How to Reset an iPhone Using a Computer

You can reset an iPhone through a computer using either iTunes or Finder, depending on your Mac or Windows setup

Resetting an iPhone through a computer erases the device completely and restores it to factory settings. This is useful when you want to sell the phone, fix serious software problems, or start fresh. The process differs slightly between Mac and Windows computers, and the tool you use depends on your operating system and macOS version.

On a Mac running macOS Catalina or newer, you use the Finder app. On older Macs or any Windows computer, you use iTunes. Both methods require connecting your iPhone with a USB cable and following the same basic steps: plug in, select your device, and choose the restore or reset option.

Key Takeaways

Mac users with Catalina or newer use Finder; older Mac users and all Windows users use iTunes to reset an iPhone through a computer.
You must connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable before you can start the reset process.
The reset erases all data on the iPhone, so back up important information first if you want to keep it.
After the reset completes, you can set up the iPhone as new or restore from a backup.

Reset an iPhone on Mac using Finder

Open Finder on your Mac and plug your iPhone into the computer with a USB cable. Your iPhone should appear in the Finder sidebar under Locations. Click on your iPhone's name to open its summary page.

Click the Restore button on the summary page. A dialog box will ask whether you want to back up your iPhone before restoring — choose Don't Back Up if you want to erase everything, or Back Up if you want to save your data first. After you choose, Finder downloads the latest iOS software and begins the reset. This can take 15 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed and iPhone model.

When the reset finishes, your iPhone will restart and show the setup screen. You can then set it up as a new device or restore from a backup if you saved one.

Reset an iPhone on Windows or older Mac using iTunes

read iTunes from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or the Apple website (older Mac), then open it and plug your iPhone into the computer with a USB cable. iTunes should recognize your device and display it in the top menu bar or in the left sidebar.

Click your iPhone's name to open its summary page. Look for the Restore iPhone button and click it. iTunes will ask whether you want to back up your iPhone first — choose based on whether you want to keep your data. iTunes then downloads the latest iOS version and begins the reset, which typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Your iPhone will restart when the reset is complete and display the setup screen. You can set it up as new or restore from a previous backup.

What to do before you reset

Before you reset your iPhone, decide whether you want to keep your data. If you do, create a backup through iCloud or your computer. To back up through iCloud, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. To back up through your computer, connect your iPhone and open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), then click Back Up on the summary page.

If you are selling or giving away the iPhone, you should also sign out of your Apple ID before resetting. Go to Settings > [Your Name] and scroll to the bottom, then tap Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted. This removes your account from the device and prevents the new owner from being locked out by set up Lock.

Write down any important information you might need after the reset, such as two-factor authentication codes or passwords stored in your phone. Once the reset is complete, this information will be gone unless you have it backed up.

Troubleshooting a stuck reset

If your iPhone is frozen during the reset or the reset is not progressing, try force restarting it while it is still connected to the computer. The method depends on your iPhone model: on iPhone 8 and newer, press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen. On iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, hold the Volume Down button and the Top (or Side) button together. On iPhone 6s and earlier, hold the Top (or Side) button and the Home button together.

If the reset still does not work, try a different USB cable or a different port on your computer. Sometimes a loose connection or a faulty cable prevents the computer from communicating with the iPhone. If you are using Windows, make sure iTunes is fully updated by opening the Microsoft Store and checking for updates.

What happens after the reset is complete

Your iPhone will restart and display the Hello screen, which is the beginning of the setup process. You can set it up as a new iPhone by following the on-screen prompts, or you can restore from a backup by choosing Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from Mac/PC when prompted.

If you restore from a backup, your apps, photos, messages, and settings will return to the iPhone. This process can take several hours depending on how much data you are restoring and your internet speed. If you set it up as new, you will have a blank iPhone and can read apps from the App Store as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know my Apple ID password to reset my iPhone?

You do not need your Apple ID password to start the reset through your computer. However, if you are signed into iCloud on the iPhone, you will need the password after the reset is complete to set up the device again. This is part of set up Lock, a security feature that prevents someone else from using your iPhone if it is lost or stolen.

Can I reset my iPhone if the screen is broken?

Yes. As long as your iPhone turns on and the USB port works, you can reset it through a computer even if the screen is cracked or not responding. The computer controls the reset process, not the iPhone's screen.

How long does a reset take?

The reset itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your internet speed and which iPhone model you have. If you restore from a backup afterward, add another 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you are restoring.

Will resetting my iPhone remove the SIM card?

No. Resetting your iPhone erases the data and software on the device, but it does not affect the SIM card. Your SIM card will remain in the iPhone and will work normally after the reset is complete.

What if I forgot my Apple ID password and need to reset my iPhone?

You can still reset the iPhone through your computer without the password. However, after the reset is complete, you will not be able to set up the iPhone or restore from a backup without entering your Apple ID password. Visit iforgot.apple.com to reset your password before you begin the reset process.

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.