How to Reset Your iPhone to Factory Settings

Edited 4 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Resetting your iPhone to factory settings can be a useful step for a variety of reasons. Whether you're preparing to sell your phone, troubleshooting persistent problems, or just want a fresh start, knowing how to properly reset your iPhone can be invaluable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps needed to reset your iPhone to its original factory settings.

Understanding factory reset

A factory reset, also known as a master reset or hard reset, refers to the process of restoring a device to the state it was in when it came out of the factory. When you reset your iPhone to factory settings, you erase all data and return the software to its initial state. This means that all your photos, messages, apps, and settings will be deleted. If you want to keep any information, it's important to back up your data before proceeding with these steps.

Preparing to reset your iPhone

There are a few preparatory steps you need to take before starting the process:

1. Back up your data

Backing up your data ensures that you can restore your information after the reset. Here's how you can back up your data using iCloud:

1. Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network.
2. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
3. Tap Back up now.
4. Wait for the process to complete; make sure your device stays connected to Wi-Fi.

2. Disable activation lock

Activation Lock is a feature designed to keep your device secure. You should turn off Find My iPhone before resetting:

1. Go to Settings > [your name] > Find My.
2. Tap Find My iPhone.
3. Turn off Find My iPhone and then enter your Apple ID password when prompted.

3. Sign out of all services

Signing out of all services associated with your Apple ID ensures that no conflicts arise during the reset.

1. Go to Settings > [your name].
2. Scroll down and select Sign out.
3. Enter your Apple ID password and confirm that you want to sign out.

Steps to reset iPhone to factory settings

Follow these steps to safely reset your iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap General.
3. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. A screen will appear asking you to confirm this action.
5. Enter your iPhone passcode if prompted. You may also need to enter your Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock.
6. Tap Erase iPhone. This will begin the factory reset process.

Your iPhone will restart and after a while, you will see the welcome screen as if the phone was brand new.

After the reset: Restoring your data

Once the factory reset is complete, you have the option to set up your iPhone as new or restore your data from a backup:

1. Restore from iCloud backup

1. During the setup process, select Restore from iCloud Backup.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID.
3. Select the most recent backup and wait for the process to complete. The time it takes depends on the size of the backup and your internet speed.

2. Set as new

If you want to start fresh without any old data, you can choose the Set up as new iPhone option during the setup process. This option allows you to create a new Apple ID or use your existing ID without restoring previous data.

Reasons to factory reset your iPhone

There are several situations where performing a factory reset may be beneficial:

• Selling or giving away your iPhone: Before handing over your device to someone else, make sure that your personal data is completely erased.
• Troubleshooting issues: If your iPhone is experiencing persistent problems like apps crashing, screen not responding, etc., a factory reset can often solve these problems.
• Improve performance: Over time, your iPhone can become sluggish. Resetting to factory settings can help clear unnecessary files and old settings.
• Starting fresh: Sometimes, a fresh start with new settings and apps can be refreshing and beneficial to the user experience.

Tips and precautions

Before performing a factory reset, consider the following tips and precautions:

• Make sure the iPhone is charged: Plug it into a power source to avoid draining the phone's battery during the reset process.
• Backup data: As mentioned earlier, always backup your data to avoid losing any important information.
• Double-check activation lock: Make sure Activation Lock is disabled, which can prevent another user from setting up the iPhone after a reset.
• Remember your passwords: After the reset, you'll need your Apple ID and other log-ins associated with your phone.

Troubleshooting common factory reset issues

If you encounter any problems during or after the reset process, here are some solutions:

1. Unable to sign out due to restriction settings

You may be unable to sign out of your Apple ID because of the following restrictions:

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle it off.

2. Stuck during setup

If your phone becomes unresponsive while setup, perform a force restart:

• For iPhone 8 and later models: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button, and then press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
• For iPhone 7: Press and hold the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake buttons until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 6s and earlier models: Press and hold the Home and Top / Side buttons until the logo appears.

Conclusion

A factory reset is a powerful tool that can resolve many problems, clear personal data, and give your iPhone a fresh start. However, it must be used wisely and thoughtfully. Always make sure data is backed up, understand the consequences, and take the necessary precautions. With this guide, you have the knowledge you need to reset your iPhone efficiently and safely.

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