[Full Guide] How to Fix Erase iPhone Verification Failed Problem?

"Hi, I received a new phone and I'm trying to restore my 4S to factory settings. In order to do this I need to turn off find my iPhone, and/or remove my iCloud account from the phone. Every time I try to turn off find iPhone or delete iCloud I get a verification failure, that says I cannot connect to the server. My password is correct and I've reset my network settings. Any ideas? Or do I just turn on delete iPhone after 10 failed logins? Thanks."

- from Apple Community

When erasing iPhone data, many users may encounter a common issue: "Erase iPhone Verification Failed". This problem typically prevents users from properly clearing device data, whether for privacy protection or preparing the device for sale, which can be quite frustrating. This article will help you understand the cause of this error and provide detailed solutions to fix it.

Part 1. Why Erase iPhone Verification Failed

During the process of erasing iPhone data, Apple's servers need to authenticate the device to ensure that the action is being performed by the device's owner. However, if the verification process encounters issues, the system will display the "Erase iPhone Verification Failed" error. The causes of this problem may include the following:

• Unstable Network Connection: When erasing data, the device needs to be connected to the internet to access Apple's servers. An unstable network connection can cause the verification to fail.
• Apple Server Issues: Occasionally, Apple's servers may experience maintenance or high traffic, leading to a failure in the verification process.
• Apple ID and iCloud Settings Issues: Abnormalities with your Apple ID or iCloud settings can interfere with the verification process.
• System Malfunctions: A system malfunction or incompatible software version on the device may cause errors during the process.

Part 2. How to Fix Erase iPhone Verification Failed

Now that we understand the possible causes, here are some effective methods to help you successfully fix the "Erase iPhone Verification Failed" issue.

Fix 1. Check Network Connection

A stable network connection is key to completing the erase verification process. If the network is unstable, the device may fail to communicate with Apple's servers, resulting in verification failure. To ensure a stable connection, you can go to "Settings", tap "Wi-Fi", and confirm that you are connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network. If the Wi-Fi signal is weak or the connection is unstable, try switching to a different network.

Fix 2. Reset Network Settings

Sometimes, network cache or other network settings issues can cause an unstable connection, which can affect Apple ID verification. Resetting the network settings can clear the cache and restore default settings, helping to resolve potential network issues. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" and tap "General".

Step 2. Scroll down to "Reset" and select "Reset Network Settings".

Step 3. Enter your device password to confirm, then tap "Reset" to confirm.

Once the reset is complete, reconnect to Wi-Fi and ensure the connection is stable. After this, try erasing your iPhone again to check if the verification is successful.

Fix 3. Check Apple ID System Status

Apple's servers may occasionally undergo maintenance or experience issues, which can lead to Apple ID verification failures. You can check the Apple System Status page to determine if the servers are operating normally.

Fix 4. Sign Out of Apple ID

You can also try signing out of your Apple ID to erase your iPhone without needing to go through the verification process. When you sign out, any data stored in iCloud will still be accessible in iCloud, but it will be removed from your device unless you have a local copy of it on the iPhone.

To do this, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" and tap on your Profile.

Step 2. Scroll down and find the "Sign Out" option. Tap it, then enter your Apple ID password to confirm. (Can't sign out of your Apple ID?)

Fix 5. Disable Find My iPhone

If Find My iPhone is enabled, it activates an Activation Lock on your device, which requires your Apple ID and password to erase the device. Any issues with the Find My iPhone service could prevent successful verification and erasure. To avoid this, make sure to turn off Find My iPhone before attempting to erase your device.

Here is how to turn off Find My iPhone:

Step 1. Open "Settings", tap on your "Apple ID" profile, then select "Find My".

Step 2. Tap "Find My iPhone" and toggle it off.

Step 3. The system will prompt you to enter your Apple ID password; enter it and confirm to disable the feature.

Fix 6. Force Restart iPhone

Sometimes, a device may fail to perform actions due to prolonged system uptime or cache issues. A simple restart can refresh the device's system processes and resolve minor glitches.

Here is how to force restart the iPhone:

For iPhone 8 and later:

• Press and release the "Volume Up" button.
• Press and release the "Volume Down" button.
• Press and hold the "Side" button until the Apple logo appears, then release the button.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:

• Press and hold both the "Volume Down" button and the "Side" button simultaneously.
• Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears, then release them.

For iPhone 6s and earlier:

• Press and hold both the "Home" button and the "Side" button simultaneously.
• Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears, then release them.

Fix 7. Update iOS

Sometimes, if the device's iOS version is too outdated, it may be incompatible with the latest Apple verification servers, leading to verification failures. It's recommended to ensure your device is running the latest iOS version. Follow these steps to update your iOS:

Step 1. Open "Settings" and tap "General".

Step 2. Select "Software Update" to check if any updates are available. (iPhone stuck on a software update?)

Step 3. If an update is available, tap "Download and Install", then wait for the update to complete.

Fix 8. Use iPhone Unlocker

If the above methods don't resolve the issue, it is recommended to use iPhone Unlocker, a professional iPhone unlocking tool that helps users bypass Apple ID verification and easily erase the iPhone.

Key features of iPhone Unlocker:

• Reset your Apple ID password without needing the original password.
• Unlock your iPhone, iPad, and iPod without a password.
• Remove the Screen Time passcode without losing any data.
• Easily remove MDM (Mobile Device Management) from your iPhone or iPad.
• Clear iTunes backup encryption settings from your iPhone or iPad with just one click.
• Support almost all iPhone models, including the latest iPhone 16/15/14 and more (iOS 18 supported).

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

Here is how to fix the "Erase iPhone Verification Failed" issue using iPhone Unlocker:

Part 3. The Best Way to Erase iPhone [100% Unrecoverable]

If you want to completely erase your iPhone and ensure that the data is unrecoverable, it is recommended to use Coolmuster iOS Eraser. This tool can thoroughly wipe all data from your iPhone, protecting your privacy, with no possibility of data recovery.

Highlights of Coolmuster iOS Eraser:

• Completely erase all data from your iOS devices, including hidden apps, personal information, system settings, deleted files, and more.
• Permanently remove both existing and deleted data, ensuring it is unrecoverable.
• Thoroughly delete contacts, SMS, call logs, music, videos, photos, apps and their data, reminders, calendars, bookmarks, browsing history, voice memos, notes, and settings (including iCloud and iTunes account settings).
• Offer three levels of data erasure: Low, Medium, and High.
• Operate in a 100% read-only mode to ensure safe and secure erasure of iOS data.

Free Download for PC

Here is how to erase your iPhone using iOS Eraser:

Video Tutorial:

Wrapping Up

The "Erase iPhone Verification Failed" issue can usually be resolved by checking the network connection, resetting network settings, updating iOS, etc. If the problem persists, iPhone Unlocker is a convenient and effective tool that can help you bypass the verification and easily complete the erasure process.

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