A factory reset wipes your iPhone completely—apps, photos, settings, everything. It returns the device to the same state it was in when it left the factory. This is essential before selling, trading in, or giving away your iPhone.

Factory reset is also a last-resort troubleshooting step for persistent software issues. But it's irreversible, so backup first. Once you erase, there's no undo.

Let's walk through the process safely.

Before You Reset: Essential Preparation

1. Backup Your iPhone

iCloud Backup:

  1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup
  2. Tap "Back Up Now"
  3. Wait for backup to complete

Computer Backup (Mac/PC):

  1. Connect iPhone to computer
  2. Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC)
  3. Select your iPhone
  4. Click "Back Up Now"

2. Sign Out of iCloud

This is critical—skipping this leaves Activation Lock enabled:

  1. Go to Settings > [Your Name]
  2. Scroll down and tap Sign Out
  3. Enter Apple ID password
  4. Choose what to keep on iPhone (doesn't matter if erasing)
  5. Tap Sign Out again to confirm

3. Unpair Apple Watch

If you have an Apple Watch paired:

  1. Open Watch app on iPhone
  2. Tap your watch at top
  3. Tap info (i) button
  4. Tap Unpair Apple Watch
  5. Confirm and enter Apple ID password

4. Sign Out of Other Services

  • iMessage (Settings > Messages > toggle off)
  • FaceTime (Settings > FaceTime > toggle off)
  • Any third-party accounts you want to remove
Signing out of iCloud is the most important step. If you don't, the next owner can't activate the iPhone.

Method 1: Reset from iPhone Settings

The easiest method when your iPhone is working normally.

Steps

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap General
  3. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
  4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings
  5. Tap Continue
  6. Enter your passcode
  7. Enter your Apple ID password (to turn off Find My)
  8. Tap Erase iPhone

What Happens

  • iPhone displays Apple logo with progress bar
  • Process takes 5-15 minutes
  • iPhone restarts to "Hello" setup screen
  • All data is cryptographically erased

Method 2: Reset Using Computer

Use this if iPhone is unresponsive or you're locked out.

Using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC)

  1. Connect iPhone to computer with cable
  2. Open Finder (macOS Catalina+) or iTunes
  3. Select your iPhone
  4. Click Restore iPhone
  5. Confirm when prompted
  6. Wait for process to complete

Recovery Mode Reset

If normal restore doesn't work:

iPhone 8 and later:

  1. Connect to computer
  2. Press and release Volume Up
  3. Press and release Volume Down
  4. Hold Side button until recovery screen appears

iPhone 7:

  1. Connect to computer
  2. Hold Volume Down + Side button until recovery screen

iPhone 6s and earlier:

  1. Connect to computer
  2. Hold Home + Side button until recovery screen

Then click Restore in Finder/iTunes.

Method 3: Remote Erase via iCloud

Erase your iPhone remotely if it's lost or stolen.

Steps

  1. Go to iCloud.com/find on any browser
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID
  3. Click All Devices
  4. Select your iPhone
  5. Click Erase iPhone
  6. Confirm

Important Notes

  • iPhone must be online to receive erase command
  • If offline, erase happens when it connects
  • Activation Lock remains (good for theft)
  • You can remove from account after erasing

What Gets Erased

Completely Removed

  • All apps and app data
  • Photos and videos
  • Messages and call history
  • Contacts (if stored on device)
  • Music and media
  • Settings and preferences
  • Saved passwords
  • Health data
  • Wallet and Apple Pay cards

What Remains

  • iOS operating system (latest installed version)
  • Activation Lock (if not signed out of iCloud)
  • Carrier settings

After the Reset

If Keeping the iPhone

  1. Complete setup wizard
  2. Restore from backup (iCloud or computer)
  3. Re-download apps
  4. Sign back into accounts

If Selling/Giving Away

  1. Leave at "Hello" screen
  2. Don't set up—let new owner do it
  3. Remove SIM card if keeping your number
  4. Provide proof of purchase if possible

Verify Activation Lock is Off

Ask the new owner to confirm they can activate without your Apple ID. If they can't, you need to:

  1. Go to iCloud.com/find
  2. Sign in
  3. Select the device
  4. Click "Remove from Account"

Troubleshooting Reset Issues

"Enter Apple ID Password" Won't Accept Password

  • Verify correct Apple ID (check Settings before reset)
  • Try resetting Apple ID password at iforgot.apple.com
  • Contact Apple Support if account is locked
  • Wait at least 30 minutes (large data takes time)
  • If truly stuck, force restart and try recovery mode
  • May need DFU mode for severe issues

"iPhone is Disabled"

If you've entered wrong passcode too many times:

  1. Connect to computer
  2. Enter recovery mode
  3. Choose "Restore" (this erases everything)

Activation Lock After Reset

If you reset without signing out of iCloud:

  1. Sign in with the Apple ID that was on the device
  2. Or remove device from iCloud.com/find
  3. Contact Apple Support with proof of purchase if needed

Different Types of Resets

Erase All Content and Settings (Factory Reset)

  • Removes everything
  • Returns to setup screen
  • Use when selling or major issues

Reset All Settings

  • Keeps apps and data
  • Resets preferences to default
  • Good for fixing settings-related issues

Reset Network Settings

  • Clears WiFi passwords and cellular settings
  • Fixes connection issues
  • Doesn't delete personal data

Reset Location & Privacy

  • Resets app permissions
  • Apps will ask for permissions again
  • Doesn't delete data

Got Questions About Factory Resetting iPhone? Let's Clear Things Up.

Will factory reset remove iCloud lock?

No. If Find My iPhone is enabled, Activation Lock remains even after factory reset. You must sign out of iCloud before resetting, or remove the device from iCloud.com afterward. This is a security feature to deter theft.

Can I recover data after factory reset?

Only if you have a backup. Factory reset cryptographically erases data—it cannot be recovered from the device. Always backup before resetting. If you forgot, check iCloud.com for any synced data.

How long does factory reset take?

Typically 5-15 minutes. Larger storage devices may take longer. The process shows a progress bar under the Apple logo. Don't disconnect or force restart during this process.

Do I need to factory reset before selling my iPhone?

Yes, absolutely. Factory reset removes your personal data and, importantly, signing out of iCloud removes Activation Lock so the new owner can set up the device. Without this, they can't use the iPhone.

Will factory reset fix a slow iPhone?

Sometimes. If slowness is caused by software issues, corrupted data, or too many apps, a fresh start helps. If it's hardware-related (old battery, damaged components), reset won't help. Try "Reset All Settings" first—it's less drastic.

Factory resetting your iPhone is straightforward but requires preparation. Always backup first, sign out of iCloud, and verify Activation Lock is removed if transferring ownership. For setting up a new iPhone, check our guide on transferring data between iPhones, or learn about screen recording for your new device.