Erase All Content and Settings: Reset Guide

A reset changes selected settings, while Erase All Content and Settings removes personal data and returns the device to its setup state. Choose Erase All Content and Settings only when you intend to remove your accounts, photos, apps, messages, and saved preferences from the device.

The exact menu names depend on the device and software version. The steps below cover Apple devices, where “Erase All Content and Settings” is the standard name for the secure erase option.

Reset vs Erase All Content and Settings: What’s the Difference?

A reset is a limited change that normally keeps personal content on the device. Erase All Content and Settings is a full device erase intended for starting over, transferring ownership, or resolving a problem that requires a clean setup.

• Reset All Settings: restores system preferences such as network, privacy, keyboard, and layout settings without intentionally deleting photos, messages, apps, or other personal files.
• Reset Network Settings: removes saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, and certain cellular or VPN settings, but keeps personal content.
• Erase All Content and Settings: removes personal information, downloaded apps, account connections, settings, and locally stored files from the device.

When deciding between reset vs erase all content and settings, try the narrowest reset that matches the problem. A full erase should be the final choice because locally stored information may be impossible to recover without a backup.

What Should You Back Up Before Erasing the Device?

A backup is a saved copy that can be restored after the erase. Before selecting reset or erase all content and settings, confirm that the backup has completed rather than assuming automatic backup is current.

• Check that important photos and videos are synced or included in a recent backup.
• Save files stored only on the device, including downloads, scans, recordings, and documents inside apps.
• Confirm that you know the Apple Account email address and password connected to the device.
• Review saved passwords, passkeys, and two-factor authentication methods. Make sure another trusted device or recovery method is available.
• Check messages, contacts, calendars, notes, health information, and app data that matter to you.
• Transfer any authenticator accounts according to the authenticator app’s own instructions before erasing the device.
• If the device uses an eSIM, decide whether the cellular plan should remain on the device or be removed. The erase screens may present this choice.
• Charge the device and keep it connected to reliable power if the battery is low.

How Do You Erase All Content and Settings Step by Step?

On an iPhone or iPad, use the built-in erase command in Settings:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Select Transfer or Reset iPhone, or Transfer or Reset iPad.
4. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Review the summary of the information that will be removed.
6. Select Continue.
7. Enter the device passcode when requested.
8. Enter the Apple Account password if the device asks for it. This may be required to turn off activation protections.
9. Choose what to do with the eSIM if that choice appears.
10. Confirm the erase and leave the device connected to power until it restarts.

On a supported Mac, open System Settings, select General, select Transfer or Reset, and then select Erase All Content and Settings. On some earlier macOS versions, the command appears in the System Settings or System Preferences menu rather than under General. Follow the on-screen prompts and enter the requested administrator or Apple Account credentials.

What Does Erase All Content and Settings Remove or Keep?

Erase All Content and Settings removes information stored on the device. It does not automatically delete information that remains in an online account or synchronized service.

• Removed from the device: accounts, apps, app data, photos, messages, downloaded media, saved settings, payment cards, and other locally stored personal information.
• May remain online: information already synchronized with iCloud or another provider, such as cloud photos, contacts, calendars, notes, mail, and cloud files.
• May remain in backups: device information contained in an existing cloud or computer backup stays available unless that backup is separately deleted.
• Not cancelled by an erase: subscriptions, cellular service, and online accounts continue unless separately changed with their providers.

Deleting an item manually while synchronization is active can remove it from other connected devices. Use the device-wide erase command when the goal is to clear one device without deliberately deleting cloud records.

Why Is Erase All Content and Settings Greyed Out or Missing?

If Erase All Content and Settings is unavailable, check for restrictions before trying another erase method.

• Restart the device and return to the correct General or Transfer or Reset menu.
• Check Screen Time content and privacy restrictions that may prevent account or system changes.
• Look for a work, school, or organization management profile. A managed device may require an administrator to permit the erase.
• Install any pending system update if Settings is not working normally, provided the device can be backed up first.
• Confirm that the signed-in user on a Mac has administrator permission.
• Disconnect from temporary VPN or filtering software if it prevents account verification, then try a reliable internet connection.

Do not repeatedly guess the passcode or account password. Repeated failed attempts can create another lockout and will not bypass device management or activation protection.

What Happens After Erase All Content and Settings?

After the erase finishes, the device restarts at its initial welcome or setup screen. If the device is staying with you, choose the language and region, connect to a network, and follow the prompts to set it up.

You can restore a compatible backup or set up the device as new. Restoring from a backup may take additional time after the main setup screen appears because apps, photos, and other synchronized information can continue downloading in the background.

If another person will receive the device, stop at the welcome screen. Do not enter your account again or begin setup on that person’s behalf.

How Do You Contact Support if the Reset Goes Wrong?

If the erase remains on the same screen, the device repeatedly restarts, or setup cannot continue, keep the device connected to power and note any exact error message. Avoid forcing repeated erases while the device appears to be actively working.

Open {site} and find the official support or contact section for guided troubleshooting. Have the device model, software version if known, account email address, backup status, and exact on-screen message ready, but never send a password, device passcode, or verification code to a support representative.

If the device belongs to an employer or school, contact that organization’s administrator first. Only the managing organization can resolve some enrollment and remote-management restrictions.