How to Factory Reset an iPhone Using the Buttons

You cannot factory reset an iPhone with physical buttons alone. The buttons can force a restart or open Recovery Mode, but erasing through Recovery Mode requires a computer; a supported locked iPhone can instead erase itself from the screen without a computer.

When can you factory reset an iPhone without a computer?

The no-computer method applies when the iPhone shows iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout after unsuccessful passcode attempts. It requires iOS 15.2 or later, an active Wi-Fi or cellular connection, Find My already enabled, and the password for the Apple Account used on the iPhone.

If the screen still responds and you know the passcode, erase the iPhone through Settings instead. If the phone is frozen, first force-restart it with the correct button combination. A force restart does not erase data or restore factory settings.

If you are preparing to give the iPhone to someone else, use the normal erase option in Settings when possible. The locked-screen method is mainly for regaining access after forgetting the passcode.

What should you do before erasing the iPhone?

A factory reset permanently removes the apps, photos, messages, accounts, settings, and other data stored on the iPhone. Data that was never backed up generally cannot be restored afterward.

• If you can still open the phone, make a current iCloud backup or a backup on a Mac or Windows PC.
• Have the Apple Account email address or phone number and password ready.
• Keep the iPhone connected to power and to Wi-Fi or cellular service.
• If the iPhone uses an eSIM, read the choices carefully before deciding whether to keep or delete it during an on-device erase.

Find My includes Activation Lock, which ties the iPhone to its owner’s Apple Account. The Apple Account credentials may be required during the erase or when the iPhone is activated again.

Which button combination applies to your iPhone model?

These Apple-confirmed combinations force a restart. They do not perform a factory reset by themselves.

• iPhone 8 or later, including iPhone SE second generation and later: press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: hold the side button and Volume Down together until the Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 6s or earlier, including iPhone SE first generation: hold the Home button and the side or top button together until the Apple logo appears.

Recovery Mode uses similar combinations but ends on a screen showing a cable pointing toward a computer. Apple requires the iPhone to be connected to a computer to complete a Recovery Mode restore.

How do you erase a locked iPhone without a computer?

The on-device erase uses the touchscreen as well as the physical buttons. It does not require iTunes or Recovery Mode.

1. Wake the iPhone and remain on the Lock Screen. Enter the passcode until iPhone Unavailable appears and the reset option becomes available.
2. On iOS 17 or later, tap Forgot Passcode? The next screen should offer Start iPhone Reset.
3. Tap Start iPhone Reset and confirm that you want to continue.
4. Enter the password for the Apple Account associated with the iPhone. This signs the account out on the device.
5. Tap Erase iPhone. If an eSIM choice appears, select whether to keep it or delete it based on how the phone will be used afterward.
6. Wait while the iPhone deletes its data and restarts. The Hello setup screen should appear when the erase is complete.

On some iPhones using iOS 15.2 through iOS 16, the locked screen may show Erase iPhone instead of Forgot Passcode? Follow that prompt and enter the Apple Account password. If neither option appears, the connection, iOS version, or Find My requirement may not be satisfied.

How do you enter Recovery Mode with the buttons?

Recovery Mode is not a button-only factory reset. Connect the iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC, open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes as applicable, and then use the model-specific sequence.

1. For iPhone 8 or later, quickly press Volume Up, quickly press Volume Down, and hold the side button. Keep holding past the Apple logo until the cable-and-computer screen appears.
2. For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, hold the side or top button and Volume Down together until the cable-and-computer screen appears.
3. For iPhone 6s or earlier, hold the Home button and the side or top button together until the cable-and-computer screen appears.
4. Select the iPhone on the computer when it is detected.
5. Choose Restore when the computer offers Update or Restore. Restore reinstalls iOS and erases the iPhone.
6. Keep the iPhone connected until restoration finishes and the setup screen appears.

What if the buttons do not work or the iPhone will not reset?

If the screen responds, use Settings or the locked-screen erase option instead of Recovery Mode. If one of the required buttons is stuck or unresponsive and the phone cannot reach the cable-and-computer screen, Apple says the device may need service.

Try another compatible cable or computer port if the computer does not detect the iPhone. Update the Mac, Apple Devices app, or iTunes before trying again. Record any error message or code exactly because Apple Support may ask for it.

What happens after the iPhone factory reset?

The iPhone restarts at the Hello screen and asks for language, region, network, and account information. Activation Lock may request the Apple Account that was previously associated with the device.

During setup, choose an iCloud backup or a computer backup if one exists. Otherwise, set up the iPhone as a new device. Restoring can take time, and some apps or cloud data may continue downloading after the Home Screen appears.

How do you contact Apple Support if the reset fails?

Open {site} and choose iPhone support, then describe whether the problem involves a forgotten passcode, Recovery Mode, an error code, or a broken button. Use Apple’s official Support app, online support options, an Apple Store, or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Do not use third-party passcode-removal or Activation Lock bypass services. Apple Support may help diagnose the reset or arrange hardware service, but it cannot restore data that was erased without a backup or remove Activation Lock without valid ownership credentials.