How to Completely Reset Your iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide

To completely reset an iPhone, back it up, then open Settings, tap General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, and Erase All Content and Settings. The iPhone permanently removes personal data and settings, then returns to the Hello setup screen.

Keep the iPhone connected to power if possible, and do not begin until you know the device passcode and Apple Account password.

What does “completely reset” mean on an iPhone?

A complete reset, also called a factory reset, means using Erase All Content and Settings. It removes apps, photos, messages, downloaded files, accounts, saved passwords, payment cards, and personalized settings from the iPhone.

• Erase All Content and Settings: Deletes personal content and returns the iPhone to factory settings.
• Restart: Turns the iPhone off and on without deleting anything.
• Reset All Settings: Returns settings such as Wi-Fi, privacy, keyboard, and display preferences to their defaults, but keeps photos, messages, apps, and documents.

Deleting individual photos or apps is not a complete reset. To learn how to completely reset an iPhone, look specifically for Erase All Content and Settings rather than the separate Reset menu.

What should you check before completely resetting an iPhone?

1. Create a current backup. Use iCloud or connect the iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC. Confirm that the backup finishes before erasing the phone. Data that exists only on the iPhone cannot be restored after the reset.
2. Check synced information. Make sure important photos, contacts, notes, files, authenticator details, and messages are stored where you expect. Do not assume every app includes its data in a backup.
3. Know your credentials. Have the iPhone passcode and Apple Account password ready. Apple Account is the current name for what was formerly called an Apple ID.
4. Handle Find My correctly. The erase process may request the Apple Account password to turn off Find My and Activation Lock. If you are transferring the iPhone to someone else, you can first open Settings, tap your name, and choose Sign Out to remove the account.
5. Decide what to do with the eSIM. During the reset, the iPhone may offer to keep or delete it. Keeping it preserves the cellular plan on that iPhone; deleting it may require help from the carrier to reactivate service.

How do you completely reset an iPhone from Settings?

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General.
3. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. Do not tap Reset All Settings.
5. Review the summary of content that will be removed, then tap Continue.
6. If an eSIM choice appears, choose whether to keep the eSIM or delete it.
7. Enter the iPhone passcode when prompted.
8. Enter the Apple Account password if requested. This authorizes the erase and turns off account protections as needed.
9. Confirm the erase and wait. The iPhone will restart during the process.

Do not force-restart the iPhone while the erase is progressing. When the reset succeeds, the Hello screen appears.

How do you reset an iPhone that will not turn on or respond?

If the iPhone cannot open Settings but a computer can detect it, use recovery mode. Recovery mode is a startup state that lets a Mac or Windows PC reinstall iOS and erase the device.

1. Connect the iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC with a suitable cable.
2. Open Finder on a current Mac. On Windows, open Apple Devices; older systems may use iTunes.
3. For iPhone 8 or later, quickly press Volume Up, quickly press Volume Down, then hold the side button until the connect-to-computer screen appears.
4. For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, hold the side button and Volume Down together until the connect-to-computer screen appears.
5. For iPhone 6s or earlier, hold the Home button and the top or side button together until that screen appears.
6. Select the iPhone on the computer. When offered Update or Restore, choose Restore to reinstall iOS and erase the device.
7. Keep the iPhone connected until restoration finishes. If a long software download causes it to leave recovery mode, let the download finish and then repeat the recovery-mode steps.

If the iPhone shows no sign of power, charge it first. A failed display, damaged charging connection, or broken button may require service instead of another reset attempt.

What happens after an iPhone is completely reset?

A successfully erased iPhone displays the Hello screen and opens Setup Assistant. At that point, the former passcode, apps, local files, and personal settings are no longer on the device.

• To restore your information: Follow Setup Assistant and choose an available iCloud or computer backup. Sign in with the Apple Account associated with that backup.
• To start fresh: Choose the option to set up without transferring apps and data, then configure the iPhone as a new device.
• To pass the iPhone to another person: Leave it at the Hello screen. Do not complete setup with your own account again.

What should you do when a full iPhone reset fails?

• The progress bar appears stuck: Keep the iPhone connected to power and allow time for the process. If the bar has not moved for at least an hour, connect the phone to a computer and use recovery mode.
• Activation Lock requests an unfamiliar account: Activation Lock links the iPhone to the Apple Account that enabled Find My. Only that account holder, an organization managing the device, or Apple after reviewing eligible proof of ownership can remove the lock.
• Your password is rejected: Verify that you are entering the Apple Account password rather than the screen passcode. Recover access to the account before repeating the reset.
• Personal content remains: Seeing the Home Screen or old apps means the erase did not finish. Repeat Erase All Content and Settings or restore the iPhone with a computer. Seeing the Hello screen means the local erase completed.

When should you contact Apple Support instead of resetting again?

Contact Apple Support when recovery mode cannot update or restore the iPhone, the computer repeatedly reports an error, a required button is broken, or the device will not power on after charging. Hardware faults, liquid damage, and damaged charging connections are not repaired by a factory reset.

Open {site} and choose the support option for iPhone. Have the device and any displayed error code ready. For an organization-owned iPhone, contact the employer or school administrator because device management and Activation Lock may be controlled by that organization.