Resetting your iPhone to factory settings can help resolve software issues and erase all of your personal data if you plan on selling or giving away your device. While you can reset your iPhone through the Settings app, you can also force restart your iPhone and factory reset it using just the buttons on the device.
When should you factory reset with buttons?
There are a few instances when you may want to reset your iPhone to factory settings using just the buttons:
- Your iPhone is frozen or unresponsive – If your iPhone freezes and you can’t access the Settings app, a button reset may be your only option.
- You forgot your passcode – A button reset will erase your passcode and allow you to set up the device again.
- You want to erase all content and settings – Resetting with buttons performs a complete factory reset to wipe all your data.
- You’re selling or giving away your iPhone – A factory reset will wipe all your personal information and reset the device to default settings.
In all of these scenarios, using the buttons to reset your iPhone can help fix software problems or erase your device when you can’t access the Settings menu.
How to factory reset with buttons on iPhone 8 and earlier
Here are the steps to factory reset your iPhone 8 or earlier using just the buttons:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.
This process may take up to 20 seconds. Once you see the Apple logo, release the Side button. Your iPhone will boot up and take you through the setup process to reconfigure your device.
How to factory reset with buttons on iPhone X and later
For iPhone X and later models, follow these steps:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Then press and hold the Side button. Keep holding the Side button even when you see the Apple logo.
- Finally, release the Side button only when you see the recovery mode screen.
This should take around 20 seconds. When you see the recovery screen, release the Side button. Your iPhone will reset and take you through the setup screens again.
What to expect after factory resetting with buttons
Once your iPhone resets, here’s what you can expect:
- Your iPhone will restart – You’ll see the white Apple logo and progress bar as it reboots.
- You’ll go through the iOS setup process – Choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, set up Face ID, etc.
- All settings and content will be erased – Your data, apps, photos, and accounts will all be wiped from your device.
- You’ll have to redownload apps and reconfigure settings – Plan on spending time personalizing your device again.
- Your iPhone will run like new – With all content erased, your device will have a fresh, clean install of iOS.
Be sure to backup any data you want to keep before resetting your iPhone. Otherwise, all data and settings on your device will be permanently erased.
Troubleshooting tips
If you run into any issues resetting your iPhone with buttons, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Check that your iPhone has enough battery – Your battery must be charged over 50% to complete the reset process.
- Try a different charging cable/wall adapter if your device isn’t responding.
- Perform the button sequence again if it doesn’t work the first time.
- Force restart your iPhone and try again if it’s unresponsive or frozen.
- Contact Apple support if you can’t get your device to reset.
Conclusion
Resetting your iPhone to factory default settings using just the buttons can help troubleshoot software issues and erase your personal data. Just be prepared to spend time setting up your device again afterwards. Back up important data before resetting your iPhone through this button sequence. With some patience, you can completely wipe and reset your iPhone without needing to access the Settings menu.
