Factory resetting your iPhone can be a great solution when you’re facing issues like slow performance, persistent software bugs, or preparing your device for resale or trade-in. A factory reset erases all content and settings, returning the iPhone to its original state—just like when it was first taken out of the box. If you’re thinking of wiping your device clean, this guide will show you the step-by-step process to factory reset your iPhone safely and efficiently.
Why Factory Reset an iPhone?
There are several reasons why you might want to factory reset your iPhone:
- Resolve Software Issues: If your iPhone is running slowly or experiencing bugs, a factory reset can often resolve these issues by removing corrupted data.
- Clear Personal Data: Before selling or giving away your device, it’s important to wipe all personal data to protect your privacy.
- Prepare for New Owner: A factory reset ensures that the new owner gets the iPhone in a “fresh” state without any of your settings, apps, or data.
- Fix Persistent Problems: Sometimes, a simple reset can clear persistent issues that can’t be fixed through standard troubleshooting methods.
Now, let’s walk you through the process of factory resetting your iPhone in both the easiest and safest ways.
check also: how to factory reset an ipad
Preparation Before Factory Resetting
Before you proceed with resetting your device, it’s crucial to take some preparatory steps:
1. Back Up Your iPhone
Factory resetting your iPhone will erase everything on it—your apps, settings, photos, videos, messages, and other data. To ensure that you don’t lose important files, it’s a good idea to back up your data either to iCloud or iTunes/Finder.
Backup to iCloud:
- Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Backup and turn it on if it’s off.
- Tap Back Up Now to start the backup process.
Backup to iTunes/Finder (Mac or PC):
- Connect your iPhone to your computer via a USB cable.
- Open Finder (for macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (for macOS Mojave and earlier or Windows PCs).
- Select your device from the sidebar in Finder or the iTunes window.
- Under the General tab, click Back Up Now to create a backup of your device on your computer.
2. Sign Out of iCloud and Apple ID
To ensure a smooth factory reset and prevent your device from being locked to your Apple ID (through Activation Lock), you should sign out of iCloud and Apple ID before proceeding.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] at the top of the screen.
- Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
- Enter your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off.
- Choose whether to keep a copy of your data (like contacts, calendars, and photos) on the device, or remove it all.
- Finally, tap Sign Out to confirm.
3. Disable Find My iPhone
This is necessary to avoid complications with Activation Lock, which ties your iPhone to your Apple ID after a reset.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My.
- Tap Find My iPhone and turn it off by toggling the switch.
- Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.
Once these steps are completed, you’re ready to perform a factory reset on your iPhone.
Method 1: Factory Reset Using iPhone Settings
The easiest way to reset your iPhone is directly through the Settings app. This method is fast and doesn’t require a computer, making it ideal for most users.
Step 1: Go to Settings
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on General.
Step 2: Select Reset Option
- At the bottom of the General menu, tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- You’ll see three options: Reset, Erase All Content and Settings, and Reset Network Settings. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
Step 3: Confirm the Reset
- Your iPhone will ask you to confirm the reset. Tap Erase Now to proceed.
- Enter your Apple ID password or device passcode to confirm the action.
- The process will begin, and your iPhone will automatically restart and start erasing all content.
Step 4: Wait for the Reset to Complete
The reset process can take several minutes. Once the process is complete, the iPhone will reboot, and you’ll see the Hello screen, signaling that the reset is finished.
check also: how to factory reset airpods
Method 2: Factory Reset Using iTunes or Finder (For macOS Mojave and Earlier, or Windows)
If you prefer to use your computer to reset your iPhone, you can do so using iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).
Step 1: Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using the USB cable.
- Open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier).
Step 2: Put iPhone in Recovery Mode
If your iPhone is unresponsive or you prefer a clean slate without any settings, you can put it in Recovery Mode to reset it completely.
- For iPhone 8 and newer: Press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
- For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake buttons simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen.
- For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons at the same time until the recovery mode screen appears.
Step 3: Restore iPhone via iTunes/Finder
- In Finder or iTunes, you will see your iPhone listed as being in Recovery Mode.
- Click on Restore iPhone. A confirmation message will appear asking if you’re sure you want to erase all data.
- Click Restore to begin the reset. Your computer will download the latest iOS software and install it on your iPhone.
Step 4: Wait for the Reset to Finish
The restoration process may take several minutes, and your iPhone will restart during the process. Once it’s finished, you’ll be presented with the Hello screen, and your iPhone will be reset to factory settings.
Method 3: Factory Reset Using Find My iPhone (Remotely)
If you’ve lost access to your iPhone or are preparing to sell it without physically having it with you, you can use Find My iPhone to remotely factory reset the device.
Step 1: Go to iCloud Website
- Open a browser on your computer and visit the iCloud website at www.icloud.com.
- Log in using your Apple ID and password.
Step 2: Select Your iPhone
- Once logged in, click on Find iPhone.
- In the All Devices section, select the iPhone you want to reset.
Step 3: Erase iPhone Remotely
- Click on Erase iPhone. This will erase all data on your device.
- Confirm your action, and the iPhone will be remotely reset. Afterward, you can choose to remove the device from your Apple ID if you no longer need it.
Conclusion
A factory reset is a powerful tool that can help resolve various issues with your iPhone or prepare it for resale. Whether you choose to reset your iPhone through the Settings app, iTunes/Finder, or even remotely via Find My iPhone, it’s essential to back up your data and sign out of your Apple ID to prevent any complications. After completing a factory reset, your iPhone will be restored to its original state, ready for a fresh start.
By following these steps carefully, you can ensure that your iPhone is safely wiped and free of personal information, whether you’re troubleshooting, preparing to sell the device, or just giving it a new beginning.
