A factory reset erases all content and settings on your iPhone, returning it to how it was out of the box. This is the step to take before selling, trading in, or giving away the phone, or when troubleshooting a serious software problem.
What you'll need
- Your iPhone
- Your Apple Account password
- A Wi-Fi or cellular connection
Step by step
- Back up firstOpen Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, and run a backup, or connect to a computer and back up there so you can restore your data later.
- Turn off Find My and sign outGo to Settings, tap your name, then Find My and turn off Find My iPhone. Signing out of your Apple Account removes Activation Lock.
- Open the reset menuGo to Settings, then General, then Transfer or Reset iPhone, and tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Confirm and enter your passcodeFollow the prompts and enter your device passcode and Apple Account password when asked to authorize the erase.
- Wait for the restartThe phone erases everything and reboots to the Hello setup screen, which can take several minutes. Leave it plugged in until it finishes.
Handy tips
- Remove the SIM or eSIM plan details if you are switching to a new phone.
- Unpair an Apple Watch before erasing so it does not stay linked to the old phone.
- If the device is going to someone else, stop after it reaches the Hello screen and let them set it up.
Heads up
- Erasing removes all photos, messages, and apps permanently. Confirm your backup is complete before you start.
- If you cannot turn off Find My or sign out of your Apple Account, Activation Lock may leave the phone unusable for the next owner.
FAQ
Will a factory reset remove my Apple Account?
It removes the account from that device once you sign out, but your Apple Account and iCloud data still exist and can be used on other devices.
Do I need to erase before selling my iPhone?
Yes. Erasing removes your personal data and, once you sign out of your Apple Account, clears Activation Lock so the buyer can set it up.
Can I recover data after a factory reset?
Only from a backup. If you made an iCloud or computer backup beforehand, you can restore it during setup. Without a backup the data is gone.