If you need to reset your iPhone while it’s on the lock screen, the options are limited because most reset functions require access to the device. However, you can perform a restart or force restart depending on the situation. Here’s how to do both:
Restarting (Soft Reset)
If your iPhone is responsive and you can interact with it:
For iPhone X and later:
Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button (or Volume Up button) until you see the slider.
Slide to power off. After it turns off, press and hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo.
For iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (2nd generation):
Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button together until you see the Apple logo.
For iPhone 6s and earlier:
Press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together until you see the Apple logo.
Force Restart
If your iPhone is unresponsive, you can perform a force restart:
For iPhone 8 and later:
Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.
For iPhone 6s and earlier:
Press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together until you see the Apple logo.
Factory Reset (Data Loss)
If you’re looking to factory reset your iPhone (which will erase all data), you usually need to access the device through settings. If you can’t access your iPhone due to forgetting your passcode, you’ll need to use recovery mode and iTunes or Finder to reset it. Here’s how:
Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable.
Open Finder or iTunes.
Put the iPhone into Recovery Mode:
Follow the force restart instructions above depending on your iPhone model until you see the recovery mode screen (connect to iTunes/Finder screen).
On your computer, choose ‘Restore’ or ‘Update’ when prompted.
If you choose ‘Restore’, this will erase your device and install the latest iOS.
Wait for the process to finish.
Make sure you have a backup of your data, as this process will erase everything on the device.
Resetting an iPhone using a computer can be done using either iTunes (on older Macs and PCs) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later). Here’s how to do it:
Using iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier):
Connect Your iPhone: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
Open iTunes: Launch iTunes on your computer. If prompted, enter your device passcode or choose “Trust This Computer” on your iPhone.
Select Your iPhone: Click on the device icon in the top left corner of the iTunes window.
Backup Your Data (Optional):
Before resetting, you may wish to back up your data. Click on “Back Up Now” to create a backup in iTunes.
Restore iPhone:
Click on “Restore iPhone…”.
A dialog will appear asking for confirmation; click “Restore” again.
iTunes will erase your iPhone and install the latest iOS version.
Set Up Your iPhone: Once the process is complete, your iPhone will restart and you can set it up as new or restore from a backup.
Using Finder (macOS Catalina and later):
Connect Your iPhone: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your Mac.
Open Finder: Click on the Finder icon in your dock.
Select Your iPhone: In the Finder sidebar, under “Locations”, click on your iPhone.
Backup Your Data (Optional):
If you want to back up your phone first, you can click “Back Up Now” in the General tab.
Restore iPhone:
Click on “Restore iPhone…”.
Confirm that you want to restore the iPhone by clicking “Restore” again in the confirmation dialog.
Finder will erase your iPhone and install the latest version of iOS.
Set Up Your iPhone: After the process is complete, your iPhone will restart, and you can either set it up as new or restore it from a backup.
Note:
This process will erase all data on your iPhone, so make sure to back up any important information first.
If you cannot access your iPhone or have forgotten the passcode, you may need to use Recovery Mode to perform the reset. You can put your iPhone into Recovery Mode by following specific button combinations for your iPhone model. After entering Recovery Mode, when you connect to iTunes or Finder, you will see options to Restore or Update your device. Choosing Restore will reset your iPhone.
Recovery Mode Steps:
Put Your iPhone in Recovery Mode: Depending on your model, the steps to enter Recovery Mode will vary.
iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down and Side buttons simultaneously until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons at the same time until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
Connect to iTunes or Finder: Once in Recovery Mode, connect your iPhone to your computer, and follow the steps to restore.
If you need further assistance, feel free to ask!
