How to Reset Your iPhone to Factory Settings Using a Computer

You can reset your iPhone to factory settings from a Mac or Windows PC using either Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), but the process erases all data unless you restore from a backup first

A factory reset wipes your iPhone completely and returns it to the state it left Apple's factory. If you want to keep your photos, contacts, and app data, you must back up to iCloud or your computer before you start. The reset itself takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed and iPhone model.

You'll need the computer to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone, or to plug the iPhone in with a USB cable. You'll also need your Apple ID password — Apple requires this to prevent someone else from resetting a stolen phone.

Key Takeaways

Back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer before resetting, or you will lose all photos, messages, and app data permanently.
On a Mac running Catalina or later, use Finder; on older Macs or any Windows PC, use iTunes or the Apple Devices app.
You must enter your Apple ID password during the reset process, so have it ready before you begin.
After the reset completes, you can restore your backup to put your data back on the phone, or set it up as new.
If you forget your Apple ID password, you cannot reset the iPhone from a computer — you'll need to use Recovery Mode on the device itself or contact Apple Support.

Back up your iPhone before you reset it

The reset erases everything on your phone. Before you start, decide whether you want to keep your data. If you do, back up to iCloud or your computer.

To back up to iCloud: On your iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, and tap Back Up Now. Wait for the backup to finish — you'll see a timestamp when it's done. This backup includes photos, messages, app data, and settings.

To back up to your computer: Connect your iPhone with a USB cable. On Mac (Catalina or later), open Finder and click your iPhone in the sidebar, then click Back Up Now. On Windows or older Mac, open iTunes, click your iPhone at the top, and click Back Up Now. The backup file saves to your computer's hard drive and includes the same data as iCloud.

Reset from Mac using Finder

If you're using macOS Catalina (released 2019) or later, Finder replaces iTunes. Connect your iPhone with a USB cable to your Mac.

Open Finder and look for your iPhone in the sidebar on the left — it appears under Locations. Click it. At the top of the window, click the General tab. Scroll down and click Restore. Finder will ask you to confirm; click Restore again. Your Mac will read the latest iPhone software and erase the phone, then reinstall the software fresh.

When the process finishes, your iPhone will restart and show the setup screen. You'll be asked to enter your Apple ID password. After that, you can restore your backup by choosing Restore from Backup, or set up the phone as new.

Reset from Windows or older Mac using iTunes

On Windows or a Mac running Mojave (2018) or earlier, use iTunes. read iTunes from apple.com if you don't have it. Connect your iPhone with a USB cable.

Open iTunes. Your iPhone appears as a device icon near the top left of the window — click it. In the Summary tab, look for the Restore button and click it. iTunes will ask you to confirm that you want to erase the iPhone and read the latest software; click Restore again.

The read and reset process takes 10 to 30 minutes. Your iPhone will restart several times. When it finishes, you'll see the setup screen on your phone. Enter your Apple ID password, then choose whether to restore your backup or set up as new.

What happens if you don't have your Apple ID password

Apple requires your Apple ID password during the reset to prevent theft. If you don't remember it, you cannot complete the reset from a computer.

You have two options. First, try to reset your password at iforgot.apple.com before you start the reset process. If you can reset it, write down the new password and try the reset again. Second, if you cannot reset your password online, you'll need to use Recovery Mode directly on the iPhone itself, or contact Apple Support — they can verify your identity and help you reset the phone.

Restore your backup after the reset

After the reset finishes and your iPhone restarts, you'll see the setup screen. If you backed up before resetting, you can restore that backup now.

The setup screen will ask "Apps & Data" — choose Restore from iCloud Backup (if you backed up to iCloud) or Restore from Mac/PC (if you backed up to your computer). Sign in with your Apple ID, choose the backup you want, and wait for the restore to finish. This puts all your photos, messages, contacts, and app data back on the phone.

If you want to set the phone up as new instead — useful if you're giving it to someone else — choose Don't Transfer Apps & Data on that screen. The phone will be blank and ready for a new user.

Troubleshooting a stuck reset

If the reset stops partway through or your iPhone gets stuck on the Apple logo, the connection may have dropped. Disconnect the USB cable, wait 30 seconds, reconnect it, and try the reset again from Finder or iTunes.

If the same thing happens twice, try a different USB cable or a different port on your computer — sometimes the cable or port is faulty. If you're using Wi-Fi instead of USB, switch to a wired connection; Wi-Fi resets are slower and more likely to disconnect.

If the reset still fails after trying a different cable and port, the iPhone may have a hardware problem. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store — they can run diagnostics and help you reset the phone if it's a software issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the reset remove the passcode from my iPhone?

Yes. The factory reset removes the passcode, Face ID, and Touch ID settings. After you restore your backup or set up the phone, you can create a new passcode and re-enable Face ID or Touch ID.

Can I reset my iPhone if I don't have a backup?

Yes, but you will lose all your data. The reset erases everything on the phone. If you don't have a backup, the data cannot be recovered after the reset is complete.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself takes 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your iPhone model and internet speed. Restoring a backup afterward can take another 30 minutes to several hours if you have a lot of photos and apps.

Do I need to be connected to Wi-Fi during the reset?

You need an internet connection, but it can be Wi-Fi or a wired USB connection. A USB cable is more reliable because the connection won't drop. If you use Wi-Fi, stay close to your router and don't move the iPhone away during the process.

What if I reset my iPhone by mistake?

If you have a backup, you can restore it after the reset finishes. If you don't have a backup, the data is gone. In the future, turn on iCloud Backup in Settings so your data backs up automatically every day.

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.