How to Factory Reset Your iPhone Using Three Methods

Whether you’re troubleshooting an issue, preparing to sell your iPhone, or simply starting fresh, factory resetting your device is a powerful tool to restore it to its original state. A factory reset erases all data, settings, and content on your iPhone, making it like new out of the box.

There are three primary methods to factory reset your iPhone, each suited to different situations:

1. Using the Settings App: The most straightforward way to reset your iPhone is through the Settings app. This method is ideal when you can access your iPhone normally and want to reset it without using a computer.
2. Using a Computer: If your iPhone is unresponsive, forgotten passcode, or you’re experiencing software issues, you can reset it by connecting it to a computer using iTunes or Finder. This method also allows you to restore the latest version of iOS during the reset.
3. Using Button Combinations ( DFU Mode): For situations where you can’t access your iPhone’s software, such as when it’s frozen or locked, you can use a specific sequence of button presses to put your device into recovery mode and reset it through a computer.

In the sections below, we’ll walk you through each method step-by-step, ensuring that you can reset your iPhone no matter the circumstances.

Note: Data Backup

Before you proceed with the factory reset, it’s essential to back up your iPhone. This ensures that all your important data, including contacts, photos, apps, and settings, are safely stored and can be restored later. You can back up your iPhone using iCloud or by connecting it to a computer with iTunes or Finder.

How to Restore Your iPhone Using Recovery Mode

If you’re looking for an easier and less technical way to restore your iPhone, you can use Recovery Mode instead of DFU mode. Recovery Mode is easier to access and still allows you to restore your iPhone to factory settings. Here’s how:

Back-Up Your Data Before you start, it’s crucial to back up your data. You can back up your iPhone via iCloud or by connecting it to your computer and using iTunes (on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later).

1: Connect Your iPhone to the Computer

• Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.

2: Open iTunes or Finder

• macOS Catalina or Later: Open Finder. Your iPhone should appear in the sidebar under Locations.
• macOS Mojave or Earlier or Windows: Open iTunes. Your iPhone should appear as an icon in the upper left corner.

3: Enter Recovery Mode

The steps to enter Recovery Mode depend on your iPhone model:

 iPhone 8 and later models:

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Recovery Mode screen (an iTunes logo and a cable).

 iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:

1. Press and hold the Volume Down and Side (or Top) buttons simultaneously.
2. Keep holding until you see the Recovery Mode screen.

iPhone 6s and earlier

1. Press and hold both the Home button and the Side (or Top) button simultaneously.
2. Keep holding until you see the Recovery Mode screen.

5: Restore Your iPhone

1. A message will pop up in iTunes or Finder, saying that there’s a problem with your iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored.
2. Choose “Restore” to erase your device and install the latest iOS version.
3. Confirm the restore and let the process complete.

6: Set Up Your iPhone

• Once the restore is complete, your iPhone will restart.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone as new or restore from a backup.

7: Exit Recovery Mode (if necessary)

• If you want to exit Recovery Mode without restoring, simply disconnect your iPhone from the computer and force restart it:
  • iPhone 8 and later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, quickly press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • iPhone 7: Press and hold the Volume Down button and Side (or Top) button until the Apple logo appears.
  • iPhone 6s and earlier Models: Press and hold both the Home button and the Side (or Top) button until the Apple logo appears.

Important Notes:

• This method is typically used when you can’t access your iPhone through the standard settings menu due to issues like a forgotten passcode or a non-responsive screen.
• The factory reset using button combinations will erase all content and settings on your iPhone, so make sure your data is backed up.

Steps to Factory Reset iPhone 14 Using a Computer

1. Back Up Your Data:

Before you start, it’s crucial to back up your data. You can back up your iPhone via iCloud or by connecting it to your computer and using iTunes (on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later).

2. Connect Your iPhone to the Computer:

• Use a USB or USB-C cable to connect your iPhone  to your computer.
• If you are using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. If you are using a Windows PC or a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes.

3. Trust This Computer:

• If prompted on your iPhone, tap “Trust This Computer” and enter your passcode to allow the connection.

4. Select Your iPhone:

• In Finder or iTunes, locate your iPhone. It should appear in the sidebar on the left (Finder) or as a small icon at the top left of the window (iTunes).

5. Start the Factory Reset:

• In Finder or iTunes, you will see options for your iPhone. Look for the Restore iPhone button.
• Click Restore iPhone. This will erase everything on your iPhone and reinstall the latest version of iOS.

6. Confirm the Action:

• A prompt will appear asking you to confirm the restore. Click Restore or Restore and Update.
• The process will begin, and your iPhone will be wiped and restored to factory settings. This may take some time, so be patient.

7. Set Up Your iPhone:

• Once the process is complete, your iPhone will restart. You’ll see the “Hello” screen, which indicates that the factory reset is done.
• You can now set up your iPhone as new or restore from a backup.

Important Notes:

• Factory Reset: This process will erase all data, including apps, settings, and personal information. Make sure everything is backed up before you proceed.
• iOS Update: During the factory reset, your iPhone will be updated to the latest version of iOS.

Steps to Factory Reset iPhone 14 Using Settings

1. Back Up Your Data:

Before performing a factory reset, ensure that all your important data is backed up to iCloud or your computer. This process will erase all data on your iPhone.

2. Open the Settings App:

• Unlock your iPhone and tap on the Settings app, which is typically found on the home screen.

3. Go to General:

• Scroll down and tap on General.

4. Navigate to Reset Options:

• Scroll to the bottom of the General menu and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.

5. Choose Erase All Content and Settings:

• Tap on Erase All Content and Settings. This option will erase everything on your iPhone, returning it to its factory state.

6. Confirm the Reset:

• You may be prompted to enter your iPhone passcode or Apple ID password to confirm your identity. Enter it when asked.
• A warning screen will appear, informing you that all your data will be erased. Tap Erase iPhone to confirm.

7. Wait for the Process to Complete:

• Your iPhone will now begin the factory reset process. This may take a few minutes. Your device will restart and show the Apple logo with a progress bar during the reset.

8. Set Up Your iPhone:

• Once the factory reset is complete, your iPhone will reboot to the “Hello” screen. You can now set it up as a new device or restore from a backup.

Important Notes:

• Data Erasure: This will completely erase all personal data, apps, settings, and content from your iPhone. Ensure that you have a backup before proceeding.
• Resetting for Troubleshooting: Factory resetting is often used to resolve persistent software issues or prepare the device for sale or transfer to a new owner.

If you need any more help, don’t hesitate to get in touch with iRepair Experts