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how to do a factory reset on iphone

To do a factory reset on an iPhone, you erase all data and settings from the device and return it to “like new” state, usually via Settings or, if locked, via a computer and recovery mode. This should only be done after backing up anything important because the process permanently deletes your content.

Before you reset

  • Make a backup in iCloud or on a computer so you can restore later.
  • If you plan to sell or give away the phone, sign out of your Apple ID and turn off Find My iPhone to avoid Activation Lock.

Factory reset from Settings (unlocked iPhone)

This is the simplest method if you can still unlock your iPhone.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
  1. Enter your device passcode and, if prompted, your Apple ID password.
  2. Confirm by tapping Erase iPhone and wait for the device to restart.

After restart, you’ll see the Hello setup screen as if it were a new iPhone.

Factory reset if iPhone is locked or disabled

If you forgot your passcode or the phone is disabled, you need a computer.

  1. Turn the iPhone off.
  2. Connect it to a Mac (Finder) or PC (iTunes) with a cable.
  1. Put it into Recovery Mode : for recent models, quickly press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the recovery screen appears.
  1. On the computer, choose Restore when prompted; this downloads software and wipes the device.
  1. Keep it connected until the process finishes and the Hello screen appears.

This also returns the phone to factory settings; you can then set it up as new or restore from a backup if you had one.

Quick HTML table of methods

[5][3] [5][3] [3] [1][3]
Method When to use Key steps
Settings > Erase All Content Phone is working and you know the passcode.Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings → confirm.
Recovery Mode + computer Locked, disabled, or forgotten passcode.Connect to computer → enter Recovery Mode → choose Restore in Finder/iTunes.

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