Resetting iPhone without Apple Account password

Hi All,


We have an iPhone that was previously used by a staff member that is no longer with the company. We don't know the passcode. If we go to reset the device, it asks for the apple account password. Is there anyway around having to enter the apple account password to reset? Also why would we need to enter the apple account password to reset?


Thanks,


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Security Lockout


Posted on Aug 13, 2025 3:33 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 13, 2025 4:24 PM

You’ll need your corporate purchase order, purchase receipt, or other proof of iPhone ownership.


Then contact Apple Support.


With proof of ownership sufficient to convince Apple, they’ll be able to remove Activation Lock.


Once you have regained access, usual here is to set this up with an MDM, which usually avoids ownership issues.


https://www.apple.com/business/docs/resources/Managing_Devices_and_Corporate_Data.pdf


Overview of the whole environment: Enterprise - Business - Apple



2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 13, 2025 4:24 PM in response to JCtech2025

You’ll need your corporate purchase order, purchase receipt, or other proof of iPhone ownership.


Then contact Apple Support.


With proof of ownership sufficient to convince Apple, they’ll be able to remove Activation Lock.


Once you have regained access, usual here is to set this up with an MDM, which usually avoids ownership issues.


https://www.apple.com/business/docs/resources/Managing_Devices_and_Corporate_Data.pdf


Overview of the whole environment: Enterprise - Business - Apple



Aug 13, 2025 3:52 PM in response to JCtech2025

JCtech2025 wrote:

Hi All,

We have an iPhone that was previously used by a staff member that is no longer with the company. We don't know the passcode. If we go to reset the device, it asks for the apple account password. Is there anyway around having to enter the apple account password to reset? Also why would we need to enter the apple account password to reset?

Thanks,

[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Security Lockout

You should be able to do this If you forgot your iPhone passcode or your iPhone is disabled - Apple Support

But if that succeeds you're going to run into this How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support Activation Lock for iPhone and iPad - Apple Support

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Resetting iPhone without Apple Account password

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.