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Reset an iPhone From a Computer

Updated 2026-08-25 · 1045 words

To reset an iPhone from a computer, connect it to a Mac or Windows PC and choose Restore iPhone in Finder or the Apple Devices app. Restoring erases the iPhone, installs the latest compatible version of iOS, and returns the device to factory settings.

What You Need Before Resetting Your iPhone

Before you reset an iPhone using a computer, gather the following:

  • A Mac or Windows PC with an internet connection and enough free storage for Apple’s software download.
  • A USB cable that supports both charging and data transfer.
  • Finder on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, or the Apple Devices app on a Windows PC. A Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier uses iTunes.
  • The iPhone passcode if the phone is accessible.
  • The Apple Account email address or phone number and password associated with the iPhone. These credentials may be required to turn off Find My and pass Activation Lock after the reset.
  • A recent iCloud or computer backup if you want to recover your photos, messages, settings, and other data.

These terms describe different actions:

  • Restarting turns the iPhone off and back on without deleting data.
  • Erasing removes personal content and settings, normally through the iPhone’s Settings app.
  • Restoring from a computer erases the iPhone and installs iOS again. This is the computer-based factory reset covered here.

A restore permanently removes data that is not included in a backup. If the iPhone works, create a backup and turn off Find My before continuing. Restoring an iPhone does not by itself remove its eSIM.

How to Reset an iPhone From a Mac

Use Finder to reset an iPhone from a Mac running macOS Catalina or later. On macOS Mojave or earlier, follow the same general process in iTunes.

  1. Update macOS, then open Finder.
  2. Connect the iPhone directly to the Mac with a data-capable USB cable.
  3. Approve any Allow Access, Trust This Computer, or passcode prompt that appears.
  4. Select the iPhone under Locations in the Finder sidebar.
  5. Open the General tab if it is not already displayed.
  6. Select Restore iPhone. If Finder says Find My must be turned off, disable Find My on the iPhone and enter the Apple Account password.
  7. Select Restore again to confirm that the iPhone will be erased.
  8. Keep the iPhone connected while the Mac downloads iOS, installs it, and restarts the device.

The Hello screen appears when the factory reset iPhone from computer process finishes.

How to Reset an iPhone From a Windows PC

The official application for resetting an iPhone from a Windows PC is Apple Devices. Apple provides it through the Microsoft Store; older supported Windows configurations may use iTunes instead.

  1. Update Windows and the Apple Devices app.
  2. Open Apple Devices and connect the iPhone to the PC with a USB data cable.
  3. Unlock the iPhone and approve Trust This Computer if prompted.
  4. Select the iPhone in the Apple Devices sidebar, then select General.
  5. Select Restore iPhone and confirm the restore.
  6. Leave the iPhone connected while Apple Devices downloads and installs iOS.
  7. Wait for the iPhone to restart and show the Hello screen.

This procedure answers both “how to reset iPhone with computer” and “restore iPhone from computer.” It erases the device rather than simply restarting it.

How Do You Use Recovery Mode When the iPhone Is Locked or Unresponsive?

Recovery mode is a special startup state that lets a computer update or restore an iPhone when normal access is unavailable. Use it to reset a locked iPhone from a computer, reset a disabled iPhone from a computer, or restore a phone that is stuck on the Apple logo or Connect to Computer screen.

Connect the iPhone to the computer, open Finder or Apple Devices, and use the instructions for the model:

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

Keep holding through the Apple logo. When Finder or Apple Devices offers Update or Restore, choose Restore to erase the iPhone and reinstall iOS. Recovery mode does not bypass Activation Lock or Apple Account security.

How Do You Restore a Backup or Set Up the iPhone Again?

After the reset, follow the instructions on the iPhone’s Hello screen. Connect to Wi-Fi or cellular service and complete activation with the Apple Account previously associated with the device when requested.

The setup assistant offers these choices:

  • Restore from an iCloud backup after signing in to the Apple Account that holds the backup.
  • Restore from a Mac or Windows PC by reconnecting the iPhone and selecting the appropriate computer backup.
  • Transfer data from another available Apple device when that option is offered.
  • Set up as a new iPhone without restoring an earlier backup.

Choose a backup made before the reset. Some apps, photos, and other cloud data may continue downloading after the main setup is complete.

What Do You Do if the Computer Cannot Reset the iPhone?

If the computer cannot recognize or restore the iPhone, check the connection and software before repeating the reset:

  1. Update macOS, Windows, Finder-related system software, Apple Devices, or iTunes as applicable.
  2. Disconnect other USB accessories and connect the iPhone directly to another USB port.
  3. Try another cable known to support data transfer, not only charging. Check the iPhone port for visible debris without inserting metal objects.
  4. Unlock the iPhone and accept any Trust or accessory prompt. Restart both the iPhone and computer if the phone remains unrecognized.
  5. Repeat the correct recovery-mode button sequence and keep holding until the Connect to Computer screen appears.
  6. If a software download causes the iPhone to leave recovery mode, let the download finish and then enter recovery mode again.
  7. Record any restore error code, then consult Apple’s support information for that exact code.

If recovery mode still fails, a required button is broken, or the computer never detects the connected iPhone, the device may need service from Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.