iphone 4s cannot be put into recovery mode

I recently found my old iPhone 4s, and I cannot remember the password. I have tried multiple times to reset it via iTunes, however it says the phone must be unlocked to access it. I have tried holding down the power and home button as it starts up, I've even tried to erase it with FindMy, however that won't work until it's online. I don't know what to do, as it straight up won't respond to anything. Please help.