You can factory reset an iPhone from a computer using either iTunes (on Windows or older Mac) or Finder (on newer Mac), or by using Apple's web-based Find My iPhone tool

A factory reset wipes all data and settings from your iPhone and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. If you do this from a computer, you'll use either iTunes, Finder, or Find My iPhone—depending on what device and operating system you have. The computer method is useful when your iPhone won't respond, when you're selling it, or when you've forgotten your passcode and can't unlock it on the phone itself.

Before you start, back up your data if you want to keep it. Once you begin the reset, everything on the phone will be erased. You'll also need your Apple ID password, because Apple requires it to reactivate the phone after the reset is complete.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows computers and older Macs use iTunes to reset an iPhone; newer Macs (2021 and later with Apple silicon) use Finder instead.
  • You must have your Apple ID password ready before starting, because the phone will ask for it after the reset completes.
  • Backing up your iPhone before the reset will let you restore your photos, messages, and settings afterward.
  • If your iPhone is locked with a passcode you don't know, you can use Find My iPhone from any web browser to erase it remotely.
  • The reset process takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your computer speed and internet connection.

Resetting an iPhone with iTunes on Windows or Intel Mac

If you're using Windows or an older Mac with an Intel processor, iTunes is the tool you'll use. Open iTunes on your computer and plug your iPhone in with a USB cable. iTunes should recognize the phone and show it in the window—if it doesn't, try a different USB port or cable, as connection problems are common.

Once iTunes sees your iPhone, click the device icon (usually near the top left) to open the phone's summary page. You'll see a button labeled "Restore iPhone" or "Restore"—click it. iTunes will ask you to confirm; click "Restore" again. The computer will then read the latest iOS software and install it on your phone, erasing everything in the process. This usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

When the reset finishes, your iPhone will restart and show the setup screen. You'll be asked to sign in with your Apple ID—this is where you'll need that password. After you sign in, you can choose to restore from a backup (if you made one before the reset) or set up the phone as new.

Resetting an iPhone with Finder on Newer Mac

If you have a Mac from 2021 or later with Apple silicon (M1, M2, M3 chip), or any Mac running macOS Monterey or newer, you'll use Finder instead of iTunes. Plug your iPhone into the Mac with a USB cable and open Finder. Your iPhone should appear in the sidebar under "Locations."

Click your iPhone in the sidebar, then look for the "General" tab at the top of the window. You'll see a button that says "Restore iPhone"—click it. Finder will ask you to confirm and will warn you that all data will be erased. Click "Restore" to proceed. Finder will read the latest iOS and install it, which takes 10 to 20 minutes.

When the process finishes, your iPhone will restart and show the setup screen. Sign in with your Apple ID and password, then choose whether to restore from a backup or set up as new.

Using Find My iPhone from a Web Browser

If your iPhone is locked and you don't have access to a computer with iTunes or Finder, or if the phone won't connect to your computer, you can erase it remotely using Find My iPhone. Go to iCloud.com in any web browser on any computer, and sign in with your Apple ID and password.

Click "Find My iPhone" (or just "Find My" if you're on the newer version). Select your iPhone from the list of devices. A panel will appear with options; click "Erase iPhone." You'll be asked to confirm—click "Erase" again. The phone will be wiped remotely, and it will restart and show the setup screen. You won't need the phone in front of you for this method, but you do need to know your Apple ID password.

This method works even if your iPhone is turned off, as long as Find My was turned on before it was locked or disabled. If Find My was never set up on the phone, this option won't work, and you'll need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.

What to Do Before You Reset

Before you erase your iPhone, decide whether you want to keep your data. If you do, back up the phone first. The easiest way is to plug it into your computer and let iTunes or Finder create a backup automatically—you'll see a "Back Up Now" button on the summary page. You can also back up to iCloud by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup on the phone itself and tapping "Back Up Now."

Write down your Apple ID and password somewhere safe. You'll need them to sign back into the phone after the reset. If you've forgotten your Apple ID password, you can reset it at iforgot.apple.com before you start the factory reset.

If your iPhone is in a case or has a screen protector, remove it. Some cases can interfere with the USB connection, and you want the most stable connection possible during the reset.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone when you plug it in, try these steps in order: unplug the cable and wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in; try a different USB port on your computer; try a different USB cable; restart your computer; and restart your iPhone (hold the power button and slide to power off, then turn it back on).

On Windows, make sure iTunes is fully updated—open iTunes, click Help, and select "Check for Updates." On Mac, make sure your operating system is up to date by going to System Settings > General > Software Update.

If your iPhone still won't connect after trying these steps, the USB port on the phone or computer may be damaged. In that case, use Find My iPhone from a web browser instead, or contact Apple Support for help.

What Happens After the Reset

Once your iPhone restarts after the reset, it will show the "Hello" setup screen. You'll be walked through language, region, and Wi-Fi setup. When you reach the "Apps & Data" screen, you can choose "Restore from iCloud Backup" to put back your photos, messages, contacts, and settings from before the reset. This takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how much data you have.

Alternatively, you can choose "Set Up as New iPhone" to start completely fresh. Either way, you'll need to sign in with your Apple ID to set up the phone and use iCloud services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the passcode to factory reset from a computer?

No—you can reset an iPhone from a computer even if you don't know the passcode. However, you will need your Apple ID password, because the phone asks for it after the reset to reactivate. If you don't know your Apple ID password, reset it at iforgot.apple.com before you start.

Will a factory reset remove the set up lock?

No. The set up lock (which requires your Apple ID password to reactivate the phone) stays in place even after a factory reset. This is a security feature to prevent theft. You'll need to sign in with the same Apple ID after the reset, or the phone will be locked until you do.

Can I factory reset an iPhone without a computer?

Yes. On the iPhone itself, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You'll need your passcode or Apple ID password. You can also use Find My iPhone from any web browser if the phone is locked and you can't access Settings.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. If you then restore from a backup, add another 15 to 45 minutes depending on how much data you have. The total time depends on your computer speed, internet connection, and the size of your backup.

What if I want to keep my data after the reset?

Back up your iPhone before you reset it. You can back up through iTunes or Finder on your computer, or through iCloud on the phone itself. After the reset completes and you reach the setup screen, choose "Restore from iCloud Backup" or "Restore from Mac/PC Backup" to put everything back.