How to Reset Your iPhone to Factory Default

What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your iPhone — all photos, messages, apps, settings, and saved passwords — and returns it to the state it was in when it left Apple's factory. This is different from a regular backup or restart. Once you start the reset, you cannot stop it partway through, and the data cannot be recovered unless you have a backup saved beforehand.

You might reset your iPhone before selling it, giving it away, or trading it in. You might also reset it if the device is running slowly, crashing repeatedly, or behaving in ways you cannot explain. A reset can sometimes fix software problems that restarting alone cannot. However, a reset is not the first step — it is the last step after you have tried restarting and checked for software updates.

The reset process takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data is on your phone and your internet speed. Your iPhone will restart several times during the process. You will need your Apple ID password and, if you have a passcode set, you will need that too.

Key Takeaways

A factory reset erases all data on your iPhone and cannot be undone, so back up your phone first if you want to keep anything.
You can reset through Settings on the phone itself, or through a computer using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) if your phone will not turn on or respond.
You will need your Apple ID password to complete the reset, and you cannot skip this step even if you are resetting a phone you own.
After the reset finishes, your iPhone will ask you to set it up as new or restore from a backup — choose based on whether you want to start fresh or recover your old data.
If you are selling or giving away the phone, sign out of iCloud and remove it from your Apple ID account before handing it over, or the new owner will be locked out.

Resetting through Settings on your iPhone

This is the fastest method if your iPhone turns on and responds to touch. Open the Settings app and tap General. Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset. Then tap Erase All Content and Settings.

Your iPhone will ask you to enter your passcode (if you have one set) and then your Apple ID password. This is a security step — Apple requires your Apple ID password to prevent someone else from erasing your phone remotely. Enter both, and the reset will begin. Your screen will show a progress bar. Do not turn off the phone or disconnect it from power during this time.

When the reset finishes, your iPhone will restart and show the setup screen, just as if it were brand new. You can then choose to set it up as a new iPhone or restore from a backup if you saved one to iCloud.

Resetting through a computer if your iPhone will not respond

If your iPhone is frozen, will not turn on, or will not respond to touch, you can reset it using a Mac or Windows computer. 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. Click General, then Restore. On a Windows computer or older Mac, use iTunes instead — connect the phone, select it in iTunes, and click Restore.

Your computer will read the latest iPhone software and install it while erasing the phone. This process can take 15 to 45 minutes depending on your internet speed and how large the software file is. Keep the phone connected and do not unplug it. If the read fails, your computer will try again automatically.

When the restore finishes, your iPhone will restart and show the setup screen. You will be asked to enter your Apple ID password at this point. If you do not have access to your Apple ID password, you will not be able to complete the setup, and the phone will remain locked.

Backing up before you reset

If you want to keep your photos, messages, contacts, and app data, create a backup before you reset. The easiest way is to back up to iCloud. Open Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud. Make sure iCloud Backup is turned on. Then tap Back Up Now. Your iPhone will upload your data to iCloud over Wi-Fi. This can take several minutes to an hour depending on how much data you have.

You can also back up to a computer. On a Mac, open Finder, connect your iPhone, click it in the sidebar, and click Back Up Now. On Windows, open iTunes, connect your iPhone, click the device icon, and click Back Up Now. A computer backup is faster than iCloud and does not count against your iCloud storage limit, but it only works if you have access to that same computer later.

After you reset and your iPhone shows the setup screen, you will see an option to Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from Mac/PC Backup. Choose the backup you just created, enter your Apple ID password, and your phone will read and reinstall all your data. This can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you are restoring.

What to do if you are selling or giving away your phone

Before you reset, sign out of iCloud and remove the phone from your Apple ID account. Open Settings, tap your name at the top, scroll down, and tap Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password. This removes your personal data from the phone and disconnects it from your account.

Then reset the phone using the steps above. When the reset finishes and the new owner sets it up, they will be able to use their own Apple ID instead of being locked out by yours. If you forget to sign out before resetting, the phone will be locked to your Apple ID, and the new owner will need your password to use it — this is called set up Lock, and it is a security feature designed to prevent theft.

If you have already reset the phone and forgot to sign out first, you can still remove it from your account. Go to iCloud.com on a computer, sign in with your Apple ID, click Find My, select your iPhone from the list, and click Remove from Account. This will unlock the phone so the new owner can set it up.

Troubleshooting a reset that gets stuck

If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo or the setup screen for more than an hour, try a force restart. The method depends on your iPhone model. On iPhone 8 and newer, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until you see the power-off slider. On iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, hold both the Volume Down button and the Side button together. On iPhone 6s and earlier, hold both the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together. Hold until the screen goes black and the Apple logo appears, then release.

If the reset still does not complete, try using a computer to reset instead. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or Windows computer, open Finder or iTunes, and click Restore. A computer-based reset sometimes succeeds when the phone cannot reset itself.

If your iPhone is stuck in a loop asking for your Apple ID password and you have forgotten it, you will need to recover your Apple ID. Go to iforgot.apple.com on a computer, enter your Apple ID email address, and follow the steps to reset your password. You can then use the new password to complete the setup on your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I undo a factory reset after it is done?

No. A factory reset permanently erases all data on your iPhone. The only way to recover your data is if you have a backup saved to iCloud or a computer. If you do not have a backup, the data is gone. This is why backing up before you reset is important.

Do I need Wi-Fi to reset my iPhone?

You need Wi-Fi or a cellular connection to enter your Apple ID password during the reset, and to read the latest software if you are resetting through a computer. If your iPhone is on cellular data, the reset will work, but it may be slower. If you have no internet connection at all, you will not be able to complete the reset because Apple requires you to verify your Apple ID.

What happens if I reset my iPhone and then restore from backup?

Your iPhone will look and work exactly as it did before the reset. All your apps, photos, messages, and settings will be back. The reset followed by a restore is useful if your phone was running slowly or crashing — sometimes a fresh install of the software fixes the problem, and the backup restores your data without restoring whatever was causing the issue.

Will resetting my iPhone remove viruses or malware?

A factory reset will remove most malware because it erases everything and reinstalls the operating system fresh. However, if the malware is in your iCloud account or in an app you restore from backup, it may come back. If you suspect malware, reset without restoring a backup, and be careful about which apps you reinstall afterward.

Can someone else reset my iPhone if they have my passcode but not my Apple ID password?

They can start the reset process, but they cannot finish it without your Apple ID password. Apple requires your Apple ID password as a final security check to prevent someone from erasing your phone without your permission. If they try to reset without the password, the phone will be locked and unusable until the correct Apple ID password is entered.

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.