. Once you do this, agree to the EULA.
Once you agree to the EULA (not shown), iTunes will download the latest firmware. Your device will be restored once it is downloaded.

Step 6 Set up the device

iPhone/iPod/iPad Recovery Mode Restore, Set up the device: step 6, image 1 of 1

Backup restoration is not recommended. These backups may contain your forgotten password, which will force you to go through this process to recover the device again. Delete all existing backups known to have a password to avoid this problem.
Once the device is restored, set it up as a new device. Once configured, make a fallback backup that is safe to use in the future.