iPhone asks for passcode for a reset, but no passcode is set

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iPhone asks for passcode for a reset, but no passcode is set

My wife and I just got new phones and I've been working on clearing out our old phones. Mine went without a hitch, however I'm at the very end of clearing my wife's phone out. When I attempt to erase it via "Erase All Content and Settings", the iPhone asks me for a passcode, even though there is no passcode currently set for the phone.

I've tried all known passcode(mine and hers), however I'm at 11 attempts, I'm getting tired of waiting for 60 minutes for another attempt.

Is this passcode different than the phone passcode? Will erasing with iTunes via "Restore iPhone" cause any issues? What's the best way to proceed?

[additional information: The phone was originally set up using my apple ID account. When my wife finally set up her own apple ID we switched it to her account.]

Thanks for any suggestions.

Posted on Feb 17, 2015 7:17 PM

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Answer 1

ChrisJ4203

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Feb 17, 2015 7:22 PM in response to gezebo

That should be the iCloud password that it is asking for. That is what releases it from iCloud to do the erase.

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Answer 2

gezebo Author

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Feb 17, 2015 8:58 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

The iCloud account has already been deactivated. And the passcode it's asking for is a 4 digit numeral passcode???(number pad)

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Answer 3

ChrisJ4203

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Feb 17, 2015 9:18 PM in response to gezebo

I've not seen that behavior. What happens if you try restoring the device from iTunes? Are you following the instructions here to prepare your devices for sale or giving away? What to do before selling or giving away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

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Answer 4

gezebo Author

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Feb 18, 2015 9:47 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

I may eventually end up restoring from iTunes if I can't find a solution ChrisJ4203. I am concerned that this lock may cause me problems if I try to Restore from iTunes while there is this lock.

I was following those instructions(similar ones) for removing personal information from idevices before selling etc.

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Answer 5

gezebo Author

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Feb 18, 2015 7:02 PM in response to gezebo

Final update. Thanks for the discussion BTW.

I notice today that password is the restriction passcode specifically. So i restored the phone to a backup I knew didn't have restrictions enabled, and was able to restore phone to defaults afterwards.

Thanks again. I hope this helps someone else int he future.

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Answer 6

ChrisJ4203

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230,371 points

Feb 18, 2015 7:12 PM in response to gezebo

Okay, there we go. I never thought to ask about restrictions, since most people know if they have them on. The error box did not specify restrictions passcode, or anything worded that way?

Either way, glad you got it working.

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