A reset erases everything on your iPhone and returns it to factory settings

When you reset your iPhone, the device deletes all your personal data — photos, messages, contacts, apps, passwords, and settings — and restores it to the state it was in when it left the factory. Nothing is recoverable after a reset unless you have a backup saved elsewhere. The process takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your model and internet speed.

There are two types of reset. A soft reset (or force restart) closes all running apps and clears temporary memory, but keeps your data intact. A factory reset (or erase all content and settings) removes everything. Most people mean factory reset when they say "reset," and that is the one that requires caution.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset deletes all photos, messages, apps, and settings permanently unless you have backed them up to iCloud or a computer first.
  • You can back up your iPhone to iCloud automatically or to a Mac or Windows computer using Finder or iTunes before resetting.
  • A soft reset (force restart) does not erase data and can fix freezing, crashes, or apps that will not open.
  • After a factory reset, you will need to sign in with your Apple ID and restore from your backup, or set up the phone as new.
  • If you forget your Apple ID password, you cannot complete the setup process after a reset, so write it down before you reset.

When a soft reset is enough

A soft reset closes all apps and clears the phone's temporary memory without touching your data. Use this first if your iPhone is frozen, an app keeps crashing, or the phone is running slowly. The steps differ by model.

On iPhone X and newer: Press and hold the volume up button, then the volume down button, then press and hold the side button until the power-off slider appears. Release the buttons and wait 30 seconds for the phone to shut down. Then press and hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo.

On iPhone 8 and earlier: Press and hold the top (or side) button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears. Release and wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the top button again until the Apple logo shows.

A soft reset fixes most temporary problems. If the issue persists, then a factory reset may be necessary, but only after you have backed up your data.

How to back up before a factory reset

Back up your iPhone before you erase it. You have two options: iCloud (wireless, automatic) or a computer (more control, larger files).

iCloud backup: Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, select iCloud, then Photos. Turn on iCloud Photos if you want photos backed up. Then go back and tap iCloud Backup, turn it on, and tap Back Up Now. The backup runs in the background and takes 10 minutes to an hour depending on how much data you have and your internet speed. You need an iCloud account (free with any Apple ID) and enough free iCloud storage — Apple gives you 5 GB free, and photos and videos count toward that limit.

Computer backup: On a Mac with macOS Monterey or newer, plug in your iPhone, open Finder, click your phone in the sidebar, and click Back Up Now. On a Windows PC or older Mac, use iTunes instead. This backup includes everything and does not count against iCloud storage, but you need the computer nearby.

Check that your backup finished before you reset. In iCloud, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and note the date and time of the last backup. On a computer, the backup window will say "Latest backup" with a date.

The steps to factory reset your iPhone

Once you have backed up, go to Settings, tap General, scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset, then tap Erase All Content and Settings. The phone will ask for your Apple ID password — this is a security feature to prevent theft. Enter your password and tap Erase.

The phone will restart and show a progress bar. Do not unplug it or turn it off. The process takes 10 to 30 minutes. When it finishes, you will see the setup screen as if the phone is brand new.

At this point, you can restore from your backup. When the setup asks "Apps & Data," choose Restore from iCloud Backup (if you used iCloud) or Restore from Mac or PC (if you backed up to a computer). Sign in with your Apple ID and select which backup to restore. The phone will read your data, apps, photos, and settings — this can take an hour or more depending on file size and internet speed.

What you lose if you reset without a backup

If you reset without backing up, you lose all photos, videos, messages, notes, contacts, and any data stored only on the phone. Apps can be reinstalled from the App Store, but their saved data (game progress, login information, settings) is gone. Text messages and iMessage conversations cannot be recovered.

The only exception is data that was already synced to iCloud before the reset — contacts, calendars, and reminders that were set to sync will reappear when you sign in with your Apple ID after the reset. But photos, messages, and app data do not sync automatically unless you turned on iCloud Photos or iCloud Backup beforehand.

Why people reset their iPhones

The most common reason is to fix a phone that is crashing, freezing, or running very slowly. A factory reset clears out corrupted files and conflicting settings that a soft reset cannot reach. It also removes malware if the phone was compromised, though this is rare on iPhone.

People also reset before selling or giving away a phone to may support the new owner cannot access their data. A factory reset is the correct way to do this — do not just delete apps or clear the home screen, as data can still be recovered.

Some people reset when they want a fresh start — removing old apps, photos, and settings and setting up the phone as new. This is optional and not necessary for performance, but some find it helpful.

What to do if you forgot your Apple ID password

If you reset your iPhone and then cannot remember your Apple ID password, you cannot complete the setup. The phone will ask for the password during the "Sign in with your Apple ID" step and will not let you proceed without it.

Go to iforgot.apple.com on another device and reset your password using your email address or phone number. Once you have a new password, return to your iPhone and enter it. If you do not have access to your email or phone number, contact Apple Support — they can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account.

Write down your Apple ID password or store it in a password manager before you reset, so you do not face this problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a factory reset remove viruses from my iPhone?

A factory reset removes malware if it was installed as an app or in app data, because everything is deleted and replaced with clean factory files. However, iPhone viruses are extremely rare because Apple controls which apps can be installed and what they can access. If your phone is running slowly or crashing, a soft reset is more likely to fix it.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No, a factory reset cannot be undone. Once the data is erased, it is gone unless you restore from a backup. This is why backing up before you reset is critical. If you reset by accident and have no backup, contact Apple Support when ready — they cannot recover the data, but they can help you set up the phone again.

Will resetting my iPhone remove my Apple ID?

No. After a factory reset, the phone will ask you to sign in with your Apple ID during setup. Your Apple ID account itself is not deleted — it is stored on Apple's servers. You will need your password to sign back in, but the account still exists.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your iPhone model and how much data is on it. If you restore from a backup afterward, add another 30 minutes to an hour depending on the backup size and your internet speed. During this time, do not unplug the phone or turn it off.

Can I reset my iPhone if it is locked with a passcode?

Yes. Go to Settings, tap General, tap Transfer or Reset, and tap Erase All Content and Settings. You will need to enter your passcode and your Apple ID password. If you forgot your passcode, you will need to use Find My iPhone on another device or contact Apple Support to unlock it before you can reset.