How to Reset Your iPhone Using a Computer

Reset Your iPhone Through a Computer Using Finder or iTunes

You can reset your iPhone to factory settings using a Mac or Windows computer. The process differs slightly depending on your operating system and macOS version, but the basic steps are the same: connect your iPhone, open the recovery tool, and follow the on-screen prompts to erase and restore the device.

On a Mac running macOS Monterey or newer, you'll use the Finder app. On older Macs or any Windows computer, you'll use iTunes. Both methods accomplish the same result—they wipe your iPhone clean and reinstall the latest iOS version compatible with your device.

Key Takeaways

Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable, then open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) to access recovery mode.
You must know your Apple ID password before starting, because your iPhone will ask for it after the reset is complete.
The reset process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on your internet speed and iPhone model, and your device will restart several times.
Back up your iPhone first if you want to save photos, messages, and app data—the reset erases everything on the device.
If your iPhone is locked with a passcode, you may need to enter it during recovery; if you've forgotten it, you'll need to use your Apple ID instead.

Back Up Your iPhone Before You Start

Before resetting, decide whether you want to keep your data. A reset erases everything—photos, messages, contacts, app data, and settings. If you want to restore your information after the reset, back up your iPhone first.

On a Mac, open Finder, select your iPhone in the sidebar, and click "Back Up Now" in the General tab. On Windows, open iTunes, select your device, and click "Back Up" in the Summary tab. The backup saves to your computer and can be restored after the reset is finished. If you don't back up, you'll have a completely blank iPhone when the reset completes.

Connect Your iPhone and Open Recovery Mode on Mac

Plug your iPhone into your Mac using a USB cable. Open Finder and look for your iPhone in the sidebar under Locations. Click on it, then click the "General" tab at the top of the window.

Click "Restore" next to the iOS version number. A dialog box will appear asking whether you want to keep your settings or erase everything. Choose "Restore" to erase the device and read the latest iOS version. Finder will now enter recovery mode and begin the reset process. Do not disconnect your iPhone during this time—it can take 15 to 45 minutes depending on your internet speed.

Connect Your iPhone and Open Recovery Mode on Windows

Plug your iPhone into your Windows computer using a USB cable. Open iTunes. Your iPhone should appear in the upper left corner of the window. Click on it to open the device summary.

In the Summary tab, click "Restore iPhone." A dialog box will ask whether you want to keep your settings or erase everything. Click "Restore" to erase the device and read the latest iOS version. iTunes will enter recovery mode and begin the reset. Your iPhone will restart several times during this process. Keep it connected to your computer and do not unplug it until the reset is complete.

Enter Your Apple ID Password When Prompted

After the reset finishes and your iPhone restarts, it will ask you to sign in with your Apple ID. This is a security feature called set up Lock. You must enter the Apple ID password associated with the account that was previously set up on the device.

If you don't remember your Apple ID password, you can reset it on Apple's website before you start the reset process. Go to iforgot.apple.com, enter your Apple ID email address, and follow the steps to create a new password. Once you've reset your password, you can use it to sign back into your iPhone after the factory reset is complete.

Restore Your Backup or Set Up as New

Once your iPhone restarts and you sign in with your Apple ID, you'll see the option to restore from a backup or set up as a new device. If you backed up your iPhone before the reset, you can choose "Restore from Mac Backup" (or "Restore from iTunes Backup" on Windows) and select the backup file you created earlier. Your photos, messages, contacts, and app data will be restored to your iPhone.

If you want a completely fresh start with no previous data, choose "Set Up as New iPhone" instead. This gives you a blank device with no apps, photos, or settings from before. You can read apps from the App Store and sign into services like email and social media as you go.

Troubleshooting Common Reset Problems

Your iPhone is stuck in recovery mode. This usually means the connection was interrupted. Disconnect your iPhone, wait 10 seconds, reconnect it, and try the restore process again. Make sure you're using a working USB cable and a USB port directly on your computer, not a hub.

You see an error code during the reset. Error codes like 4014, 4000, or 21 usually indicate a connection problem or an issue with your computer's USB drivers. Try a different USB cable, a different USB port on your computer, or a different computer altogether. On Windows, you may need to reinstall iTunes or update your USB drivers.

Your iPhone won't recognize your Apple ID password after the reset. Make sure you're entering the correct password. If you're still locked out, you can reset your Apple ID password at iforgot.apple.com before trying to sign in again. If your iPhone was purchased by someone else and is still linked to their Apple ID, you'll need their password or permission to remove the device from their account.

The reset is taking longer than an hour. Large iOS updates can take time to read and install, especially on slower internet connections. Leave your iPhone connected and plugged in. If the progress bar hasn't moved in 30 minutes, disconnect, wait 10 seconds, and reconnect to restart the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a computer to reset my iPhone?

No. You can reset an iPhone directly on the device by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. However, using a computer is sometimes necessary if your iPhone is frozen, won't turn on, or is locked with a passcode you've forgotten.

Will resetting my iPhone delete my iCloud photos and email?

No. A factory reset only erases data stored on the device itself. Your iCloud account, photos, email, and other cloud data remain on Apple's servers. When you sign back into your Apple ID after the reset, you can choose to restore that information to your iPhone.

What if I forgot my Apple ID password and can't sign back in?

Go to iforgot.apple.com and enter your Apple ID email address. Follow the prompts to verify your identity using a trusted phone number or recovery email address. Once you've reset your password, you can use it to sign into your iPhone after the factory reset.

Can I reset my iPhone if it's password-protected?

Yes. During the reset process through your computer, you may be asked to enter your device passcode. If you've forgotten it, you'll need to use your Apple ID and password instead to complete the reset and sign back into the device.

How long does a factory reset take?

The process typically takes 15 to 45 minutes from start to finish, depending on your internet speed and which iPhone model you have. Newer models and faster internet connections are usually quicker. Your iPhone will restart multiple times during the reset—this is normal and expected.

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.