How to Completely Clear an iPhone and Start Fresh

What clearing an iPhone means and when you need to do it

Clearing everything off an iPhone means erasing all your data — photos, messages, contacts, apps, settings — and returning the phone to the state it was in when it left the factory. This is different from deleting individual items. A full clear removes everything at once and cannot be undone without a backup.

You might clear your iPhone before selling it, giving it away, trading it in, or if you suspect a security problem. You might also clear it if the phone is running slowly and you want a fresh start. The process takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data is on the phone.

Before you clear your iPhone, understand that this action is permanent. Once you erase, you cannot recover anything unless you have a backup saved to iCloud or your computer. If you want to keep any photos, messages, or other data, back them up first.

Key Takeaways

A full iPhone clear erases all data and settings and cannot be reversed without a backup, so save anything you want to keep before you start.
The fastest method is Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings, which takes 10 to 30 minutes.
If you forget your Apple ID password, you will need to reset it through Apple's website or use Find My iPhone before the erase will complete.
After the erase finishes, the iPhone will restart and show the setup screen, and you can set it up as new or restore from a backup.
If you are selling or giving away the phone, sign out of iCloud and remove it from Find My before erasing so the new owner can set it up.

Back up your data before you erase

Before you clear your iPhone, save a backup to iCloud or to your computer. This backup holds everything — photos, messages, contacts, app data — and you can restore it later if you change your mind or want to move to a new phone.

To back up to iCloud, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, 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 iPhone must be plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi.

To back up to your computer, plug your iPhone into a Mac or Windows PC, open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), select your iPhone, and click Back Up Now. This backup also saves everything and is faster than iCloud if you have a lot of data.

Sign out of iCloud and Find My before erasing

If you are selling, trading in, or giving away your iPhone, sign out of iCloud and remove the phone from Find My before you erase. This step is important because it prevents the new owner from being locked out of the phone after the erase.

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out. You will be asked for your Apple ID password. Enter it and tap Turn Off. This removes your iCloud account from the phone but does not erase any data yet.

Next, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone and tap Turn Off. Again, you will need your Apple ID password. After both steps are complete, the phone is no longer linked to your account and the new owner can set it up with their own Apple ID.

Erase all content and settings through the Settings app

The main way to clear an iPhone is through the Settings app. Open Settings, tap General, then scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset. On some older iPhones, this option is called Reset instead.

Tap Erase All Content and Settings. The phone will ask you to confirm and may ask for your Apple ID password. Enter it if prompted. The erase will begin and the screen will show a progress bar. Do not turn off the phone or unplug it during this time.

The erase usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. When it finishes, the iPhone will restart and show the Hello screen, which is the first setup screen. At this point, all your data is gone and the phone is blank.

What to do if you forgot your Apple ID password

If you try to erase your iPhone and the phone asks for your Apple ID password but you do not remember it, you have two options: reset the password or use Find My iPhone.

To reset your password, tap Can't Access Your Account on the password screen. Follow the prompts to verify your identity using your recovery key, a trusted device, or your recovery phone number. Apple will send you a link to create a new password. Once you have reset it, go back to Settings and try the erase again.

If you do not have access to any of those recovery methods, you can use Find My iPhone on another device or at iCloud.com. Sign in with your Apple ID, select your iPhone, tap Find My iPhone, then tap Erase iPhone. This erases the phone remotely and removes it from your account. You will then be able to set it up as new.

Set up your iPhone after the erase

After the erase completes and the iPhone restarts, you will see the Hello screen. You can set up the phone as new, or you can restore from a backup.

To set up as new, follow the on-screen prompts. You will choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, create or sign in to an Apple ID, and choose whether to use Face ID or Touch ID. The phone will then be ready to use with no data from before.

To restore from a backup, follow the prompts until you reach the Apps & Data screen, then tap Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from Mac/PC. Sign in with your Apple ID, choose which backup you want to restore, and wait for the restore to finish. This can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data is in the backup.

Erase a locked or disabled iPhone

If your iPhone is locked with a passcode or Face ID and you cannot unlock it, or if the phone is disabled because you entered the wrong passcode too many times, you cannot erase it through Settings. Instead, use Find My iPhone or a computer.

On another device or at iCloud.com, go to Find My iPhone, sign in with your Apple ID, select your iPhone, and tap Erase iPhone. This erases the phone remotely. The phone will restart and show the Hello screen.

If you do not have access to Find My, plug the iPhone into a Mac or Windows PC, open Finder or iTunes, select the iPhone, and click Restore. This will erase the phone and install the latest version of iOS. You will then be able to set it up as new.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I erase my iPhone if I do not know my Apple ID password?

You can erase through Settings if you have Face ID or Touch ID set up, because the phone will accept your biometric instead of your password. If you do not have either, you will need to reset your Apple ID password first, or use Find My iPhone to erase remotely.

Will erasing my iPhone remove the SIM card data?

No. Erasing your iPhone removes only the data stored on the phone itself — photos, messages, apps, contacts. Your SIM card holds your phone number and carrier information, and that stays on the SIM. You can move the SIM to another phone and it will work the same way.

How long does it take to erase an iPhone?

The erase itself usually takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data is on the phone. Backing up before you erase can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on the size of your backup and your internet speed.

Can I undo an erase after it is done?

No. Once the erase finishes, the data is gone permanently. Your only option is to restore from a backup if you saved one before you erased. This is why backing up first is important.

What should I do with my iPhone after I erase it if I am giving it away?

After the erase, the phone will show the Hello setup screen. Leave it at that screen and give the phone to the new owner. They can then set it up with their own Apple ID and data. Do not set it up yourself, because that will link it to your account again.

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.