Factory reset iPhone 4 without password or iTunes recognition and on an old iOS

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Level 1

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Factory reset iPhone 4 without password or iTunes recognition and on an old iOS

I have forgotten my password for iPhone 4s and do not have time to wait for the 8 phases of password attempts (over 12 hours).

How do I perform a factory reset? I don't care about wiping all the data

I am on an old version of iOS (don't know which); iTunes will not recognise the phone without a software update. I cannot update without the password...

Seem to be in a Catch 22 with no way of resetting.

I have already tried this: If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support, it doesn't work - just wants the software update first.

Advice welcome.

Thanks, J

iPhone 4S

Posted on Feb 6, 2015 1:09 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

wegras

Level 6

15,305 points

Feb 6, 2015 2:10 PM in response to joobillee

That scenario is what is covered in the link I posted above

your post included the recovery mode solution

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Answer 2

joobillee Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 6, 2015 3:08 PM in response to wegras

Followed your advice, step by step - didn't work. Although I appreciate the advice nevertheless.

Have now succeeded by uninstalling iTunes on my laptop and reinstalling - this has fixed the glitch that prevented the new iOS from downloading and I can now reset.

Thank you.

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Answer 3

joobillee Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 6, 2015 2:06 PM in response to wegras

That's the problem - I can't update the software. I keep trying - it keeps telling me to 'accept on your home screen' - which I can't do because I have forgotten the passcode!

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