Resetting an iPhone can fix software problems, clear incorrect settings, prepare the phone for a new owner, or help you regain access when you’ve forgotten the passcode. But “reset iPhone” can mean several different things.
You can force restart an iPhone without deleting anything, reset specific settings while keeping your photos and apps, or perform a factory reset that completely erases the device.
The steps also depend on what you’re trying to accomplish.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to reset an iPhone, including the latest iPhone models, such as the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone Duo, iPhone 17 series, iPhone Air, iPhone 16 series, as well as older iPhones.
Which Type of iPhone Reset Should You Use?
Before resetting your iPhone, choose the correct method.
| Reset option | Deletes your data? | Best used for |
|---|---|---|
| Restart | No | Minor bugs or slow performance |
| Force restart/hard reset | No | Frozen or unresponsive iPhone |
| Reset All Settings | No personal data | Persistent settings problems |
| Reset Network Settings | No personal files | Wi-Fi or network problems |
| Factory reset | Yes | Starting fresh or selling the iPhone |
| Recovery/restore | Usually yes | Locked or inaccessible iPhone |
If your iPhone is simply frozen, don’t factory reset it first. A force restart is usually the better starting point because it doesn’t erase your photos, messages, apps, or other data.
How to Factory Reset an iPhone
A factory reset completely erases the information stored on your iPhone and returns it to the setup screen.
This is the option to use when you want to start fresh or you’re preparing an iPhone for sale, trade-in, or another owner.
Before continuing, create a backup of anything you want to keep.
To factory reset an iPhone:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Review the information that will be removed.
- Tap Continue.
- Choose whether to keep or delete your eSIM if the option appears.
- Enter your iPhone passcode.
- Allow any required backup process to finish.
- Enter your Apple Account password if requested.
- Confirm the reset.
The iPhone will erase its content and restart. When the process is finished, you should see the Hello setup screen.
Apple’s official instructions are available in its guide to factory resetting an iPhone:
https://support.apple.com/en-in/108931
Which iPhone Models Can You Reset This Way?
The Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone method applies to current iPhones running modern versions of iOS.
That includes recent models such as:
- iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone Duo
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17e
- iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
- Compatible iPhone SE models
- Other supported older iPhones
The wording or available options can vary slightly depending on the version of iOS installed.
How to Reset iPhone 18, iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 16 and Other Face ID Models
If you’re using a recent iPhone, including the latest models, the factory-reset process is straightforward.
Go to:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings
Then tap Continue and follow the instructions on the screen.
This method completely erases the iPhone.
If you only need to restart a frozen newer iPhone, use a force restart instead. We’ll explain that method below.
Before You Factory Reset Your iPhone
Don’t immediately press Erase All Content and Settings if your iPhone contains information you may need later.
Complete these checks first.
1. Back Up Your iPhone
Create an iCloud or computer backup before erasing the device if you want to restore your information later.
For an iCloud backup:
- Open Settings.
- Tap your name.
- Tap iCloud.
- Select iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now.
Keep your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi while the backup completes.
2. Know Your Apple Account Password
You may be asked to enter the password for the Apple Account associated with the device during the erase process.
Make sure you know it before starting.
3. Check Your eSIM
Modern iPhones may use an eSIM rather than a physical SIM card.
During a factory reset, your iPhone may give you the option to keep the eSIM and erase data or erase the eSIM as well.
If you’re simply resetting the iPhone and intend to continue using it, keeping the eSIM may save you from having to reactivate your cellular service.
If you’re selling or giving the iPhone away, you’ll generally want to remove your cellular plan from the device as part of preparing it for its new owner.
How to Reset an iPhone Without Deleting Everything
You don’t need to factory reset your iPhone every time something goes wrong.
iOS provides several reset options that can restore particular settings without deleting your photos, messages, apps, documents, and other personal content.
Go to:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset
You’ll then see the available reset options.
How to Reset All Settings on an iPhone
If you’re experiencing persistent system problems but don’t want to delete your personal data, consider Reset All Settings.
Go to:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings
Confirm the action when prompted.
Reset All Settings restores many system settings to their defaults without deleting personal data such as:
- Photos and videos
- Messages
- Contacts
- Apps and app data
- Documents and files
- Downloaded content
However, you’ll need to configure various settings again afterward.
These can include Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, Face ID or Touch ID, Apple Pay cards, privacy preferences, accessibility options, sounds, display preferences, and other system settings.
How to Reset Network Settings on an iPhone
If your problem involves Wi-Fi, cellular connectivity, VPN configurations, or another network issue, try resetting the network settings before factory resetting the entire iPhone.
Go to:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings
Confirm the reset.
Your photos, messages, apps, and other personal files aren’t erased, but network-related information and settings will need to be configured again.
For example, you’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks.
Other iPhone Reset Options
Depending on your iOS version, the Reset menu can provide additional options.
Reset Keyboard Dictionary
Use this option if you want to remove custom words the keyboard has learned.
Go to:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary
Reset Home Screen Layout
If you’ve rearranged your Home Screen and want to restore its default organization, select:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout
Reset Location & Privacy
This option restores location and privacy permissions to their defaults.
Go to:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Location & Privacy
Apps may ask for access to your location, camera, microphone, contacts, and other information again afterward.
How to Hard Reset an iPhone
A common source of confusion is the term hard reset.
When people search for “how to hard reset an iPhone,” they frequently mean force restart.
A force restart does not erase your iPhone.
It simply forces the device to restart when it has frozen, stopped responding, or can’t be restarted normally.
How to Force Restart iPhone 18, 17, Air, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 and iPhone 8 or Later
For modern iPhones that use the current force-restart procedure:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- Release the Side button.
The iPhone should restart normally.
Your photos, apps, messages, accounts, and other personal information are not deleted by a force restart.
This is the method you should try when a recent iPhone becomes frozen or unresponsive.
How to Force Restart iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
The procedure is different for the iPhone 7 series.
- Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button simultaneously.
- Keep holding both buttons.
- Release them when the Apple logo appears.
Your personal information remains on the iPhone.
How to Force Restart iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st Generation) and Earlier
For compatible older iPhones with a Home button:
- Press and hold the Home button and Side or Top button at the same time.
- Continue holding both buttons.
- Release them when the Apple logo appears.
Again, a force restart doesn’t factory reset the device.
Hard Reset vs. Factory Reset: What’s the Difference?
Understanding this difference can prevent you from accidentally erasing your iPhone.
| Hard Reset/Force Restart | Factory Reset | |
|---|---|---|
| Restarts iPhone | Yes | Yes |
| Deletes photos | No | Yes |
| Deletes messages | No | Yes |
| Removes apps | No | Yes |
| Erases personal data | No | Yes |
| Useful for frozen iPhone | Yes | Usually unnecessary |
| Useful before selling | No | Yes |
If your iPhone is frozen, use a force restart.
If you want to erase everything from the device, perform a factory reset.
How to Reset an iPhone Without a Passcode
Forgetting your iPhone passcode doesn’t necessarily mean the device is permanently inaccessible.
On supported versions of iOS, Apple provides options for resetting a locked iPhone.
If the iPhone displays Security Lockout or a device-unavailable message, an erase/reset option may be available directly from the device.
Apple currently says that supported devices can be reset without a computer when the necessary requirements are met, including an active Wi-Fi or cellular connection and access to the associated Apple Account.
If the on-device option isn’t available, you can use a computer to reset the iPhone.
Be aware that resetting the device does not bypass Activation Lock or other Apple security protections. You’ll still need the appropriate Apple Account credentials when required.
How to Factory Reset an iPhone Using a Mac
If you can’t erase the iPhone through Settings, or you want to restore it using a computer, you can use a Mac.
Connect the iPhone to your Mac using the appropriate USB cable.
Then:
- Open Finder.
- Select your iPhone from the sidebar.
- Trust the device if prompted.
- Select General.
- Choose Restore iPhone.
- Confirm the restore.
- Keep the iPhone connected while the process completes.
Restoring the iPhone to factory settings erases its information and reinstalls the appropriate iOS software.
How to Factory Reset an iPhone on a Windows PC
You can also restore an iPhone using a Windows computer.
For current Windows systems, use Apple’s Apple Devices app where supported.
Then:
- Connect your iPhone to the PC.
- Open Apple Devices.
- Select your iPhone.
- Open the device management options.
- Choose the option to Restore iPhone.
- Confirm the action.
- Leave the iPhone connected until the restore finishes.
Some older Windows configurations may still use iTunes.
If you’re following an old tutorial that tells you to install iTunes automatically, check Apple’s current instructions first because Apple has changed how iPhones are managed on newer Windows PCs.
How to Reset a Frozen or Unresponsive iPhone
If the touchscreen is frozen or the iPhone won’t respond, you usually don’t need to factory reset it.
On most newer iPhones, try:
Press Volume Up > press Volume Down > press and hold the Side button
Keep holding the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
If the iPhone still doesn’t start, connect it to power and allow it to charge before trying again.
If it remains stuck at the Apple logo or can’t boot normally, you may need to use recovery mode.
How to Reset an iPhone Using Recovery Mode
Recovery mode can help when an iPhone can’t start normally or can’t be restored through the standard Settings menu.
You’ll need a compatible Mac or Windows PC unless your particular device supports an alternative Apple recovery method.
Connect the iPhone to your computer and put it into recovery mode using the appropriate button sequence for your model.
Finder on a Mac or Apple’s device-management software on Windows may then present options such as Update or Restore.
If Update is available, it may allow iOS to be reinstalled or repaired without immediately performing a complete erase.
Selecting Restore erases the iPhone and reinstalls iOS.
If important information on the iPhone isn’t backed up, understand that Restore can result in its loss.
How to Factory Reset an iPhone Before Selling or Giving It Away
If you’re selling, trading in, or giving away your iPhone, don’t just remove a few photos and hand over the device.
First, back up or transfer the information you want to keep.
If an Apple Watch is paired with the iPhone, follow Apple’s instructions for unpairing it.
Then go to:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings
Follow the prompts to remove your personal information.
If you’re asked whether you want to erase the eSIM, choose the appropriate option for transferring ownership of the phone.
Wait until the iPhone returns to the initial Hello screen.
If another person will be using the device, leave it at this screen rather than setting it up again with your account.
Does Factory Reset Delete Everything on an iPhone?
A factory reset using Erase All Content and Settings removes the personal content stored on the iPhone.
That includes items such as:
- Installed apps
- Photos and videos stored on the device
- Messages
- Accounts
- Apple Pay cards
- Contacts stored on the device
- Music and downloads
- System settings
- Other personal information
However, factory resetting your iPhone doesn’t automatically delete content already stored in your iCloud account.
This distinction is important.
Erasing the device and deleting information from iCloud are not the same thing.
What Happens After You Factory Reset an iPhone?
Once the factory reset finishes, the iPhone restarts.
You should see the Hello screen that appears during initial iPhone setup.
If you’re keeping the iPhone, you can set it up again and choose whether to restore your information from a backup or configure it as a new iPhone.
If you’re selling or giving the iPhone away, stop when you reach the Hello screen and let the new owner complete the setup.
iPhone Won’t Reset? Try These Fixes
If your iPhone won’t factory reset, first check that it has sufficient battery power and a stable internet connection when one is required.
Restart the iPhone and try the erase process again.
If you’ve forgotten the passcode and can’t access Settings, use Apple’s supported passcode-recovery process.
If a Mac or Windows PC doesn’t recognize the iPhone, try another compatible USB cable or USB port and make sure your Apple software and operating system are up to date.
If the iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo or can’t boot normally, recovery mode may be necessary.
Avoid unknown third-party tools that claim they can bypass Apple’s Activation Lock or other security protections. Apple’s official recovery procedures are the safest option for a device you own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I factory reset my iPhone?
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Tap Continue, enter the requested credentials, and follow the instructions to erase the device.
How do I reset the latest iPhone?
Current iPhones, including the latest iPhone models, can be factory reset through Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
How do I hard reset the latest iPhone?
On current iPhones, quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, and then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
Does a hard reset delete everything from an iPhone?
No. A hard reset, when referring to a force restart, doesn’t erase your photos, apps, messages, or other personal data.
Does Reset All Settings delete photos?
No. Reset All Settings restores system settings to their defaults without deleting personal data such as photos, videos, messages, apps, contacts, and documents.
Can I factory reset an iPhone using buttons?
The normal button combination performs a force restart, not a factory reset. Buttons can also be used to enter recovery mode, after which the iPhone can be restored using Apple’s supported recovery tools.
Can I reset an iPhone if I forgot the passcode?
Yes. Apple provides supported methods for resetting an iPhone when you’ve forgotten the passcode. Depending on the iOS version and device state, you may be able to start the process directly from the locked iPhone or use a Mac or Windows PC.
Can I factory reset an iPhone without an Apple Account password?
Erasing an iPhone doesn’t automatically bypass Apple’s security protections. If Find My and Activation Lock are associated with the device, the relevant Apple Account credentials may still be required.
Will factory resetting my iPhone delete iCloud data?
Factory resetting the iPhone removes content from the device, but it doesn’t automatically delete content already stored in your iCloud account.
Conclusion
There are several ways to reset an iPhone, and the correct method depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.
If your iPhone 18, iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, or another recent model is frozen, try a force restart first. Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This doesn’t delete your data.
For Wi-Fi or system configuration problems, try Reset Network Settings or Reset All Settings before considering a complete erase.
If you want to completely wipe your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
And if you’ve forgotten your passcode or can’t access the device normally, use Apple’s official lockout or recovery options instead of third-party bypass tools.
Most importantly, create a backup before performing any reset that could erase your personal information.