It is possible to both Reset and Restore iPhone without iTunes, using two different methods as provided below in this guide.
Reset And Restore iPhone Without Using iTunes
Previously, the best way to Reset or Restore an iPhone was to connect your device to a computer running iTunes and follow the onscreen prompts.
However, Apple has discontinued the use of iTunes on its computers (since 2019) and the current versions of MacBooks no longer come with iTunes pre-installed on them.
Similarly, Windows computers do not come with iTunes and not many users like the idea of downloading and installing iTunes on their Windows computers.
Hence, we are providing below two different methods to Reset and Restore an iPhone, without using iTunes.
1. Reset iPhone Using Settings
If are able to login to your device, you can Reset iPhone to its original or Factory default condition by using the Settings App.
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > select Erase All Content and Settings option.
On the next screen, tap on Continue > Enter Lock Screen Passcode > On the Confirmation pop-up, select Erase iPhone option to start the Factory Reset process.
Once the Reset process is completed, you will see iPhone starting with “Hello” screen, promoting you to start the Setup process (Slide to set up).
Follow the onscreen Setup instructions, until you reach “Apps & Data” screen.
On this screen, you can select Set Up as New iPhone or Restore iPhone from iCloud Backup option, depending on the problem that you are trying to fix on your device.
2. Reset iPhone Using iCloud
Another way to Reset iPhone without iTunes is by logging into your iCloud Account on a computer or a mobile device. However, this method works only if Apple’s Setup Find iPhone service is enabled on your device.
Using Mac/PC or any Mobile Device, visit iCloud.com and Sign-in to your iCloud Account. Once you are in iCloud, click on Find iPhone icon.
When prompted, enter your Apple ID Password to Sign-in to “Find My iPhone” service. On the next screen, click on All Devices and select your iPhone in the drop-down.
On the next screen, select Erase iPhone option to Erase all the data from your device.
When prompted, enter your Apple ID password and wait for the Factory Reset Process to be completed.
Once the Factory Reset Process is completed, you will find your iPhone restarting with “Hello” screen, prompting you to Slide to Setup your device.
Follow the setup instructions, until you reach Apps & Data Screen, providing you with different options to Restore iPhone. device.
You can select Restore from iCloud Backup or Setup as New iPhone option, depending on the problem that you are trying to fix on your device.
When to Use DFU Mode?
The Factory Reset Process erases all the data from your device, without having any impact on the firmware or the iOS operating system installed on your device.
While the Factory Reset process can be used to fix multiple problems on iPhone, it cannot be used if your device has become totally unresponsive, is stuck on black screen or going through other major problems.
The solution in such cases is to DFU Restore iPhone, which practically wipe out everything from your device, including the Operating System and also the Firmware.