You can reset your iPhone through a computer using either iTunes (on older Macs) or Finder (on newer Macs and Windows PCs with iTunes installed)

A factory reset wipes your iPhone completely and reinstalls its operating system. You do this when the phone won't respond, you're selling it, or you need to clear everything and start fresh. The process requires a computer because you're using Apple's own tools to communicate with the phone at a deep level — something you can't do from the phone itself once it's locked or broken.

The method depends on what computer you have. Mac users with macOS Catalina or newer use the Finder app. Windows users and older Mac users use iTunes. Both routes take about 15 to 30 minutes, though the actual reset happens in the background and can take longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Mac users with Catalina or newer open Finder; Windows users and older Mac users open iTunes to start the reset.
  • You must connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable and trust the connection when prompted on the phone.
  • The reset erases everything on your iPhone and reinstalls iOS, so back up your data first if you want to keep it.
  • If your iPhone is locked with a passcode or Find My iPhone, you will need to enter your Apple ID password during the reset.
  • A reset can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed and the iOS version being installed.

How to reset on a Mac with Finder (Catalina and newer)

Open Finder on your Mac. Plug your iPhone into the computer with a USB cable. When your iPhone asks "Trust This Computer?", tap Trust and enter your passcode. Wait for Finder to recognize the phone — you'll see it appear in the sidebar under Locations.

Click your iPhone's name in the sidebar. In the main window, click the Restore button. A dialog will appear asking if you want to restore and update your iPhone. Click Restore again. Finder will read the latest iOS version and begin the reset. Do not unplug the phone during this process — it can take 30 minutes or longer depending on your internet speed.

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

How to reset on Windows or older Mac (using iTunes)

read and install iTunes from Apple's website if you don't have it. Open iTunes. Connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable. When your iPhone asks "Trust This Computer?", tap Trust and enter your passcode. Wait for iTunes to recognize the phone — you'll see it appear in the top menu bar or in the left sidebar.

Click your iPhone's icon. In the Summary tab, click the Restore iPhone button. A dialog will ask if you want to back up before restoring — choose based on whether you want to keep your data. Click Restore again. iTunes will read the latest iOS version and begin the reset. Leave the phone connected until the process finishes, which typically takes 30 minutes to an hour.

When iTunes shows a completion message, your iPhone will restart and display the setup screen. You can set it up as new or restore from a backup.

What to do if your iPhone won't connect to the computer

Try a different USB cable first — the cable may be damaged. If that doesn't work, unplug the phone, restart your computer, and plug the phone back in. Make sure you tap Trust when the phone prompts you; without that step, the computer won't see the phone as a device to reset.

On Windows, check that iTunes is fully installed and up to date. On Mac, make sure you're using Finder (not iTunes) if your macOS version is Catalina or newer. If the phone still won't show up, restart the iPhone by holding the power button and volume down button together for 10 seconds, then try connecting again.

If your iPhone is stuck in a boot loop or won't turn on at all, you may need to put it into recovery mode before the reset will work. This requires holding specific button combinations while plugged in — the exact steps vary by iPhone model, so check Apple's support pages for your specific phone.

Backing up your data before you reset

A factory reset erases everything on your phone. If you want to keep your photos, messages, contacts, or app data, back up before you start. The easiest way is to let iTunes or Finder back up automatically when you connect — both will ask if you want to back up before restoring.

You can also back up to iCloud instead. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud on your iPhone and turn on iCloud Backup, then tap Back Up Now. This stores your data in the cloud so you can restore it after the reset, even without a computer. iCloud backups include photos, messages, app data, and settings — though they don't include music or movies you've purchased.

What happens after the reset is complete

Your iPhone will restart and show the setup screen, just like a brand-new phone. You'll be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Apple ID. If you backed up before resetting, you can choose to restore from that backup during setup — this puts your photos, messages, contacts, and apps back on the phone.

If you're selling the phone or giving it away, do not restore from a backup. Instead, set it up as new and then sign out of your Apple ID before handing it over. This removes your personal data and lets the new owner set it up with their own account.

When to call Apple Support instead

If your iPhone won't connect to the computer even after trying different cables and restarting, or if it's stuck in recovery mode and won't complete the reset, contact Apple Support. They can walk you through advanced troubleshooting or arrange a repair if the phone has a hardware problem.

If you've forgotten your Apple ID password and your iPhone is locked, you'll need to verify your identity with Apple before the reset can finish. This is a security feature to prevent theft. Apple Support can help you recover your account or verify your ownership of the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose everything when I reset my iPhone?

Yes, a factory reset erases all data on your phone and reinstalls iOS from scratch. If you want to keep your photos, messages, or app data, back up to iCloud or to your computer before you start. You can restore from that backup after the reset finishes.

Can I reset my iPhone without a computer?

Yes. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings on the phone itself. This does the same thing as a computer reset, but you don't need a cable or another device. However, if your iPhone is frozen or won't turn on, you'll need a computer to reset it.

How long does a reset take?

The actual reset takes 15 to 30 minutes, but downloading the iOS version and reinstalling it can add another 30 minutes or more depending on your internet speed. Leave the phone connected to the computer and plugged in until you see the completion message.

What if I forgot my passcode and want to reset?

You can still reset through a computer even if you've forgotten your passcode. The computer doesn't need your passcode to start the reset — it communicates directly with the phone's hardware. However, if Find My iPhone is turned on, you'll need your Apple ID password to complete the reset.

Will resetting fix a slow or buggy iPhone?

Often yes. A reset clears out corrupted files, removes problematic apps, and reinstalls a fresh copy of iOS. If your phone is slow because of software problems, a reset usually helps. If it's slow because the storage is full or the battery is failing, a reset won't fix that.