How to Factory Reset iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide & Precautions

When you factory reset iPhone it removes all data and settings from an iPhone and returns it to its original state. People need to do this when selling their device, fixing software problems, or giving their phone to someone else. To factory reset iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone, then tap Erase All Content and Settings.

The process takes only a few minutes to complete. However, users need to prepare their device first to protect their information and make sure everything goes smoothly. This includes backing up important data and signing out of certain accounts.

Factory resetting an iPhone is simple when you know the right steps. This guide explains everything needed to safely erase an iPhone, whether using the device itself or a computer. It also covers what to do if problems come up during the reset process.

Key Takeaways

• Back up your iPhone data and sign out of iCloud before performing a factory reset to protect your information
• Factory reset through Settings by selecting Erase All Content and Settings, or use a computer with iTunes or Finder if the phone is locked
• After the reset completes, set up your iPhone as new or restore your data from a previous backup

Preparing Your iPhone for a Factory Reset

Before wiping an iPhone clean, users need to secure their data and disable security features. Taking these steps prevents data loss and ensures a smooth reset process.

Backup Options and Steps

An iCloud backup stores photos, app data, device settings, and messages in the cloud. Users can enable it by opening Settings, tapping their name at the top, then selecting iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. The device must be connected to Wi-Fi and have enough iCloud storage space available.

A computer backup offers another option. Users with a Mac can connect their iPhone via cable and open Finder to create a backup. Windows users need iTunes installed to perform the same task. Computer backups save everything on the device, including app data and settings.

Both backup methods protect important information. The backup should finish completely before moving forward with a reset. Users can verify the backup completed by checking the date and time in their backup settings.

Turning Off Find My iPhone and iCloud

Find My iPhone must be disabled before a factory reset. Users should open Settings, tap their name, then select Find My > Find My iPhone. The toggle switch needs to be turned off, and the device will prompt for an Apple ID password to confirm.

Signing out of iCloud removes the device from the account. Users go to Settings, tap their name at the top, then scroll down and select Sign Out. The system asks for the Apple ID password again. This step disconnects the phone from iCloud services and prepares it for a new owner if selling or trading the device.

Checking Activation Lock Status

Activation Lock ties an iPhone to a specific Apple ID for security. Users can verify the status by going to Settings > their name > Find My. If Find My iPhone shows as on, Activation Lock is active.

The lock must be removed before resetting if giving the phone to someone else. Turning off Find My iPhone automatically disables Activation Lock. Users who bought a used iPhone should check that the previous owner removed Activation Lock before accepting the device.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Factory Reset iPhone

A factory reset wipes all personal data from an iPhone and returns it to its original settings. Users can complete this process through the Settings app by accessing either the “Erase All Content and Settings” option or the “Transfer or Reset iPhone” menu, depending on their iOS version.

Using Settings App

The Settings app provides the primary method to factory reset an iPhone. Users need to open the Settings app from their home screen and look for the General option in the menu.

Once in General settings, they should scroll down to find reset options. Newer iOS versions display “Transfer or Reset iPhone” while older versions show “Reset” at the bottom of the menu. The location remains consistent in the General settings area.

Before proceeding, users should ensure their iPhone has adequate battery life or connect it to a power source. The device will also prompt for the passcode if one is set up. Users must have this passcode ready to complete the reset process.

Erase All Content and Settings Process

The “Erase All Content and Settings” option permanently removes all data from the device. This includes photos, apps, contacts, messages, and any personal information stored on the iPhone.

After selecting this option, the system displays warnings about data loss. Users should tap through these confirmations and enter their Apple ID password when prompted. This step prevents unauthorized resets and ensures the device can be removed from the previous owner’s account.

The erasing process takes several minutes to complete. During this time, the iPhone displays a progress bar and restarts multiple times. Users should not interrupt this process or turn off the device until it finishes completely.

Utilizing Transfer or Reset iPhone Option

The “Transfer or Reset iPhone” menu appears in iOS 15 and later versions. This option combines reset functions with data transfer capabilities for users setting up a new device.

Within this menu, users find “Erase All Content and Settings” as the primary reset choice. The interface organizes options more clearly than older iOS versions and provides better descriptions of what each action does.

This method follows the same data removal process but offers improved guidance throughout. The system walks users through each step with clear prompts and ensures all necessary confirmations are completed before the reset begins.

Performing a Factory Reset Through a Computer

A computer provides two main methods to factory reset an iPhone: using Finder or iTunes for a standard reset, or using Recovery Mode when the device won’t respond normally. Both methods erase all data and install the latest iOS version.

Using Finder or iTunes

The user needs to open Finder on a Mac or the Apple Devices app on a PC. If the computer doesn’t have the Apple Devices app, or the Mac runs macOS Mojave or earlier, iTunes works instead.

After connecting the iPhone to the computer with a cable, a message may appear asking for the device passcode or to “Trust This Computer.” The user must follow these steps to continue. Once the iPhone appears in Finder or iTunes, the user should click the device name to access its settings.

Before clicking “Restore iPhone,” the user must sign out of Find My if it’s enabled. The computer won’t allow the restore process to start otherwise. After clicking “Restore iPhone” and confirming the action, the computer erases everything on the device and installs the latest iOS version. The process takes several minutes to complete.

The iPhone restarts automatically when finished. At this point, the device returns to its original factory state with no personal data remaining.

Recovery Mode Process

Recovery Mode helps when an iPhone won’t turn on, doesn’t appear in Finder or iTunes, or stays stuck on the Apple logo. This method forces the device into a special state that allows the computer to reinstall iOS.

The steps to enter Recovery Mode vary by iPhone model. For iPhone 8 and newer, the user presses and quickly releases the volume up button, then the volume down button, then holds the side button until the recovery mode screen appears. For iPhone 7, the user holds both the volume down and side buttons together. For iPhone 6s and earlier, the user holds both the home and top buttons.

Once in Recovery Mode, Finder or iTunes detects the problem and offers options to restore or update the device. Choosing “Restore” erases all content and settings. The computer downloads the iOS software and installs it on the iPhone. This process takes 15 minutes or longer depending on the internet connection speed.

The user should create an iCloud backup before using either method if they want to save their data.

Special Considerations for iOS Versions

The factory reset process has changed across different iOS versions, with Apple moving key settings to new locations and adjusting menu names. Users need to know where to find the reset options based on their specific iOS version.

Factory Reset on iOS 13

iOS 13 introduced a reorganized Settings menu that changed how users access the factory reset feature. The reset option moved from a standalone “Reset” menu to a combined location under Settings > General > Reset.

Users running iOS 13 see several reset options in this menu. The main option for a complete factory reset is “Erase All Content and Settings.” This option removes all personal data, apps, photos, and settings from the device.

Before tapping “Erase All Content and Settings,” users must enter their device passcode. If Find My iPhone is turned on, Apple also requires the Apple ID password. The erase process typically takes 5-15 minutes depending on how much data is stored on the device.

Factory Reset on iOS 12

iOS 12 uses a similar path to iOS 13 but with slightly different visual elements in the interface. Users access the factory reset by going to Settings > General > Reset.

The “Erase All Content and Settings” button appears at the top of the Reset menu in iOS 12. After selecting this option, the system displays two confirmation prompts to prevent accidental deletion.

iOS 12 requires users to disable Find My iPhone before completing the factory reset. This security feature protects devices from being wiped by unauthorized users. The device will not proceed with the erase until Find My iPhone is turned off and the Apple ID password is entered.

Differences in Newer iOS Versions

iOS 15 and later versions moved the factory reset option to a new location called “Transfer or Reset iPhone.” This menu appears under Settings > General and groups device transfer and reset functions together.

The newer iOS versions show the option as “Erase All Content and Settings” within the Transfer or Reset menu. Apple added this change to make it easier for users switching to new devices. The actual erase process works the same way as earlier versions but includes better progress indicators.

Users on iOS 15 and above can complete a factory reset without disabling Find My iPhone first. The system handles this automatically during the erase process. This streamlined approach reduces the number of steps needed to prepare a device for sale or trade-in.

Post-Reset Setup and Troubleshooting

After a factory reset completes, the iPhone displays the Setup Assistant to help configure the device. Users need to restore their data from a backup and sign in with their Apple ID to reactivate the phone.

Restoring Data from Backup

The Setup Assistant walks users through the restore process immediately after the reset finishes. Users can choose between an iCloud backup or a computer backup to recover their information.

For iCloud backup restoration, users sign in with their Apple ID and password. The device displays a list of available backups with their dates. Users should select the most recent backup that contains their data.

Computer backups require connecting the iPhone to a Mac or PC. Users open Finder on Mac or iTunes on Windows to access stored backups. The restore process transfers apps, photos, messages, and settings back to the device.

Important considerations during restoration:

• The iPhone must stay connected to Wi-Fi throughout the process
• Battery level should remain above 50% or keep the device plugged in
• Restore time varies from 20 minutes to several hours depending on data size

Users who want to test if a software problem is fixed should set up the iPhone as new first. They can restore data later if the device works correctly without the backup.

Activation and Apple ID Requirements

All iPhones require activation through Apple’s servers before use. The device needs an active internet connection via Wi-Fi or cellular data to complete this step.

Users must enter their Apple ID and password during setup. This account unlocks access to iCloud, the App Store, and other Apple services. The system may send a verification code to another trusted device for security.

Activation Lock protects devices linked to an Apple ID. If someone factory resets an iPhone without removing the previous owner’s account first, the device prompts for those original credentials. Users buying a used iPhone should verify the previous owner disabled this feature before purchase.

The activation process typically takes 2-5 minutes with a stable connection. Slower networks may extend this time.

What to Do If Factory Reset Fails

Some situations prevent the standard reset process from working. Users who forgot their passcode cannot access the Settings menu to erase the device.

Alternative reset methods include:

• Recovery Mode: Connect the iPhone to a computer, then force restart while holding specific buttons until the recovery screen appears
• Find My iPhone: Log into iCloud.com from any browser and select “Erase iPhone” remotely

Users who forgot their Screen Time passcode face a different challenge. The factory reset process removes most data but keeps the Screen Time passcode active. Only a computer restore through Finder or iTunes fully removes this restriction.

If the erase process stops or freezes partway through, users should keep the device plugged in and wait at least one hour. The iPhone may appear stuck but continues working in the background. Force restarting during this time can corrupt the device and require a computer restore to fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Factory resetting an iPhone varies depending on the model and situation. The process changes when dealing with forgotten passwords, older models, or specific button combinations.

What are the steps to perform a factory reset on an iPhone 11 using system settings?

An iPhone 11 user needs to open the Settings app and navigate to General. From there, they should scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.

The next step is to tap Erase All Content and Settings. The device will ask for the passcode to confirm the action. After entering the passcode, the user should tap Erase iPhone to confirm.

The reset process takes a few minutes to complete. The iPhone will restart and display the initial setup screen once finished.

How can I factory reset an iPhone 7 if I’ve forgotten my password?

A user who forgot their iPhone 7 password needs to use a computer with iTunes or Finder. They must connect the iPhone to the computer with a cable.

The user needs to put the iPhone 7 into recovery mode. They do this by pressing and holding both the Sleep/Wake button and Volume Down button together until the recovery mode screen appears.

iTunes or Finder will detect the device in recovery mode and offer a restore option. The user selects Restore to erase the device and install the latest iOS version.

Can I factory reset an iPhone 6 without using a computer or iTunes?

An iPhone 6 can be reset without a computer if the user knows the passcode. They go to Settings, then General, and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.

The user taps Erase All Content and Settings and enters their passcode when prompted. This method works only when the device is unlocked and the user has access to the passcode.

If the passcode is forgotten, a computer with iTunes becomes necessary. There is no way to factory reset a locked iPhone 6 without using a computer or iTunes.

What is the method to hard reset an iPhone when the password is unknown?

Recovery mode provides the main method for resetting an iPhone with an unknown password. The user connects their iPhone to a computer running iTunes or Finder.

Different iPhone models use different button combinations to enter recovery mode. For iPhone 8 and later, the user quickly presses Volume Up, then Volume Down, then holds the Side button until the recovery screen appears.

For iPhone 7, the user holds the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake buttons together. For iPhone 6s and earlier, they hold the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons simultaneously. Once in recovery mode, the computer shows an option to restore the device.

What buttons do I press to perform a factory reset on an iPhone with physical buttons?

Physical buttons alone cannot complete a full factory reset. They can only force restart the device or put it into recovery mode for a reset through a computer.

To force restart an iPhone 8 or later, the user presses Volume Up, then Volume Down, then holds the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This restarts the phone but keeps all data intact.

For a complete factory reset using buttons, the user must enter recovery mode with the button combination for their model. They then connect to a computer to complete the actual reset process through iTunes or Finder.

Is it possible to factory reset an iPhone 13 without entering the passcode?

An iPhone 13 cannot be factory reset through Settings without the passcode. Apple requires passcode verification to prevent unauthorized data deletion.

The user can factory reset an iPhone 13 without the passcode by using recovery mode. They connect the device to a computer and put it into recovery mode by quickly pressing Volume Up, then Volume Down, then holding the Side button.

Once connected in recovery mode, iTunes or Finder offers a restore option. This erases all content and settings without requiring the passcode. The process removes all data and reinstalls iOS.