DeviceHowTo
iPhone (iOS)⏱ 20 min

How to Factory Reset Device on iPhone (iOS)

Completely wipe and restore your device when major issues cannot be resolved.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

iPhone factory reset is one of the most straightforward procedures of any major platform — Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings guides you through a confirmation checklist including backup status and Find My deactivation before the actual erase begins. iOS checks whether a backup exists before proceeding and offers to back up to iCloud right then if none is recent, which adds an important safety prompt that many users overlook. For refurbishment or resale, ensure the device reaches the Hello setup screen before handing it over, confirming Find My and Activation Lock are fully cleared from the previous Apple ID.

Before you continue

Factory reset permanently deletes all local data. Verify your backup is complete and fully accessible before starting this process.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Back up all important data first: photos to cloud, contacts synced, documents saved, and 2FA recovery codes noted.
  2. 2Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your Apple ID password to disable Find My.
  3. 3Follow the first-run setup wizard to configure the device from scratch. Restore apps and data selectively.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset fix all problems on my iPhone (iOS)?
A factory reset resolves software-level issues: persistent crashes, major slowdowns, corrupted OS files, malware, and failed update problems. It will not fix hardware faults (damaged screen, faulty battery, broken speakers). If the same problem returns immediately after a clean reset, the cause is hardware.
What do I lose when I factory reset my iPhone (iOS)?
You lose all locally stored data: apps, photos, messages, documents, settings, and saved Wi-Fi passwords. Data stored in cloud services (iCloud, Google Photos, Google Drive, OneDrive) is not lost — it syncs back after you sign in. Back up everything before starting.
How long does a factory reset take on iPhone (iOS)?
iPhone factory reset typically takes 5–15 minutes to erase, then another 5 minutes to reach the Setup Assistant screen.
Do I need to factory reset to sell my iPhone (iOS)?
Yes — you should always factory reset and sign out of all accounts before selling or giving away a device. On iPhone, also disable Find My under Settings > [Your Name] > Find My before erasing. On Android, disable Factory Reset Protection by removing your Google account first to prevent the buyer from being locked out.

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