How To Factory Reset iPhone And Clear All Your Data: Detailed Guide

Factory resetting your iPhone removes all of your personal data, settings, and apps, reverting the device to its original, out-of-the-box condition. 

Knowing how to factory reset your iPhone is crucial, whether you’re selling it, debugging an issue, or simply want a fresh start. This article will walk you through the steps necessary to safely backup your data and then entirely remove it from your device.

How to Factory Reset Your iPhone

Once your data is safely backed up, you can proceed with the factory reset. This process will erase all content and settings, so double-check that your backup was successful.

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General: Scroll down and select “General.”
3. Scroll Down and Tap on Reset: At the bottom of the General settings, tap “Reset.”
4. Select Erase All Content and Settings: Choose “Erase All Content and Settings” from the list of options.
5. Enter Your Passcode: If prompted, enter your iPhone’s passcode.
6. Confirm the Reset: You’ll be asked to confirm your decision. Tap “Erase iPhone” to proceed. If you have Find My iPhone enabled, you may need to enter your Apple ID password.
7. Wait for the Process to Complete: Your iPhone will restart, and the Apple logo will appear with a progress bar. Once the process is complete, the device will reboot to the “Hello” screen, indicating that it has been successfully reset to factory settings.

Backing Up Your Data

Before you proceed with a factory reset, it’s crucial to back up your data. This ensures that you won’t lose important information such as contacts, photos, and apps. 

You can back up your iPhone using iCloud or iTunes (on Windows or older Macs) or Finder (on newer Macs).

Backing Up with iCloud:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
2. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app and tap on your name at the top of the screen.
3. Tap on iCloud: Scroll down and select “iCloud.”
4. Select iCloud Backup: Tap on “iCloud Backup” and then “Back Up Now.” Wait for the backup to complete before proceeding.

Backing Up with iTunes or Finder:

1. Connect Your iPhone: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Open iTunes or Finder: Launch iTunes (on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or open Finder (on macOS Catalina and later).
3. Select Your iPhone: In iTunes or Finder, select your iPhone when it appears.
4. Back Up Now: In the “Summary” tab (iTunes) or the “General” tab (Finder), click “Back Up Now” and wait for the backup process to complete.

Restoring Your Data

After resetting your iPhone, you can restore your data from the backup you created earlier. During the setup process:

1. Select Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from Mac/PC: Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your backup from iCloud, iTunes, or Finder.
2. Sign in with Your Apple ID: Enter your Apple ID and password to begin the restoration process. This may take some time, depending on the size of your backup and your internet connection speed.
3. Complete the Setup: Once the restoration is complete, you can finish setting up your iPhone, including choosing your preferences, setting up Face ID or Touch ID, and more.

Factory resetting your iPhone is a simple operation that totally erases your data and restores your device to its original state. 

Whether you’re planning to sell your phone, troubleshoot recurring issues, or simply start afresh, these instructions will help you do it safely and efficiently. Just make sure to back up your data before proceeding, so you can simply restore it if necessary.

Follow Wat-Not on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram