Is there any way to reset a password protected phone? (iPhones, itunes)

[Mattie]

I'm a manager for a thrift store, and we sometimes receive cell phones and tablets as donations. Although we have a volunteer who wipes the histories and restores factory settings when possible, they are often donated with password protection still in place. Is there any way to work around that?

[dontaskwhy]

Try an internet search. The method would be different based on the manufacturer/model. Due to concerns of privacy and to prevent theft, the manufacturer/carrier makes it difficult.

[macroy]

Both android and iPhones have a way to access recovery mode - which will include an option to wipe/restore the phone.

You'll need to google the specific model of the iPhone (you may even need iTunes).

For Android, it's typically holding down the volume up and power button when turning the phone on. This should take you to a recovery menu - then you would use the volume button (up/down) and find the factory reset option.

I'm amazed folks would give up old phones without wiping their data... albeit it doesn't really surprise me that it happens.

[phetaroi]

How about finding a related business who would do that voluntarily as a charitable effort?

[Mattie]

Thank you all. The most time consuming part so far has been trying to determine what model each item is.

Good idea Phetaroi, worth looking into.

[Peregrine]

You don't really need to get that specific. Any iPhone can be wiped with the iTunes method. And as Macroy said about 90% of Android phones can be done the way he mentioned.

Newer Android phones have some security on them that will ask you to confirm the previous screen lock to complete the setup so these will become paperweights.

[Mr_Geek]

If they are still logged into their iCloud account with "Find My iPhone" activated on an iPhone you won't be able to reset with their email and password.