How to Fully Reset an iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide

To fully reset an iPhone, back it up, then open Settings, choose General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, and Erase All Content and Settings.

A full reset permanently removes personal data and settings, so confirm that the backup works and that you know your Apple Account password before starting.

What should you do before fully resetting an iPhone?

A backup preserves photos, messages, app data, device settings, and other information that may otherwise be impossible to recover. Back up the iPhone to iCloud or to a trusted Mac or Windows computer, and wait for the backup to finish before erasing anything.

1. Connect the iPhone to power and a reliable Wi-Fi network.
2. Create an iCloud backup in Settings, or connect the iPhone to a computer and create a backup in Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes.
3. Check the date and time of the completed backup.
4. Make sure you know the password for your Apple Account, formerly called an Apple ID.
5. If the iPhone is being transferred to another person, unpair any connected Apple Watch and sign out of the Apple Account under Settings.
6. Turn off Find My iPhone if you plan to restore the device with a computer.

Find My enables Activation Lock, a security feature that prevents another person from activating the iPhone without the owner’s account credentials. Erasing through Settings may ask for the Apple Account password so Find My and Activation Lock can be turned off. Signing out does not delete information already stored in iCloud.

How do you fully reset an iPhone through Settings?

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Review the summary of information that will be removed, then tap Continue.
6. Enter the iPhone passcode if requested.
7. Enter the Apple Account password if requested. This confirms ownership and turns off Find My and Activation Lock.
8. Choose whether to keep or erase the eSIM when that choice appears, then confirm the erase.

Keep the eSIM if you will continue using the same iPhone and cellular service. If the iPhone is going to another person, erase the eSIM as well. Removing an eSIM does not automatically cancel cellular service, and reactivating a deleted eSIM may require help from the carrier.

The iPhone will remove apps, photos, messages, accounts, payment cards, passcodes, and settings. The Apple Account itself is not deleted, and data already synchronized with iCloud remains in iCloud.

How do you fully reset an iPhone with Finder or iTunes?

A computer restore erases the iPhone and installs current compatible system software. Use Finder on a Mac, Apple Devices on a Windows PC, or iTunes on an older compatible computer setup.

1. Back up the iPhone and turn off Find My iPhone.
2. Connect the iPhone to the computer with a working data cable.
3. Unlock the iPhone and approve Trust This Computer if prompted.
4. Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes and select the iPhone.
5. Choose General or Summary if that section is shown.
6. Select Restore iPhone, then select Restore again to confirm.
7. Leave the cable connected while the computer erases the device, installs the software, and restarts the iPhone.

A computer restore may leave the eSIM in place. If the phone is changing owners, review the cellular settings and erase the eSIM separately when necessary.

How do you fully reset an iPhone that is locked or disabled?

Recovery mode lets a computer erase an iPhone when the passcode is forgotten or normal Settings cannot be opened. Erasing removes the passcode, but it also removes data that was not backed up.

1. Turn off the iPhone and connect its cable to the Mac or Windows PC.
2. Connect the cable to the iPhone while holding the correct recovery button: the side button on models with Face ID and newer models with a Home button, Volume Down on iPhone 7 models, or the Home button on iPhone 6s and earlier.
3. Keep holding the button past the Apple logo until the recovery-mode image showing a cable and computer appears.
4. Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes and select the detected iPhone.
5. When offered Update or Restore, choose Restore.
6. Keep the iPhone connected until the restore finishes.

If the software download finishes after the iPhone has left recovery mode, let the download complete and then repeat the recovery-mode steps. If a required button or the cable connection does not work, the iPhone may need inspection by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Does resetting iPhone settings erase personal data?

No. Choosing a settings-only reset does not erase photos, messages, apps, documents, or Apple Account content. It changes selected system settings, depending on the option chosen.

• Reset All Settings restores system settings while keeping personal content.
• Reset Network Settings removes saved network and related connection settings.
• Erase All Content and Settings removes personal data, accounts, apps, passcodes, and settings.

For anyone searching “how to fully reset iPhone” or “how to fully reset an iPhone,” the required choice is Erase All Content and Settings or Restore iPhone—not Reset All Settings.

What happens after an iPhone has been fully reset?

After a successful erase, the iPhone restarts at the Hello screen. This confirms that the device is ready for setup.

1. Select a language and region, then connect to Wi-Fi or cellular service.
2. Choose to set up the iPhone as new or restore from an iCloud or computer backup.
3. Sign in with the Apple Account to restore eligible synchronized information and downloads.
4. Create a new passcode and finish the remaining privacy, security, and cellular prompts.

If Activation Lock appears, enter the Apple Account credentials previously associated with the iPhone. A different owner cannot bypass Activation Lock merely by performing another factory reset.

What should you do if the iPhone reset will not complete?

1. Connect the iPhone to power and use a stable Wi-Fi connection if the erase is waiting for account verification.
2. Confirm that the device passcode and Apple Account password are correct.
3. Restart the iPhone and try Erase All Content and Settings again if Settings remains responsive.
4. For a computer restore, update Finder’s operating environment, Apple Devices, or iTunes; reconnect with a different working cable or USB port; and avoid USB hubs.
5. If the iPhone is not recognized, place it in recovery mode and choose Restore.
6. If an error repeats, record the exact message or error code before contacting Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Do not disconnect the iPhone merely because the progress bar pauses briefly. If the phone remains unchanged for an extended period, becomes unusually hot, or repeatedly restarts, stop retrying and seek official service guidance.