Performing a factory reset on your iPhone is a useful procedure for several reasons. Whether you’re planning to sell or trade in your device, troubleshoot persistent software issues, or simply want to start fresh, resetting your iPhone to its original factory settings effectively erases all personal data and configurations. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on How To Factory Reset Iphone using two primary methods.
Before initiating a factory reset, it is crucial to back up your iPhone. This precautionary measure ensures that you can restore your valuable data, including photos, contacts, and apps, onto another device or your iPhone after the reset if needed.
Preparing for a Factory Reset: Backing Up Your iPhone
Prior to learning how to factory reset iPhone, creating a backup is highly recommended. You can back up your iPhone using iCloud or your computer. To back up using iCloud, ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi, then go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Alternatively, connect your iPhone to your computer and use Finder (on macOS Catalina or later), iTunes (on Windows or older macOS), or the Apple Devices app (on Windows) to create a backup.
Method 1: Factory Resetting iPhone Directly from Settings
The most straightforward method to factory reset iPhone is through the Settings app. This method is convenient and can be done directly on your device.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Look for the gear icon on your home screen and tap it.
- Navigate to General. Scroll down and tap on the “General” option.
- Select Transfer or Reset iPhone. This option is usually located near the bottom of the General settings menu.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings. This is the option you need to select to initiate a full factory reset.
- Enter your iPhone passcode or Apple ID password if prompted. For security reasons, you will be asked to verify your identity.
- Tap Continue to confirm your decision. A confirmation prompt will appear to ensure you want to proceed with erasing your iPhone.
- Choose whether to erase your eSIM or keep it if you are using one. If you plan to give away or sell your iPhone, you should erase the eSIM. If you erase it, remember to contact your carrier to reactivate your cellular plan if needed in the future.
Method 2: Factory Resetting iPhone Using a Computer (Mac or Windows)
Alternatively, you can factory reset iPhone using your computer, which can be helpful if you are experiencing issues with your iPhone’s software or are unable to access the Settings app.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB or USB-C cable.
- Open Finder on Mac (macOS Catalina or later) or Apple Devices app on Windows. If you are using macOS 10.14 or earlier, or Windows without the Apple Devices app, open iTunes.
- Locate your iPhone in Finder or the Apple Devices app. In Finder, it will appear in the sidebar under “Locations”. In the Apple Devices app, it will appear after the app is launched. In iTunes, look for the iPhone icon near the top left.
- Click on the iPhone icon and then select General.
- Click Restore iPhone. This button initiates the process to restore your iPhone to its factory state.
- Click Restore again to confirm. You may need to sign out of Find My if prompted before you can click Restore.
For further troubleshooting or more detailed information, refer to Apple Support’s article on restoring your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings.
See also:
Sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone
Apple Support article: If you forgot your iPhone passcode, use your Mac or PC to reset it
Apple Support Article: How to erase the eSIM on your iPhone or iPad
