Resetting an iPhone can mean two things: a soft restart to clear temporary glitches, or a full erase back to factory condition. This guide covers both so you can pick the one that matches your problem.
What you'll need
- Your iPhone
- Your Apple Account password for a full erase
Step by step
- Decide which reset you needA restart fixes freezes and small bugs without losing data. A full erase wipes everything and is for selling or major software issues.
- Restart the phoneHold the side button and a volume button until the power-off slider appears, drag it to turn off, then hold the side button again to power back on.
- Reset settings only if neededTo clear settings without deleting your data, go to Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, then Reset, and choose the specific option.
- Back up before a full eraseIf you want a factory reset, back up to iCloud or a computer first so your photos and messages are recoverable.
- Erase all content and settingsGo to Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, tap Erase All Content and Settings, and enter your passcode and Apple Account password to confirm.
Handy tips
- Try a simple restart before anything more drastic, as it solves many everyday glitches.
- Reset Network Settings is a middle option that fixes Wi-Fi and cellular issues without erasing personal data.
- Keep the phone charged or plugged in during a full erase so it does not shut off partway.
Heads up
- Erase All Content and Settings permanently deletes everything on the phone. Confirm your backup is complete before you use it.
- Turn off Find My and sign out of your Apple Account before erasing so Activation Lock does not block future setup.
FAQ
What is the difference between restart and reset?
A restart just turns the phone off and on and keeps all your data. A reset can mean clearing settings or fully erasing the device back to factory state.
Will resetting my iPhone delete everything?
A full Erase All Content and Settings does. A restart or a settings-only reset does not remove your photos, apps, or messages.
My iPhone is frozen. How do I reset it?
Use a force restart: quickly press volume up, then volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.