How to reset your iPhone to factory settings

💡 Need to know

• This wipes everything. A factory reset deletes your data, apps, and settings.
• Backups are your safety net. Without one, your photos and messages are gone for good.
• Activation Lock stays on. You’ll need your Apple ID and password to set it up again.
• It won’t fix hardware problems. If your iPhone still won’t work after a reset, something deeper may be going on. Visit your nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store for a free diagnostic and fast, expert fixes.

Getting a brand-new iPhone® is fun—from discovering its cool features to snapping that first pic. But before you get too excited, make sure you back up your old phone and reset it to its factory settings to remove your personal information. Not sure how? Don't worry, we'll show you.

At Asurion, our experts help millions of customers get more out of their favorite tech every day, from sharing simple-to-follow steps to pair your AirPods to hidden iPhone features you may not know. Here are their answers to frequently asked questions on how to restore your iPhone to factory settings and tips for resetting your device without losing important data.

Why would you need to factory reset your iPhone?

Restoring your iPhone to its default settings means starting from scratch. Doing so is important to protect your personal information, especially in the following scenarios:

• You want to sell your iPhone or trade it in for a new device.
• You want to give your iPhone to a family member or friend.
• You need to troubleshoot your device for a performance issue—like a frozen screen or poor audio—or you forgot your passcode. Our experts only recommend this as a last resort after you've tried everything else.

Does a factory reset erase everything off your iPhone?

A factory reset on your iPhone will erase nearly all data on your device. That's why it's important to make sure you're prepared to take such a big step.

What a factory reset deletes from your iPhone:

• Contacts
• Photos and videos
• Music
• Passwords and files
• Accounts
• Messages

What should I do before I reset my iPhone?

Before you factory reset your iPhone, there are a few important steps to take to make sure you don't lose your existing data for good.

1. Back up your data to iCloud or a different secure location

The first thing you should do is back up your phone. Transferring your information to a new device or uploading it to iCloud® will ensure you don't lose everything during a factory reset.

2. Plug in your iPhone and connect to a secure Wi-Fi network

It's best to save your files over a secure Wi-Fi connection, so you don't use up a lot of mobile data during the transfer. Once the backup is complete, you'll be able to move your settings and information to your new device.

3. Know your Apple Account and other login information

Before you reset your iPhone, make sure you have your login credentials ready. Your Apple account (formerly known as Apple ID) and password are required to disable Find My and access your iCloud data. You can find these details by going to Settings > [Your Name].

🚨 Important: If you have Stolen Device Protection enabled and are in an unfamiliar location, iOS may require a one-hour Security Delay before allowing a factory reset. Make sure you are at home or another location you frequent so you can bypass this wait.

4. Unpair your iPhone from third-party devices and sign out of all accounts

A few additional steps you'll want to take to make sure all your personal info is removed from your device:

• Unpair or disconnect Bluetooth® devices like your smartwatch or wireless headphones.
• Sign out of all your apps, services, and email accounts.
• Make sure to turn off Find My iPhone.
• Delete your cards from your mobile wallet.

5. Sign out of your iPhone

After backing up your data and completing the checklist above, don't forget to sign out of your Apple Account, too. Factory resetting your iPhone erases all the information you've stored on your device, and logging out of your account makes sure no one can access it after you sell or trade in your iPhone.

How to factory reset your iPhone

There are a few different ways to reset your iPhone, but the easiest one is through Settings.

1. Open Settings, then tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings > Continue. You will likely be prompted for your device passcode and your Apple Account (formerly Apple ID) password to disable Find My and Activation Lock.
3. Follow the prompts, then tap Erase iPhone.

Your iPhone's screen will go dark, and you may have to wait a few minutes for it to fully erase. When you see the device turn back on, the factory reset will be complete. If you'd now like to put your information back on your device, check out our guide on how to restore your iPhone from a backup.

Factory reset your iPhone without the passcode

Forgot your iPhone's passcode? We've all been there. But be careful: If you enter the numbers incorrectly too many times, the device will be disabled and you'll be forced to complete a factory reset just to unlock it. As long as your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network and you know your Apple Account (formerly Apple ID) password, you can reset it directly from the lockout screen. Here's how.

How to reset a locked iPhone on-device

1. When the "iPhone Unavailable" or "Security Lockout" screen appears, tap Forgot Passcode? at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap Start iPhone Reset.
3. Enter your Apple Account password to sign out and disable Activation Lock.
4. Tap Erase iPhone to permanently delete your data and reset the device.

How to reset a locked iPhone using a computer

If your iPhone isn't connected to the internet or the Forgot Passcode option doesn't appear, use these steps for iPhone 8 and later:

1. Turn off your iPhone and connect it to a Mac or PC.
2. Press and quickly release Volume Up, then Volume Down to enter Recovery Mode. Press and hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode icon appears on the screen.
3. Open Finder (Mac) or the Apple Devices app/iTunes (Windows).
4. When the pop-up appears, select Restore. Keep the phone connected until the process is finished.

If you managed to complete a backup before you got locked out, you should be able to restore your iPhone. If you didn't back up your phone, your data won't be saved.