How to Reset an iPhone Using a Computer

You can reset an iPhone from a Windows or Mac computer using iTunes or Finder, but the process depends on which operating system your computer runs and whether your iPhone will turn on

If your iPhone is frozen, won't start, or you need to erase it completely, you can reset it from a computer without needing Apple's support. On a Mac running macOS Catalina or newer, you use the Finder app. On older Macs or any Windows PC, you use iTunes. Both methods require a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer, and both will erase all data on the phone unless you have a backup.

The key difference is whether your iPhone responds to your computer at all. If it does, the reset takes about 15 minutes. If it doesn't, you may need to force it into a recovery mode first, which adds a few extra steps but works the same way.

Key Takeaways

Mac computers running Catalina or later use Finder to reset an iPhone; older Macs and all Windows PCs use iTunes.
You need a USB cable and a computer with internet access, because the reset downloads the latest iPhone software during the process.
If your iPhone is completely unresponsive, you must force it into recovery mode using button combinations before the computer can see it.
The reset erases everything on the phone, so back up your data first if you plan to keep it.
If your iPhone is locked with a passcode or Apple ID, you will need that information to set it up again after the reset.

Reset an iPhone on a Mac with Finder

On a Mac running macOS Catalina (released in 2019) or newer, open Finder and plug your iPhone into the computer with a USB cable. Your iPhone appears in the Finder sidebar under Locations. Click it, then click the General tab at the top of the window.

Click the Restore button. Finder will ask you to confirm; click Restore again. Your computer downloads the latest iPhone software and installs it on the phone. This takes 10 to 15 minutes depending on your internet speed. Do not unplug the iPhone during this time. When it finishes, your iPhone restarts and shows the setup screen, as if it came from the factory.

If your Mac is older than Catalina, use iTunes instead (see the Windows section below—the steps are identical on older Macs).

Reset an iPhone on a Windows PC or older Mac using iTunes

On Windows or on a Mac older than Catalina, read iTunes from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or the Apple website (older Mac). Install it, then plug your iPhone into the computer with a USB cable.

Open iTunes. Your iPhone appears in the top left corner of the window, usually labeled with its name. Click it. In the Summary tab, click the Restore button. iTunes will ask you to confirm and warn you that all data will be erased; click Restore again. Your computer downloads the latest iPhone software and installs it. This takes 10 to 15 minutes. Do not unplug the iPhone. When it finishes, your iPhone restarts and shows the setup screen.

Force an unresponsive iPhone into recovery mode first

If your iPhone is frozen, won't turn on, or your computer doesn't recognize it when you plug it in, you need to force it into recovery mode before you can reset it. The button combination depends on which iPhone model you have.

For iPhone X and newer (including iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16): Press and hold the Volume Up button and the Side button together until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off the phone. Then plug the USB cable into the computer, hold down the Volume Up button and the Side button again, and keep holding them. Your computer will recognize the phone and show a recovery screen. Release the buttons when you see the recovery options.

For iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (first and second generation): Press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the power-off slider appears. Drag it to turn off the phone. Plug the USB cable into the computer, hold down the Top button, and keep holding it. Release when you see the recovery screen.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button together until the power-off slider appears. Drag it off. Plug in the USB cable, hold the Volume Down button, and keep holding it until the recovery screen appears.

For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the Top button until the power-off slider appears. Drag it off. Plug in the USB cable, hold the Home button (the round button at the bottom), and keep holding it until the recovery screen appears.

Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, your computer will recognize it in Finder or iTunes, and you can click Restore as described above.

What happens after the reset is complete

When the reset finishes, your iPhone shows the Hello screen and walks you through setup. You will need to sign in with your Apple ID and password. If you have a backup from before the reset, you can restore your photos, messages, and apps from it during setup. If you do not have a backup, your iPhone starts completely blank.

If your iPhone was locked with a passcode or Face ID, you will need to set those up again. If it was linked to an Apple ID, you will need that Apple ID password to complete setup—Apple does this to prevent theft.

Back up your iPhone before resetting if you want to keep your data

A reset erases everything on your iPhone. If you want to save your photos, messages, contacts, and app data, back up your phone before you reset it. The easiest way is to plug your iPhone into the computer and use Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) to create a local backup on the computer itself.

In Finder or iTunes, click your iPhone, go to the General tab, and look for the Backups section. Click Back Up Now. Your computer creates a complete copy of your iPhone's data. After you reset the iPhone and set it up again, you can restore from this backup by clicking Restore Backup in the same location. This process takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on how much data is on your phone.

Alternatively, you can back up to iCloud by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud on your iPhone and turning on iCloud Backup. This stores your data on Apple's servers instead of your computer, but it requires an internet connection and iCloud storage space.

When to call Apple Support instead

If your iPhone will not turn on even after you force it into recovery mode, or if your computer does not recognize it after multiple attempts with different USB cables, the phone may have a hardware problem. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. If your iPhone is locked with an Apple ID and you do not remember the password, you will need to verify your identity through Apple's account recovery process before you can set it up again—Apple Support can guide you through this, but it cannot be done from a computer alone.

Hardware issues like a cracked screen, water damage, or a failing battery may prevent the reset from working even if you follow every step correctly. In those cases, a technician will need to examine the phone in person to determine whether it can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know my passcode to reset my iPhone from a computer?

No. A reset from a computer erases the passcode along with everything else on the phone. However, if your iPhone is linked to an Apple ID, you will need that Apple ID password to set it up again after the reset. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from using your phone.

Will resetting my iPhone delete my iCloud photos and contacts?

No. iCloud data is stored on Apple's servers, not on your phone. Resetting your iPhone only erases data stored on the device itself. When you sign back in with your Apple ID after the reset, your iCloud photos, contacts, and other synced data will reappear on the phone.

Can I reset my iPhone if it is not plugged into a computer?

Yes, but you use a different method. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This erases the phone without needing a computer, though it takes longer and requires your Apple ID password at the end. Use a computer reset only if your iPhone is frozen or will not respond to touch.

What if my computer does not recognize my iPhone even after forcing it into recovery mode?

Try a different USB cable—many cables are damaged or worn out and will not carry data even though they charge the phone. If a different cable does not work, restart your computer and try again. If your iPhone still does not appear, the phone may have a hardware issue and will need service from Apple.

How long does a reset take?

The reset itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your internet speed and which iPhone model you have. If you need to force the phone into recovery mode first, add 2 to 3 minutes for that step. The entire process from start to finish is usually done in 20 minutes.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.