Restoring your iPhone to its factory settings, also known as a factory reset, is a useful process for several reasons. Whether you’re planning to sell or trade in your device, experiencing persistent software issues, or simply want to start fresh, a factory reset effectively erases all your personal information, data, and settings, returning your iPhone to its original, out-of-the-box state. This ensures your privacy and can often resolve various software glitches.
There are two primary methods to restore your iPhone to factory settings: directly through the Settings app on your device, or by using a computer, either a Mac or a Windows PC. Both methods are straightforward and will achieve the same result – a clean, factory-fresh iPhone. Before proceeding, it’s crucial to back up your iPhone. This way, you can recover your important data later if needed.
Method 1: Restore Factory Settings via iPhone Settings
This is the most direct method if your iPhone is functioning properly and you have access to the Settings app.
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Begin by navigating to the Settings app on your iPhone. The Settings app icon is represented by a gray gear symbol, usually found on your home screen.
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Once in Settings, scroll down and tap General. This section manages the overall settings of your iPhone.
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Within the General settings, find and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone. This option is typically located towards the bottom of the General menu.
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On the Transfer or Reset iPhone screen, select Erase All Content and Settings. This is the option that will initiate the factory reset process.
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You may be prompted to enter your iPhone passcode or Apple ID password to confirm your identity and authorization to proceed with the reset. Enter the required password when asked.
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After entering your passcode or password, a confirmation prompt will appear. Tap Continue to confirm that you want to erase your iPhone and restore it to factory settings.
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If your iPhone uses an eSIM for cellular service, you’ll be given a choice to either erase the eSIM along with everything else or to keep it. Consider your needs: if you are giving away or selling your iPhone, you should erase the eSIM. If you erase it, remember to contact your carrier later to reactivate your cellular plan if needed.
Method 2: Restore Factory Settings Using a Computer (Mac or Windows)
This method is useful if you cannot access the Settings app on your iPhone, for example, if it’s unresponsive or you’ve forgotten your passcode. You’ll need a computer and a USB cable.
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Connect your iPhone to your Mac or Windows computer using a USB or USB-C cable.
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On a Mac: Open a Finder window. Finder is the default file manager on macOS.
On a Windows PC: Open the Apple Devices app. If you don’t have it, you can download it from the Microsoft Store.
If you are using an older macOS version (macOS 10.14 or earlier) or your Windows PC doesn’t have the Apple Devices app, open iTunes instead. iTunes can be downloaded from Apple’s website for older systems. -
In Finder or the Apple Devices app (or iTunes), locate and click on your iPhone icon. In Finder, it will appear in the sidebar under “Locations”. In the Apple Devices app or iTunes, it’s usually near the top of the window.
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Once you’ve selected your iPhone, click on General. This tab provides general information and options for your connected iPhone.
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In the General tab, you will see a button labeled Restore iPhone. Click this button.
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A confirmation prompt will appear asking if you are sure you want to restore your iPhone to factory settings. Click Restore to confirm and begin the process.
Note: If Find My is enabled on your iPhone, you might need to sign out of Find My before you can click Restore. Follow the on-screen instructions if prompted.
If you encounter any issues during the restore process, Apple Support provides helpful troubleshooting articles, such as Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings.
Related Articles:
Sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone
If you forgot your iPhone passcode, use your Mac or PC to reset it
How to erase the eSIM on your iPhone or iPad
