How to Factory Reset Your iPhone

how to factory reset iphone

How to Factory Reset Your iPhone Using Three Methods

Whether you’re troubleshooting an issue, preparing to sell your iPhone, or simply starting fresh, a factory reset is a powerful way to restore your device to its original state. It erases your data, settings, and content so your iPhone returns to a “like new” setup screen.

Choose your reset method:
  1. Settings app (fastest if you can access the phone)
  2. Computer (Finder/iTunes) (good for software issues)
  3. Recovery Mode (best if passcode is forgotten or the phone is frozen)

Note: Back up your data first
A factory reset erases everything. Before you begin, back up your iPhone using iCloud or a computer (Finder/iTunes) so you can restore photos, contacts, apps, and settings later.

How to Restore Your iPhone Using Recovery Mode

Recovery Mode is a simpler alternative to DFU Mode and is often enough if your iPhone is frozen, won’t boot properly, or you can’t access the Settings menu.

iPhone buttons to enter recovery mode

Steps

1) Connect your iPhone to a computer

  • Use a USB / USB-C cable and connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC.

2) Open Finder or iTunes

  • macOS Catalina or later: Open Finder → your iPhone appears under Locations.
  • Windows / macOS Mojave or earlier: Open iTunes → iPhone icon appears near the top.

3) Enter Recovery Mode (by model)

iPhone 8 and later
  1. Press and release Volume Up.
  2. Press and release Volume Down.
  3. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Recovery screen.
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus
  1. Press and hold Volume Down + the Side/Top button.
  2. Keep holding until the Recovery screen appears.
iPhone 6s and earlier
  1. Press and hold Home + the Side/Top button.
  2. Keep holding until the Recovery screen appears.

4) Restore

  1. Finder/iTunes will show a message saying your iPhone needs to be updated or restored.
  2. Select Restore to erase the device and install the latest iOS.
  3. Wait for the restore to complete.

5) Set up your iPhone

  • After the restore, follow the on-screen setup steps.
  • Choose Restore from backup if you backed up earlier.
Important: Recovery Mode restore erases all content. Use it if you can’t access Settings (forgotten passcode, frozen screen, boot issues).

Steps to Factory Reset iPhone Using a Computer

Reset your iPhone using Finder or iTunes

  1. Back up your data (iCloud or Finder/iTunes).
  2. Connect your iPhone to your Mac/PC using a USB/USB-C cable.
  3. If prompted, tap Trust This Computer and enter your passcode.
  4. Open Finder (macOS Catalina+) or iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave and earlier).
  5. Select your iPhone, then click Restore iPhone.
  6. Confirm Restore / Restore and Update and wait for completion.
  7. Set up your iPhone from the “Hello” screen (new device or restore backup).

Steps to Factory Reset iPhone Using Settings

Perform factory reset on iPhone via Settings

  1. Back up your iPhone (iCloud or computer).
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Tap General.
  4. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  5. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
  6. Enter your passcode / Apple ID password if prompted.
  7. Tap Erase iPhone and wait for the reset to finish.
  8. Complete setup from the “Hello” screen.

If you’re stuck in a boot loop, your iPhone won’t restore, or you’re unsure which reset option is safest,
you can get help from iRepair Experts for most of iphone repair

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