If you need to reset iPhone to default settings for any reason, regardless of whether you have a passcode or not, this article will give you a comprehensive guide to factory resetting your iPhone.
Quick tip: One of the major reasons to factory reset an iPhone is that you don't remember the iPhone passcode and you need to reset it to regain access, using iPhone Unlocker enables you to factory reset iPhone without passcode and get into it again!
Perhaps you're planning to sell or give away your iPhone, resolve persistent software issues, or clean up your device for its full memory, you may consider how to factory reset your iPhone. A factory reset is a process that restores your iPhone to its original state, erasing all data, apps, and personal configurations, and giving your iPhone a fresh start.
Factory resetting iPhone is indeed a double-edged sword. Although it's going to erase your device and your important data will be permanently gone if they're not backed up properly. But on the bright side, an iPhone factory reset can fix most updates or other hard-to-fix problems, letting you regain control over your device.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about factory resetting your iPhone and how to do it, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience.
Table of Contents
Before we do a factory reset on an iPhone, let's first know the types of resets, which will help you choose the right reset method for your iPhone problem. For iOS devices, the types of resets include Soft Reset, Force Restart (Hard Reset), Reset Settings and Factory Reset.
Note: Only Factory Reset needs to wipe all personal data from iPhone. Other reset methods will not affect the existing iPhone data.
To ensure the iPhone factory reset process goes smoothly and to avoid any unnecessary hassles, there are several important things to note and steps to take.
When you reset an iPhone to factory settings, all the data and settings from your iOS device will be wiped, including any photos, contacts, apps, messages and settings. To avoid losing valuable information, it's crucial to back up your device.
iCloud automatically backs up your iPhone when connected to Wi-Fi and charging, making it a convenient option. You can initiate a manual backup by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and selecting Back Up Now.
Another critical step before performing a factory reset is to sign out of iCloud and other accounts linked to your iPhone. This includes services like Find My iPhone, which can interfere with the reset process if not disabled. To do this, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out, and then enter your Apple ID password to disable iCloud services and Find My iPhone.
Signing out ensures that Activation Lock is removed, which is especially important if you plan to sell or give away iPhone. Activation Lock prevents new users from setting up the device, making it essential to turn off this feature before transferring ownership.
You will need to enter your Apple ID password to turn off Find My and to sign back in after the reset is complete. If you have forgotten your Apple ID password, it is best to reset it beforehand to avoid delays.
The simplest way to fully reset the iPhone is through the device's settings. This method is ideal if your iPhone is functioning properly, and you have access to the Settings menu. Once you have backed up your iPhone data, you can:
Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2. Navigate to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone (or Reset, depending on iOS version).
Step 3. Tap on Erase All Content and Settings.
Step 4. You may be asked to enter your screen passcode or Apple ID password to confirm.
Step 5. A final prompt will appear asking if you're sure you want to proceed. Confirm by tapping Erase iPhone.
After a few minutes, the iPhone will restart and display the initial setup screen. This method will remove all data, apps, and settings, restoring the device to its factory state.
Tip: In addition to "Erase All Content and Settings," there are other reset options, such as "Reset Network Settings", "Reset Keyboard Dictionary", and "Reset Home Screen Layout." These perform more specific resets and don't wipe all your data.
If your iPhone is locked, disabled, or unresponsive, you should try to factory reset your iPhone without the passcode. Unfortunately, you won't be able to back up your latest iPhone content first in these cases, but you still can retrieve some lost data from previous backups.
When you find yourself unable to access iPhone due to a forgotten passcode, don't worry—there's still a way to reset it. One of the easiest methods to regain access is by using an iPhone Unlocker tool. This software allows you to bypass the lock screen passcode and perform an iPhone factory reset, wiping your device clean and restoring it to default settings.
It is compatible with the latest iOS and can remove passcodes on iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11, including 4/6-digit screen passcode, Face ID, Touch ID, Apple ID password, Screen Time passcode, Activation Lock, etc., letting you easily get into to iPhone without a passcode.
Step 1. Download and launch iPhone Unlocker
After downloading the software on your computer, open it and select the Wipe Passcode option from the menu.
Step 2. Connect the iPhone to the computer
Attach the iPhone to the computer with an adaptable USB cable. If the device isn't recognized, click "Device connected but not recognized" link and follow the directions to build connection.
Step 3. Check iPhone's information
When the software successfully detects your device, confirm your device information and then hit the Start button to download firmware package for your iPhone.
Step 4. Reset your locked iPhone
Follow the on-screen instructions, enter 0000, followed by Unlock button to start erasing your iPhone. Wait for the process to end, your iPhone passcode will be removed, and then you need to set up your iPhone from scratch.
Also read: How to Bypass iPhone Passcode without Losing Data
If you forgot iPhone passcode and get locked out of the device, resetting it through recovery mode can also be your considered option. This method involves putting your iPhone into recovery mode and then resetting it using iTunes or Finder.
1. Plug your iPhone into a Mac or PC with a cable that could charge your phone.
2. Open the latest version of iTunes (on Windows or older macOS) or Finder (on newer macOS versions).
3. Put your iPhone into recovery mode, using the correct button combination based on your iPhone model:
4. A prompt will appear, giving you the option to Restore or Update the iPhone. Choose Restore to download the latest iOS version and perform the reset.
Note: If your iPhone can be accessed with passcode, you don't need to enter recovery mode. Just locate the device in iTunes/Finder, then on the Summary (or General) tab, click Restore iPhone > Restore to factory reset the iPhone.
With iPhone running iOS 15.2 or later, you can use your Apple account to erase and factory reset an iPhone without a computer. If you've entered the wrong passcode too many times, the Erase iPhone or Forgot Passcode? option will appear on the iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout screen.
Erase iPhone appears on devices running iOS 15.2 to iOS 16 that are connected to the Internet; Forgot Passcode? appears on iPhones running iOS 17 or later that are connected a cellular or Wi-Fi network.
Here's how to factory reset an iPhone in iOS 17:
1. After multiple incorrect passcode attempts, your iPhone will show a message indicating that the iPhone is unavailable or disabled. You will then see the Forgot Passcode? option in the bottom corner of the screen.
2. Tap the Forgot Passcode? option and then choose Start iPhone Reset to go on.
3. Use your Apple ID password to sign out of the Apple account on iPhone.
4. Tap Erase iPhone to reset your iPhone to factory settings.
For those who have Find My enable on iPhone previously, iCloud provides a convenient way to factory reset an iPhone without the passcode. Through the iCloud website, you can remotely permanently delete all of your data and settings, making it a great choice if you can't unlock your iPhone without passcode directly.
1. Visit iCloud website on any computer or device and sign in to your Apple account.
2. Select Find My from the iCloud main menu.
3. Click on All Devices at the top of the screen and choose the iPhone that you want to reset from the list.
4. Select Erase This Device to remotely wipe all content and settings from the device.
Note: If your iPhone is offline, remote reset cannot be initiated until it have an active cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
Once you've completed the factory reset on iPhone, your iPhone will restart and display the initial setup screen. You can set up the iPhone as a new device or restore it from a previous backup to bring back your data, apps, and settings.
With a previously created backup available, when you follow the onscreen instructions to the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, select From iCloud Backup or From Mac or PC and pick the desired backup to retrieve your settings and data. Otherwise, you will have to experience a fresh iOS setup without any previous data, reconfiguring your basic settings and preferences.
You need to log back in with your Apple ID, but remember to enable Find My and iCloud automatic backup services, so that you can recover important data the next time you need to reset your iPhone.
By choosing the appropriate method for your situation, you can successfully factory reset your iPhone, whether you're doing it through the device settings, using a computer, or recovering from a locked state. Each approach ensures that you can restore your iPhone to its factory condition and resolve a range of issues.
FAQs