What resetting your iPhone means and when to do it

Resetting your iPhone to factory settings erases everything on the device and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This wipes all your photos, messages, apps, settings, and personal data. You should reset your iPhone if you are selling it, giving it away, troubleshooting a serious software problem, or preparing to trade it in. A factory reset is different from a force restart — a restart fixes freezing and crashes without erasing anything.

Before you reset, back up your data if you want to keep it. You can restore from a backup after the reset is complete, which puts your photos, contacts, and apps back on the phone without the problems that made you reset in the first place. If you do not back up first, the data is gone permanently.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases everything on your iPhone, so back up to iCloud or your computer before you start if you want to keep your data.
  • You can reset through Settings on the phone itself, or through a computer using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) if the phone is frozen or disabled.
  • The reset process takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires your Apple ID password to complete.
  • After the reset finishes, you can restore your backed-up data or set up the phone as new.

How to back up your iPhone before resetting

The fastest backup method is iCloud, which stores your data on Apple's servers. Open Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud. Scroll down and tap iCloud Backup. Turn on iCloud Backup if it is not already on, then tap Back Up Now. The backup runs in the background and can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have and your internet speed. Your phone must stay connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in during the backup.

If you prefer to back up to a computer instead, connect your iPhone with a USB cable. On a Mac with macOS Monterey or newer, open Finder and click your iPhone in the sidebar. On a Windows PC or older Mac, open iTunes. Click the device icon, then click Back Up Now. This backup stores on your computer's hard drive instead of in the cloud.

Resetting through Settings on your iPhone

This is the standard method if your phone is working normally. Open Settings and tap General. Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. You will see a warning that this action cannot be undone. Tap Continue, then tap Erase.

The phone will ask for your Apple ID password. Enter it — Apple requires this to prevent theft, since a stolen phone could otherwise be erased and sold. After you enter your password, the reset begins. The screen will show a progress bar. Do not turn off the phone or disconnect it from power. The process takes 10 to 20 minutes. When it finishes, you will see the setup screen, as if the phone is brand new.

Resetting through a computer if your iPhone is frozen or disabled

If your phone is frozen, unresponsive, or shows a "iPhone is disabled" message, you cannot use the Settings method. Instead, connect the phone to a computer with a USB cable. On a Mac with macOS Monterey or newer, open Finder and click your iPhone in the sidebar. On a Windows PC or older Mac, open iTunes. Look for a Restore button and click it. The computer will read the latest iPhone software and install it, which erases the phone in the process.

If the phone does not appear in Finder or iTunes, you may need to force it into recovery mode. The steps vary by iPhone model. For iPhone 8 and newer, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen. For iPhone 7, hold the Volume Down button and the Side button together. For iPhone 6s and earlier, hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together. Once recovery mode appears, the computer will recognize the phone and you can click Restore.

Setting up your iPhone after the reset

When the reset finishes, the phone shows the Hello screen. You can set it up as a new phone, or restore from your backup. If you backed up to iCloud, tap Restore from iCloud Backup during setup and sign in with your Apple ID. The phone will read your backup and restore your photos, contacts, messages, and apps. This takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on the backup size and your internet speed.

If you backed up to a computer, complete the setup first, then connect the phone to the same computer. In Finder or iTunes, click Restore Backup and choose the backup you want to restore. The phone will restart and pull in your data. Either way, your apps and data return, but the software problems that prompted the reset are gone.

What to do if you forgot your Apple ID password

If you try to reset and the phone asks for your Apple ID password but you do not remember it, go to iforgot.apple.com on a computer or another device. Enter your Apple ID email address and follow the steps to reset your password. You can also go to Settings on another Apple device you own, tap your name, tap Password & Security, and tap Change Password. Once you have reset your password, return to your iPhone and enter the new one to complete the reset.

If you do not have access to another Apple device and cannot reach iforgot.apple.com, contact Apple Support by phone or through the Apple Support app. They can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account. This process can take a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my iPhone remove my Apple ID from the phone?

Yes. After the reset, the phone is not linked to your Apple ID until you sign in again during setup. This is why Apple requires your Apple ID password during the reset — it prevents someone from stealing your phone and erasing it to use as their own.

Can I stop a reset once it has started?

No. Once you confirm the reset in Settings or Finder, the process runs to completion. Do not turn off the phone or unplug it. If the phone loses power during the reset, it may not start up properly afterward.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. If you restore from a backup afterward, add another 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have and your internet speed.

What happens to my phone number and carrier plan after a reset?

Your phone number and carrier plan stay the same. The reset only erases data and apps stored on the phone, not your account with your carrier. You will still be able to make calls and use data after the reset.

Can I reset my iPhone without a computer or iCloud backup?

Yes. You can reset through Settings alone without backing up first. However, you will lose all your data. If you have not backed up and want to keep your information, do not reset — back up first, then reset.