Yes. A physical SIM card is not listed as a requirement to erase an accessible iPhone. Back up anything you want to keep, then go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. If the iPhone has an eSIM, choose whether to keep or delete it; deleting it means contacting your carrier to reactivate the cellular plan.
Which reset route should you use?
| Route | Use it when | What you need to know |
|---|---|---|
| Erase in Settings | You can unlock and use the iPhone. | It erases the phone and lets you choose whether to keep or delete an eSIM. Apple does not list a physical SIM as a prerequisite. Apple’s factory-reset instructions. |
| On-device erase after forgetting the passcode | The erase option appears on the locked iPhone. | Apple requires iOS 15.2 or later, Find My enabled before lockout, an active cellular or Wi-Fi connection, and the Apple Account and password. Wi-Fi can provide the connection without a SIM. Apple’s passcode-reset requirements. |
| Computer restore or reset | Settings or the on-device passcode flow is unavailable. | Use Finder on a Mac or Apple Devices on Windows; Apple also documents iTunes for some older configurations. A computer-based forgotten-passcode reset requires a computer, internet access, and a cable that can charge the phone. A standard computer restore erases the phone and reinstalls iOS but does not delete the eSIM. Apple’s restore instructions and computer passcode-reset requirements. |
How to erase an iPhone you can unlock
- Back up first if you may need the data. Erasing removes content from the iPhone. Apple explains backup and erasure in its factory-reset instructions.
- Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the prompts and enter credentials if requested. When erasure finishes, the iPhone displays the Hello screen.
- If asked about an eSIM, choose whether to keep it. Keep it if you plan to continue using that cellular plan on this iPhone. If you delete it, contact your carrier to reactivate the plan.
What if you forgot the passcode and have no SIM?
First check whether the iPhone offers its on-device erase option. That route depends on the iOS version, Find My having been enabled before the phone was locked, a working Wi-Fi or cellular connection, and your Apple Account credentials. A SIM is not essential if you can connect to Wi-Fi. See Apple’s eligibility details.
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If the on-device option is unavailable, use Apple’s computer-based reset process. Connect the iPhone to a computer with a cable that can charge it, then follow Apple’s steps for resetting an iPhone and passcode with a computer. Recovery may require internet access. This erases the phone, so any data not backed up may be lost.
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For a phone whose Settings erase cannot be used, connect it to a Mac and use Finder, or connect it to a Windows PC and use Apple Devices. Apple’s instructions also cover iTunes in certain older configurations. Select the iPhone in the relevant app and choose Restore, then follow the prompts. The process erases the device and installs the latest software available for it. Apple says this restore does not erase the eSIM. Follow Apple’s computer restore steps; cable compatibility depends on the ports on your iPhone and computer.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Factory erase is not the same as resetting settings
Choose Erase All Content and Settings for a factory erase. Reset All Settings returns settings to their defaults but does not delete photos, apps, messages, or other personal data. Apple explains the distinction in its Reset All Settings guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happens to activation and cellular service?
Activation Lock can remain after erasure
Erasing does not guarantee that another person can set up the iPhone. Find My enables Activation Lock, and the Apple Account credentials associated with the device may be required during erasure or reactivation. If a secondhand iPhone asks for the previous owner’s credentials, ask that owner to remove the device from their account. See Apple’s Activation Lock guidance.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Use Wi-Fi if cellular activation is unavailable
After erasing, connect to reliable Wi-Fi if cellular activation is not available. Apple also documents trying activation through an internet-connected computer. If setup reports an unsupported or invalid SIM or eSIM, contact the carrier. See Apple’s activation troubleshooting steps.
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If you are selling or giving away an iPhone, back it up and erase it before the handoff. Apple advises people without a SIM card to contact their network provider about transferring service to the new owner. Its pre-handoff checklist covers other steps to take before transferring an iPhone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
