How to Factory Reset iPhone

Completely erase your iPhone and restore to factory settings

⚡Quick Answer

Backup first! Then Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Sign out of Apple ID before selling.

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Or connect to computer and backup via Finder/iTunes.

💡This is crucial! Factory reset deletes everything permanently.

Go to Settings > [Your Name], scroll down and tap Sign Out. Enter Apple ID password to turn off Find My.

💡Skipping this can activation-lock the phone for the next owner.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Tap Continue, enter passcode.

💡iPhone will restart and show setup screen when complete.

Connect to Mac/PC, open Finder/iTunes, select iPhone, click Restore iPhone to completely wipe and reinstall iOS.

💡Use this if you can't access Settings or forgot your passcode.

Usually 5-15 minutes. Erasing data is quick; reinstalling iOS takes longer if done via computer.

Only if you sign out first. Otherwise, Activation Lock stays on and you'll need the Apple ID password to set up.

Only from a backup made before reset. Without backup, data is permanently gone.

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