If you want to completely reset your iPhone to factory settings, you’ll delete all data and settings on the device. Here’s how to do it:
Prepare Your iPhone:
- Back Up Your Data: Before you reset your iPhone, ensure you back up any important data. You can use iCloud or iTunes/Finder on your computer to create a backup.
- Sign Out of iCloud (optional): It’s a good idea to sign out of your iCloud account to disable Activation Lock. Go to Settings > [your name] > Sign Out.
Reset Your iPhone:
- Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- General: Scroll down and tap on General.
- Transfer or Reset iPhone: Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Erase All Content and Settings: Tap Erase All Content and Settings. You might be prompted to enter your passcode or Apple ID password.
- Confirm: Follow the prompts to confirm that you want to erase your iPhone. It will take a few moments, and your iPhone will delete all data and return to factory settings.
Setting Up Your iPhone:
Once the process is complete, your iPhone will restart, and you’ll see the welcome screen as if it’s a new device. You can set it up as new or restore it from a backup.
Note: If you are selling or giving away your iPhone, make sure to deregister iMessage and remove any SIM card before handing it over.
Hard Reset (Force Restart):
If you simply want to restart your iPhone or if it’s unresponsive, you can perform a force restart:
- iPhone 8 and later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and finally press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down and Side buttons simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.
- iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
This does not erase your data but can help fix minor issues.
Always remember, erasing your iPhone will delete all personal information and data, so make sure you have a backup of anything important before you proceed.
