What a hard reset does and when you need one
A hard reset on an iPhone erases everything on the device and reinstalls the operating system from scratch. This is different from a regular restart — it wipes all your photos, messages, apps, settings, and passwords. You should only do this if your phone is frozen beyond recovery, you're selling or giving it away, or you're troubleshooting a serious software problem that won't respond to anything else.
Before you start, understand that a hard reset cannot be undone. If you have photos or data you want to keep, you must back them up first. Apple's iCloud backup or a computer backup through Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows) will save your data so you can restore it after the reset.
The process takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on your internet connection and which method you use. Your phone will restart several times and may show a progress bar or Apple logo for extended periods — this is normal.
Key Takeaways
- A hard reset erases everything on your iPhone and reinstalls iOS, so back up your data through iCloud or Finder before you begin.
- You can hard reset through Settings on the phone itself, or through Finder on a Mac or iTunes on Windows if the phone won't respond.
- After the reset completes, you can restore your backed-up data and settings, or set up the phone as new.
- If you're selling the phone, use "Erase All Content and Settings" in the Settings app — this is the safest method for removing your personal information.
- A hard reset is not the same as a force restart; use a force restart first if your phone is just frozen or slow.
Hard reset through Settings on your iPhone
This is the easiest method if your phone still responds to touch and opens apps. Go to Settings, then tap General, scroll to the bottom, and tap Transfer or Reset. On older iPhones running iOS 16 or earlier, this option is called Reset instead.
Tap Erase All Content and Settings. Your phone will ask for your Apple ID password and, if you have one set, your Screen Time passcode. Enter both. The phone will then show a warning that this action cannot be undone. Tap Erase to confirm. Your iPhone will restart and begin the reset process. Do not unplug it or turn it off during this time.
When the reset finishes, your phone will show the setup screen as if it were brand new. You can then sign in with your Apple ID to restore your backed-up data, or set it up as a new device.
Hard reset through Finder or iTunes on a computer
Use this method if your iPhone is frozen, won't turn on, or won't respond in Settings. On a Mac running macOS Monterey or newer, connect your iPhone with a USB cable and open Finder. Click your iPhone in the sidebar under Locations. On older Macs or any Windows computer, use iTunes instead and click the device icon in the top left.
In Finder or iTunes, you will see a button labeled Restore. Click it. A dialog will appear asking whether you want to restore and update your iPhone. Click Restore again. Your computer will read the correct iOS version for your model — this can take several minutes depending on your internet speed.
Once the read finishes, your computer will erase the iPhone and install the fresh iOS. Do not disconnect the cable or close Finder or iTunes until the process completes. Your phone will restart multiple times and show the Apple logo. When it finishes, it will display the setup screen.
Force restart if your phone is just frozen
Before you erase everything, try a force restart first. This forces the phone to shut down and restart without erasing any data. The steps differ by iPhone model.
On iPhone 8 and newer: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button (or Power button) until the "slide to power off" screen appears. Keep holding the Side button until the screen goes black and the Apple logo appears — this takes about 10 seconds. Release the button and let the phone restart.
On iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Top (or Side) button together until the "slide to power off" screen appears, then keep holding until the Apple logo shows.
On iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the Top button and the Home button together until the Apple logo appears.
What to do after the hard reset completes
When your iPhone finishes resetting, it will show "Hello" and ask you to select a language and region. You have two choices: restore from a backup, or set up as new.
To restore your data, sign in with your Apple ID when prompted. Your phone will ask which backup you want to use — choose the most recent one. Your iPhone will then read your photos, messages, apps, and settings from iCloud. This can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have and your internet speed. Keep your phone plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi during this process.
If you want to set up as new instead, tap Don't Have a Backup or Don't Want to Restore and continue through setup. You can then read apps from the App Store and sign into services individually. This takes longer but gives you a completely clean slate.
Preparing your iPhone before a hard reset
Back up your data before you reset. The fastest way is through iCloud: go to Settings, tap your name at the top, tap iCloud, then tap iCloud Backup. Turn on iCloud Backup if it is not already on, then tap Back Up Now. Your phone will upload to iCloud — this can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on your data size and connection speed.
On a Mac, you can also back up through Finder. Connect your iPhone, click it in the sidebar, and click Back Up Now under the General tab. On Windows, use iTunes and click Back Up Now in the Summary tab.
Write down or save your Apple ID password somewhere safe before you reset — you will need it to sign back in. If you have a Screen Time passcode, write that down too. If you forget either one, you will not be able to complete the setup.
Selling or giving away your iPhone
If you are selling or giving your phone to someone else, use Erase All Content and Settings in the Settings app rather than a computer-based reset. This method removes your Apple ID from the phone during the erase, which prevents the new owner from being locked out by set up Lock.
Before you erase, sign out of iCloud, iTunes, and any other accounts. Go to Settings, tap your name, scroll down, and tap Sign Out. You will be asked for your Apple ID password. After signing out, go back to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings and complete the reset as described above.
When the reset finishes and the new owner sets up the phone, they will be able to use their own Apple ID without any issues. If you use a computer-based reset instead, the phone may remain linked to your Apple ID and block the new owner from using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a hard reset remove my Apple ID lock?
No. If you use Erase All Content and Settings in the Settings app, it removes your Apple ID during the erase. But if you reset through a computer using Finder or iTunes, the phone stays linked to your Apple ID. The new owner will need your Apple ID password to set up the phone. Always use the Settings method if you are giving the phone away.
Can I hard reset my iPhone without a computer?
Yes. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You do not need a computer unless your phone is frozen or won't turn on. If the phone is unresponsive, you will need a Mac with Finder or a Windows computer with iTunes.
How long does a hard reset take?
The erase itself takes 5 to 10 minutes. The full process including restart and setup can take 15 to 30 minutes. If you restore from a backup afterward, add another 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have.
What if I forget my Apple ID password before resetting?
You will not be able to complete the reset through Settings. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset and try anyway — you may be able to verify your identity using a trusted phone number or recovery key instead. If that does not work, reset through a computer using Finder or iTunes, which does not require your password during the erase itself.
Is a hard reset the same as a factory reset?
Yes. Hard reset and factory reset mean the same thing on an iPhone — both erase all data and reinstall the operating system. The term "hard reset" is more common, but you may see both used interchangeably.