A factory reset erases the iPhone and returns it to the setup screen. Use it when you are selling or giving away the phone, starting over after serious problems, or preparing to restore a backup. Do not choose this option if you only want to reset a setting; Erase All Content and Settings removes your personal data from the device.
Quick steps
- Back up anything you want to keep.
- Open Settings and tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Review what will be removed, then continue and enter your passcode or Apple Account password if asked.
Back up before you erase
If you plan to keep your photos, messages, app data, and settings, make a current iCloud or computer backup first. A factory reset is designed to remove the information stored on the iPhone.
Erase All Content and Settings
The current path is Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the confirmation screens carefully. If the iPhone uses eSIM, you may be asked whether to keep or erase the eSIM. If you are selling or giving away the phone, you will normally want the cellular plan removed as well.
Reset is different from erase
The Reset menu on the same screen contains options such as Reset All Settings and Reset Network Settings. Those can restore settings to defaults without deleting your photos, messages, apps, and documents. If your goal is troubleshooting rather than wiping the phone, consider those less destructive options first.
After the reset
When the erase finishes, the iPhone restarts at the Hello screen. You can set it up as new, restore a backup, or leave it at the setup screen for its next owner. If you are transferring the phone to someone else, do not sign back into your Apple Account.
Back up before a factory reset
A factory reset erases personal data, apps, accounts, and settings from the iPhone. Before continuing, confirm that important photos, messages, files, contacts, and app data are backed up to iCloud or a computer. Check the date of the most recent backup rather than assuming automatic backup completed.
If you are selling or giving away the iPhone
Unpair an Apple Watch if one is connected, transfer any cellular service you need, and use Apple’s erase process from Settings. After the erase finishes, the phone should return to its setup screen. Do not manually delete synced photos, contacts, or other iCloud data one category at a time before erasing, because those deletions can sync to your other devices.
Matthew Roberts created this site to help his friends and family with questions that they might have about how to change the settings on their iPhones. It now serves as an archive of iPhone how-to guides to help anyone that stumbles upon this website.