How to Reset Your iPhone Without Losing Data

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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In today's digital world, our smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. They hold valuable data including contacts, photos, messages, and more. However, there are times when you may need to reset your iPhone to improve its performance, resolve technical issues, or even prepare it for sale. Many people are faced with the dilemma of how to reset iPhone without losing precious data. This comprehensive guide will guide you through the steps to reset your iPhone safely while ensuring that your data remains intact.

Understanding reset options

Before proceeding with the reset process, it is important to understand the different types of resets available on iPhone. There are mainly two ways to reset your iPhone without the risk of data loss:

• Soft reset: This is the equivalent of rebooting your iPhone and is used to fix minor issues like app crashes or slow performance. It’s basically turning your device off and then on again.
• Factory reset: This is a more drastic measure that brings your iPhone back to the state it was in when it left the factory. All settings, apps, and data are erased. However, with a proper backup, you can restore your data.

The importance of backing up your data

The key to resetting your iPhone without losing data is to make sure you have a backup of all your important information. There are two main ways to back up your iPhone data:

Backing up via iCloud

iCloud is Apple's cloud storage service that automatically backs up your iPhone data every day, as long as your device is connected to Wi-Fi and charging. Here's how you can manually initiate an iCloud backup:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
3. Select iCloud.
4. Tap iCloud Backup.
5. Make sure the iCloud Backup toggle is on.
6. Tap Back up now to start a new backup.

Backing up via iTunes

Alternatively, you can back up your iPhone data to your computer using iTunes. This method provides a local backup stored on your computer. Follow these steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Open iTunes on your computer.
3. Click the iPhone icon in the top-left corner.
4. Under the Backup section, select This computer.
5. Click Backup Now to create a backup on your computer.

Performing a soft reset

A soft reset, also known as a restart, is a simple way to fix minor glitches on your iPhone. Here's how to do it:

For iPhone 8 and later

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

1. Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Side button.
2. When you see the Apple logo, release both buttons.

For iPhone 6s and earlier

1. Press and hold both the Home button and the Top (or Side) button.
2. When you see the Apple logo, release both buttons.

A soft reset is safe and doesn't affect your data. If your iPhone's performance issues persist, consider performing a factory reset.

Performing a factory reset

Performing a factory reset will erase all data on your iPhone, but you can restore everything later by backing up beforehand. After backing up your data, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Enter your passcode if prompted.
6. Confirm the action by tapping Erase iPhone.

Your iPhone will restart and the reset process will begin. Once completed, your device will be restored to its factory setting state.

Restoring your data

After performing a factory reset, you can restore your data using iCloud or iTunes:

Restoring from iCloud

1. Turn on your iPhone and follow the setup instructions until you get to the Apps & Data screen.
2. Select Restore from iCloud Backup.
3. Log in with your Apple ID and choose the latest backup to restore.

Restoring from iTunes

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Open iTunes on your computer and click on the iPhone icon.
3. Select Restore Backup.
4. Select the backup you want and click Restore.

Restore data with Finder on macOS Catalina and later

If you are using macOS Catalina or later, iTunes is replaced by Finder to manage and restore backups. Here's how you can restore your iPhone data using Finder:

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable.
2. Open Finder.
3. Select your iPhone in the Finder sidebar.
4. In the Finder window, click the Restore Backup button.
5. Select the backup you want to restore from the pop-up menu.
6. Click on Restore and wait for the process to complete.

Keep your data safe

It's easy to reset your iPhone without losing data if you follow the correct backup and restore procedures. Here are some tips to keep your data safe:

• Regular backups: Make it a habit to back up your data regularly using iCloud, iTunes, or Finder.
• Update iOS software: Keeping your iOS software up to date ensures you have the latest security features and improvements, reducing the need for a reset.
• Use a strong passcode: Keep your device and data secure with a strong passcode and enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.

Conclusion

Resetting your iPhone without losing data can help resolve performance issues and refresh your device. By understanding the types of resets, ensuring comprehensive backups, and following the outlined reset and restore procedures, you can perform this task confidently. Whether you choose iCloud, iTunes, or Finder to back up and restore your data, remember to keep your backups up to date to avoid any data loss during unforeseen circumstances. This guide aims to equip you with the necessary information to ensure a smooth reset process while preserving your valuable data.

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