"Erase data" vs "Reset all settings"... do both erase Restrictions?

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Bradmt2000 Author

Level 1

1 points

"Erase data" vs "Reset all settings"... do both erase Restrictions?

I would like to prevent my son from resetting his iPhone, thus erasing the Restrictions (General>Restrictions) I have set.

I think that he can't use the Reset function (Settings>General>Reset) without knowing his iCloud password (which he does not know).

But what about the "Erase all data" function (Settings>General>Passcode Lock>Erase Data) when one enters a Passcode wrong 10 times? Would that also erase the Restrictions? And if so, is there anything to prevent that from being done?

It looks as if that feature can be turned off, so that 10 Passcode attempts does not erase the data, but there is nothing to prevent a person from going in and turning that feature back on.

Thanks!

iPhone 4S, iOS 7.0.4

Posted on Jan 27, 2014 11:02 PM

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Answer 1

sberman

Level 10

273,012 points

Jan 27, 2014 11:20 PM in response to Bradmt2000

By the way, Settings > General > Reset > Erase all content and settings also requires undoing the Activation Lock, meaning the Apple ID and password are required for that as well.

The whole idea of Activation Lock is a theft deterrent.

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH13695

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Answer 2

Sep 7, 2017 8:18 AM in response to Bradmt2000

How About if i fail 10 times then it will remove my apple id?

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Answer 3

sberman

Level 10

273,012 points

Jan 27, 2014 11:17 PM in response to Bradmt2000

Note: If you lose or forget a restriction passcode, you will need to perform a factory restore to remove it.

The above comes from here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4213

However, performing a factory restore would turning off Find My iPhone on the device, which disables Activation Lock. This is described here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1414

But ... turning off Find My iPhone requires the Apple ID and password, which you say is not available!

So, you're safe!!

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Answer 4

Bradmt2000 Author

Level 1

1 points

Jan 28, 2014 11:20 AM in response to sberman

Thanks so much for responding.

I'd like to make sure I understand...

Say he to enters his passcode incorrectly 10 times on purpose (which he's actually done before, pre-iOS7). The system will ask him for his Apple ID and password before erasing all of the data?

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Answer 5

sberman

Level 10

273,012 points

Jan 28, 2014 2:08 PM in response to Bradmt2000

Well, not exactly. But the iPhone is still safe as follows:

This is from the iPhone User Guide:

Erase data after ten failed passcode attempts. Go to Settings > General > Passcode & Fingerprint (iPhone 5s) or Settings > General > Passcode Lock (other models), then tap Erase Data. After ten failed passcode attempts, all settings are reset, and all your information and media are erased by removing the encryption key to the data.

So what that means is that the iPhone is like a brick (cannot do anything) after 10 failed attempts. It has encrypted data that cannot be deciphered.

But when someone tries to "unbrick" the iPhone, then they would have to enter an Apple ID and password. Per the Activation Lock article, Activation Lock is required before anyone can "erase and reactivate your device."

Check "If you enter your passcode too many times ..." here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4113

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Answer 6

Lumiouns

Level 1

4 points

Jul 13, 2017 1:31 AM in response to sberman

How it can be possible I forget passcode.. now my phone can not be reset!!

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