How to Reset an iPhone Using iTunes

To reset an iPhone with iTunes, connect the iPhone to a computer, open iTunes, select the device, and choose Restore iPhone. If the iPhone is locked, stuck, or not detected normally, put it into recovery mode before selecting Restore.

What do you need before resetting an iPhone with iTunes?

Before you reset an iPhone with iTunes, gather the following:

• A Mac or Windows computer with an available USB port.
• A compatible Lightning or USB cable that can transfer data, not only charge the phone.
• The latest available version of iTunes on Windows or an older Mac. On newer Macs, use Finder instead of iTunes.
• Your Apple ID and password, which may be required to activate the iPhone after the reset.

Back up the iPhone first if the device still works and the computer can access it. A reset through Restore erases the iPhone, including photos, messages, apps, settings, and other information stored only on the device.

How do you reset an iPhone with iTunes in restore mode?

In iTunes, Restore iPhone erases the device and installs a fresh copy of iOS. Finder provides the same restore function on newer Macs.

1. Connect the iPhone to the computer with a compatible USB cable.
2. Open iTunes. On a newer Mac, open Finder and select the iPhone under Locations.
3. If the iPhone asks whether to trust the computer, tap Trust and enter the device passcode.
4. In iTunes, select the small iPhone icon near the top of the window. In Finder, select the iPhone in the sidebar.
5. Open the Summary or General screen and choose Restore iPhone.
6. Confirm that you want to erase and restore the iPhone.
7. Keep the iPhone connected while the computer downloads and installs iOS. Do not disconnect the cable when the restore is in progress.

If iTunes cannot display the iPhone because the phone is locked, frozen, or disabled, use recovery mode instead of waiting for the normal device screen to appear.

How do you put an iPhone into recovery mode?

Recovery mode is a startup state that lets a computer update or restore an iPhone when iOS cannot start normally. Connect the iPhone to the computer, open iTunes or Finder, and then use the sequence for the model.

• iPhone 8 or later, including Face ID models: Press and quickly release Volume Up. Press and quickly release Volume Down. Then press and hold the Side button. Keep holding it after the Apple logo appears, and release it when the recovery-mode screen appears.
• iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button together. Keep holding both buttons until the recovery-mode screen appears.
• iPhone 6s or earlier and iPhone SE first generation: Press and hold the Home button and the Side or Top button together. Keep holding them until the recovery-mode screen appears.

When the computer reports a problem with the iPhone, choose Restore. If the download finishes after the iPhone has left recovery mode, let the download complete and repeat the button sequence.

How do you reset an iPhone with iTunes without the passcode?

If no passcode is available, the normal Trust prompt and device controls cannot be used. Put the iPhone into recovery mode, connect it to iTunes or Finder, and select Restore when the computer offers Update or Restore.

A recovery-mode restore removes the passcode by erasing the entire iPhone; it does not reveal or bypass the existing passcode. Afterward, Activation Lock may require the Apple ID and password previously associated with the device. Resetting the phone does not remove that ownership protection.

What happens to your data when you reset an iPhone with iTunes?

Choosing Restore erases information stored on the iPhone and reinstalls iOS. Data can return only if it was saved in an iCloud backup, a computer backup, or a separate synced service.

• Erase and set up as new: The iPhone starts without the previous device data or settings.
• Restore from an iCloud backup: Sign in during setup and select an available backup.
• Restore from a computer backup: Reconnect the iPhone to the computer, choose Restore Backup in iTunes or Finder, and select the appropriate backup.

A backup and an iOS restore are different. The restore reinstalls the operating system and erases the phone; restoring a backup afterward copies saved data and settings back to it.

What should you do if iTunes does not recognize the iPhone?

If iTunes does not recognize the iPhone, check the connection before attempting recovery mode.

1. Unlock the iPhone if possible and respond to the Trust This Computer prompt.
2. Disconnect and firmly reconnect the cable at both ends.
3. Try another USB port on the computer without using a hub or keyboard port.
4. Try another compatible data cable if the iPhone charges but never appears.
5. Update iTunes, macOS, or Windows, and then restart both the computer and iPhone.
6. Check the iPhone charging port for visible debris that may prevent a secure connection.
7. If the iPhone remains unavailable, connect it while placing it into recovery mode.

If more than one computer and cable fail to detect the iPhone, the device or connector may need service.

How do you set up an iPhone after the reset?

After the reset, the iPhone displays its setup screens. Select the language and region, connect to an available Wi-Fi or cellular network, and follow the prompts to activate the device.

Sign in with the Apple ID previously used on the iPhone if Activation Lock requests it. Then choose whether to set up the iPhone as new, restore an iCloud backup, or restore a backup stored on a computer.

Keep the iPhone connected to power and a reliable network while apps and synced information return. Some content may continue appearing after the main setup screens are complete.