Apple iPhones have built-in encryption called Data Protection that securely encrypts data stored on the device [1]. This protects user data like photos, messages, contacts, etc. if the device is lost or stolen. However, some users may want to reset their encrypted data which essentially factory resets the device and deletes all data. Reasons for resetting encrypted data include selling or gifting the device, fixing software issues, or removing private content before repairing. Resetting encrypted data completely wipes the device and restores it to factory settings.
Reasons to Reset Encrypted Data
There are a few main reasons someone may want to reset encrypted data on an iPhone:
Troubleshooting issues
Resetting encrypted data can help resolve some system issues like freezes, crashes, or problems loading apps (Source: https://www.newsoftwares.net/blog/what-does-reset-encrypted-data-mean-iphone/). If other basic troubleshooting steps don’t fix the problems, resetting encrypted data will erase your settings and content and restore the iPhone to factory settings. This gives you a clean slate to test if the issues persist.
Before selling or gifting the device
Many people choose to reset encrypted data when they plan to sell or give away their iPhone. This protects your personal information by securely erasing all your messages, photos, email accounts, and other private data (Source: https://www.imobie.com/iphone-unlocker/what-does-reset-end-to-end-encrypted-data-mean.htm). The next owner will get the iPhone freshly reset.
Starting fresh
You may want to wipe your iPhone clean if it’s gotten cluttered and disorganized over time. Resetting encrypted data erases all content and settings, allowing you to start fresh like it’s a brand new device. This can provide a clean slate if your iPhone has become sluggish or bloated.
Risks and Downsides of Resetting Encrypted Data
The main risk of resetting encrypted data on your iPhone is that data will be permanently deleted and unrecoverable. When you reset encrypted data, it erases the encryption keys that protect your information. Without these keys, your device can no longer decrypt your data to access it.
This means you will lose access to important personal information that was encrypted, such as photos, messages, notes, app data, and more. According to this source, “all data protected by end-to-end encryption will be permanently erased and you will never get them back.”
Unless you have a recent backup of your data, resetting encryption effectively deletes those files forever. So it’s critical to carefully consider the data you might be deleting before initiating an encrypted data reset.
How to Reset Encrypted Data
There are a few different ways to reset encrypted data on an iPhone:
Using Settings
The easiest way is to go to Settings > General > Reset on the iPhone. Then tap “Reset All Settings” and enter your passcode to confirm. This will reset all settings, but keeps all your data and content.
Restoring through iTunes
You can also connect your iPhone to a computer and restore it through iTunes. Open iTunes on the computer, connect the iPhone, then click “Restore iPhone” while holding the Shift key (Windows) or Option key (Mac). This will wipe the iPhone and install a fresh copy of iOS.
Recovery Mode
Entering recovery mode will also reset settings and erase data. Press and release the Volume Up button, press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
This will force a reset and erase all content and settings from the iPhone (1).
What Data is Deleted
When resetting encrypted data on an iPhone, most personal content and settings will be erased. This includes messages, photos, notes, call history, Siri shortcuts, and other data stored locally on the device (Source).
Specifically, resetting encrypted iPhone data will delete the following:
- All text messages and iMessages
- Photos and videos in the Camera Roll
- Voice memos
- Contacts
- Calendars
- Reminders
- Notes
- Call history
- Safari browsing history
- Siri shortcuts
- Wallet passes
- Home screen layout and app organization
However, some data tied to the activation lock may remain, like Find My iPhone activation (Source). But most personal content generated on the device will be permanently deleted.
What Data is Kept
When resetting end-to-end encrypted data on an iPhone, some data remains intact even after the reset. Most notably, the activation lock stays active after resetting encrypted data according to Apple (Apple Support Thread). This means the iPhone will still require your Apple ID and password to reactivate it after resetting encrypted data.
Additionally, some diagnostic data may persist on the iPhone after a reset. As one source explains, “any diagnostic information that may help Apple improve its products and services in the future could remain on your device” (News Softwares). However, this is limited data that does not include personal content or information.
In summary, while resetting encrypted iPhone data wipes most personal content, the activation lock and some diagnostic data remain on the device afterwards.
Alternatives to Resetting
Before resetting all encrypted data on an iPhone, it’s worth considering some alternatives that allow you to be more selective about what data gets deleted. This can help avoid unnecessary data loss.
One option is to selectively delete certain apps and their associated data, rather than everything at once. For example, you could offload large apps you no longer use, clear cached data from apps misbehaving, or delete apps containing sensitive information you want to remove. This surgical approach preserves data you still need while troubleshooting problem apps.
Additionally, comprehensive device backups either locally or to iCloud can provide a safety net in case issues arise. You can factory reset the iPhone knowing your data is protected in the backup, which you can then restore from selectively. Regular backups are wise to have anyways in case of device failure, loss or theft.
Finally, before factory resetting, it’s advisable to thoroughly troubleshoot and identify the specific issue. Resetting should not be the first option. Try basic steps like force restarting the device, updating iOS, removing/readding accounts, freeing up storage space, etc. Pinpointing and resolving the problem without reset may be possible with some diligence.
In summary, selectively deleting content, creating backups, and troubleshooting beforehand are smarter alternatives to blindly resetting all encrypted iPhone data.
Security After Resetting
Resetting encrypted data on an iPhone wipes all the encryption keys stored on the device, ensuring the data remaining on the phone stays secure. This process destroys the keys that were used to encrypt data like messages, photos, and contacts.
According to this Apple discussion thread, resetting encrypted data effectively locks all previously encrypted data and renders it inaccessible without the proper encryption key. Even with physical access to the storage, the data would remain securely encrypted and unreadable.
In addition, after resetting the iPhone, Activation Lock is enabled which provides another layer of protection. Activation Lock ties the iPhone to the owner’s Apple ID, preventing anyone else from activating or using the device without approval. This protects against unauthorized access even if the iPhone ends up in someone else’s hands.
Overall, resetting encrypted iPhone data is a secure process that destroys encryption keys and allows the remaining data to stay private. Activation Lock also kicks in to prevent unauthorized access in case the phone is lost or stolen.
Recovering After Resetting
When you reset encrypted data on an iPhone, the data is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. As several discussions on Apple’s forums confirm, once encrypted data is reset, there is no way to retrieve or restore that information (source). The encryption protects the data and ensures it cannot be accessed without the proper passcode or key.
After resetting encrypted data, the only option for restoring any information is from a previous backup. If you did not have an up-to-date iCloud or iTunes backup before resetting, then contacts, messages, photos and other personal data will be permanently lost. Resetting encrypted data essentially performs a factory reset on the iPhone, wiping the slate completely clean.
In summary, resetting encrypted iPhone data results in permanent and irrecoverable data loss without a backup. Apple’s encryption prevents any way for forensic tools or data recovery services to retrieve reset information.
Summary
Resetting encrypted data on your iPhone can be a useful tool to quickly restore your device to a clean state. However, it comes with risks like permanently losing data and photos, so it should not be done lightly. Resetting is recommended if you are selling your device, need to recover a forgotten passcode, or want to start completely fresh. It is not recommended if you only want to clear some space or speed up your iPhone temporarily.
The main pros of resetting encrypted data are completely wiping your device and restoring it to factory settings. This can resolve many issues and free up storage space. The biggest con is unrecoverable data loss. Before resetting, be sure to backup any data and photos you want to keep.
In summary, resetting your iPhone’s encrypted data is a powerful restore option, but only if you fully understand the risks. Use it as a last resort when you have exhausted other troubleshooting options. approach resetting with care, back up your device properly, and be prepared to re-download apps and content after the reset completes.