How to Factory Reset iPhone

Is your iPhone acting a bit wonky, or are you getting ready to sell or trade it in? Well, sometimes performing a factory reset can solve the problem. Factory reset removes all data and settings of your device and makes it as default. Whether you’re looking to start fresh or wipe an old device, these are the steps you need to follow to factory reset an iPhone.

Here, we’ll break down the process for you step-by-step, as well as some things to keep in mind before you begin.

What Is a Factory Reset?

A factory reset (also known as master reset) is a process to restore the device to its original state as if it is new. This erases all personal data, applications and saved settings, and returns the phone to that fresh from the box factory settings state. On an iPhone, doing so will wipe everything, including:

• Photos and videos
• Installed apps
• Custom settings
• Saved passwords

But system software will use 10 or 11 ​GB, and the pre-installed apps (Safari, Messages, etc.) will not be deleted.

Why Reset An iPhone?

There are several instances when Resetting your iPhone is the thing to do. Here are some of the more common explanations:

Troubleshooting Now, if your iPhone is suffering from software abnormalities, freezes or performance issues, a reset will probably eliminate the problems.

Sale or Trade-In Readiness: Wiping your iPhone ensures none of your private data is there for the taking once you hand the device over to someone else.

Getting a Fresh Start: If your phone is cluttered or you just want to set it up afresh, a factory reset will give you a clean slate.

Forgotten Passcodes: If you do forget the passcode, your only option is to reset the iPhone on a computer with iTunes and recovery mode.

Things to Do Before Resetting Your iPhone

Before performing a factory reset, it’s essential to take some precautions to avoid losing important data forever. Here’s what you should do:

1. Back Up Your Data

A factory reset deletes everything on your iPhone. To ensure you don’t lose photos, contacts, or other valuable files, back up your data to iCloud or a computer using iTunes (Windows) or Finder (on Mac with macOS Catalina or later).

• iCloud Backup:

  • Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup
  • Tap Back Up Now

• Computer Backup:

  • Connect your iPhone to a computer. Open Finder or iTunes, and select your device.
  • Click Back Up Now to create a local backup.

2. Sign Out of iCloud

To prevent activation lock issues, make sure you log out of your Apple ID.

• Go to Settings > Your Name > Sign Out
• Enter your Apple ID password, then tap Turn Off

3. Transfer Important Information

If you’re moving to a new phone, transfer key data like contacts and messages to your new device before resetting the old one.

How to Factory Reset an iPhone

Now that you’re ready, follow these steps to reset your iPhone:

Reset Through Settings

The simplest way to reset your iPhone is directly from the device’s settings.

1. Open Settings.
   Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

2. Choose Erase All Content and Settings.
   Select Erase All Content and Settings to wipe your iPhone clean.

3. Confirm Your Choice.
   You’ll need to input your passcode or use Face/Touch ID for authentication.

4. Enter Apple ID Password.
   Enter your Apple ID password to turn off iCloud and the Find My iPhone feature.

5. Start Erasing.
   Once confirmed, the reset process will begin, taking a few minutes to complete.

Using a Computer with Finder or iTunes

If you can’t access settings due to forgotten passcodes or software issues, you can reset the iPhone using a computer.

1. Connect Your iPhone to a Computer.
   Use a trusted USB cable to connect the device.

2. Put Your iPhone in Recovery Mode.

   • For iPhone 8 and later:
     • Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
     • Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
     • Hold the Side Button until the recovery mode screen appears.
   • For iPhone 7/7 Plus:
     • Hold the Volume Down and Side buttons until recovery mode appears.
   • For iPhone 6 and earlier:
     • Hold the Home and Power Button together until you see recovery mode.

3. Open Finder or iTunes.
   Locate your device in the Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC). You’ll see a prompt to restore or update.

4. Select Restore.
   Choose Restore to erase your device and install a clean version of iOS.

5. Set Up the iPhone.
   Once the process completes, you can set up the iPhone as new or restore a backup.

What to Do After Resetting Your iPhone

Once your iPhone is reset, it’s as good as new. However, there are a few things you might want to consider when setting it up:

• Restore a Backup: If you backed up your data earlier, restore it to bring your files, apps, and settings back to your iPhone.
• Sign Back Into iCloud: Use your Apple ID to reconnect to iCloud and access services like Photos and Notes.
• Install Necessary Apps: Download apps you use daily from the App Store.

Issues and troubleshooting common issues

Lost Passcodes: If the device is disabled, plug into a computer and enter recovery mode to restore the iPhone.

iPhone Won’t Reset: Verify that the Apple ID password was entered properly. If it doesn’t clear the issue, find system updates for iTunes or Finder and try again.

Data Missing After Restore: Always make sure you have backed up your device before the program performs a restore.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to erase an iPhone is essential for troubleshooting a device and safely passing it on. Regardless of whether you reset through settings or a computer, the process is easy provided you prepare first. Be sure to back up important data so you can start fresh, and then complete any required setups following the reset to get the full potential out of your device.