What Does It Mean to Factory Reset an iPhone?
A factory reset will restore an iPhone to its original factory settings and wipe all user data, settings, and apps from the device (source: https://www.helpcloud.com/blog/how-to-factory-reset-iphone-and-5-reasons-why-to-factory-reset/). This process removes everything added since the iPhone was first purchased and returns it to a clean, blank slate.
When you factory reset an iPhone, the following happens:
- All settings are erased and reset to default.
- Any downloaded or installed apps are deleted.
- All personal content like photos, videos, music, documents are wiped.
- The home screen layout is reset.
- Any paired Bluetooth devices are unlinked.
After the reset is completed, the iPhone will be in the same empty state as when you first turned it on after purchasing it. The only apps that remain are the default ones that come pre-installed from Apple.
Factory resetting is commonly done in preparation for selling or giving away an iPhone. It’s also used to troubleshoot persistent software issues by erasing any problematic content and starting fresh.
Why Would You Want to Factory Reset an iPhone?
There are a few key reasons you may want to factory reset your iPhone:
Remove personal data before selling or giving away – One of the most common reasons to factory reset is to wipe all your personal data off the device before selling or gifting it to someone else. This ensures the next user starts fresh without any access to your data (source). Performing a full reset removes all your accounts, apps, photos, messages and any other personalized content.
Fix software issues/glitches – Sometimes resetting your iPhone to factory default settings can help resolve persistent software bugs, glitches or performance issues. This gives you a clean slate to start from. Just make sure you backup your data first as it will all be deleted.
Warning: Factory Resetting Permanently Erases Data
Before factory resetting your iPhone, it’s crucial to back up any data you want to keep. When you reset your iPhone to factory settings, all data and settings on the device will be permanently erased. This includes:
- Photos, videos, music, and books in your library
- Text messages, iMessages, and voicemail
- Contacts, call history, ringtones
- Health data
- Calendars, notes, reminders, and other app data
- Account settings and home screen layout
- WiFi networks and passwords
Resetting deletes everything on your iPhone and there is no way to recover data after a reset. Be absolutely certain to back up any photos, messages, notes, or other information you want to keep before erasing your device. You can back up data to iCloud or to a computer using iTunes.
According to Apple Support discussions, a factory reset will wipe all data and settings from your iPhone [1]. An article from EaseUS also warns that resetting erases everything on your device [2]. So if there is anything you want to keep, make sure to back it up first.
Built-In Option: Erase All Content and Settings
The easiest and most straightforward way to factory reset an iPhone is by using the built-in reset option in the Settings app. This method completely erases all content and settings on the iPhone, restoring it to factory default settings without the need for any extra software or tools.
To use the built-in reset option, go to Settings > General > Reset on your iPhone. Here you will see the option to “Erase All Content and Settings.” Tapping this will immediately initiate the factory reset process. The iPhone will prompt you to enter your passcode or Apple ID password to confirm the reset.
According to Apple’s support guide (source), once the reset is complete, “all settings, accounts, and information you stored on your device will be removed.” This includes stored contacts, messages, photos, music, and any other personal data. The reset essentially returns the iPhone to the out-of-the-box state.
The main benefit of using the built-in reset option is that it’s simple, fast, and doesn’t require installing any additional apps. For many users who just want to quickly erase their iPhone before selling or giving it away, this will be the best approach. However, it’s important to first back up any data you want to keep externally via iCloud or iTunes.
Third-Party Reset Software Options
In addition to using the built-in reset option on the iPhone itself, there are also some reputable third-party software tools that can help factory reset an iPhone:
One popular option is iMyFone Umate. This is a free software for iPhone that can erase all content and settings to factory reset the device. It works without needing the passcode or Apple ID, making it handy if you are locked out of the iPhone. iMyFone will completely delete all data, including contacts, messages, photos, etc.
Another software tool for resetting an iPhone is Dr. Fone – iPhone Data Eraser. This also securely erases all content and resets the iPhone back to factory settings without the passcode. Dr. Fone has a simple interface and detailed guides to walk you through the reset process.
The main advantage of using a dedicated third-party iPhone reset software over the built-in reset option is that they provide more flexibility. For example if you forgot your passcode or Apple ID, the built-in reset will not work, whereas third-party tools can still reset the iPhone by bypassing locks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting with iTunes
Resetting your iPhone using iTunes is simple and straightforward. Here are the steps:
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using the USB cable. iTunes should automatically detect and connect to your device.
2. Open iTunes on your computer. Select your iPhone by clicking on the device icon in the top left corner.
3. In the Summary tab, click on “Restore iPhone”. This will restore your device to factory default settings and erase all data.
4. A dialog will appear warning that all data, settings and apps will be erased. Click “Restore” to confirm.
5. iTunes will now reset your iPhone to factory settings. This process can take several minutes depending on your iPhone model.
Once completed, your iPhone will reboot and you can set it up like new. All data, media, settings and apps will be erased.
Step-by-Step Guide for iMyFone Umate
iMyFone Umate is a free third-party app that provides a quick and easy way to factory reset your iPhone. Here is a step-by-step guide to using iMyFone Umate to reset your iPhone:
1. Download and install the latest version of iMyFone Umate on your computer from the official website: https://www.imyfone.com/ios-data-erase/how-to-master-reset-ipad/
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer using the USB cable. Make sure your iPhone is unlocked and displayed on your computer screen.
3. Open the iMyFone Umate app on your computer. On the home screen, click on “Erase All Data”.
4. Confirm that you want to erase all data and reset your iPhone to factory settings. Click “Erase Now”.
5. iMyFone will now reset and wipe your iPhone back to factory default settings. This process usually takes a few minutes. Wait for the process to fully complete.
6. Once completed, your iPhone will restart and you will see the initial setup screens. Your iPhone has now been fully reset with all data and settings erased.
What Happens After Factory Reset?
After completing a factory reset, the iPhone will restart and display the initial setup screen. At this point, the iPhone has been wiped clean and returned to its out-of-the-box state before any user data was added.
On the setup screen, you will have the option to setup the iPhone as a new device or restore from a backup. If you restore from a backup, your data and settings will return to how they were at the time of that backup. If you setup as a new iPhone, none of your old data or settings will be retrieved.
According to an Apple Discussions thread, factory resetting “wipes all user data from the device and puts everything back the way it was when it was first purchased.”1 So after the reset, it will be like using a brand new iPhone before customizing any settings.
It’s important to backup your iPhone data regularly before doing a reset, so you don’t lose personal information like photos, messages, and contacts. With a current backup, you can easily restore your data if needed after the reset process is complete.
Restore From iCloud Backup After Reset
One of the key steps before factory resetting your iPhone is to make sure you have a recent backup of your data in iCloud. According to Apple Support, “Turn on your device. Follow the onscreen setup steps until you reach the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, then tap Restore from iCloud Backup.” This will allow you to restore your data and settings after the reset.
During the initial setup process after resetting your iPhone, you will have the option to ‘Restore from iCloud backup’. Apple outlines the process: “Turn on a new or newly erased iPhone. Do one of the following: Tap Set Up Manually, tap Restore from iCloud Backup, then follow the onscreen instructions.” It’s important that you sign into the same Apple ID that was used to back up the iPhone initially, in order to restore your data and settings.
Restoring from an iCloud backup allows you to get your iPhone back to its previous state, with your data, apps, settings and preferences intact. Just be sure to have that backup in place before factory resetting the device.
When to Contact Apple Support
If you run into issues during or after the factory reset process, you may need to contact Apple support for further assistance. Some common scenarios where you’ll want to reach out to Apple include:
Reset fails or iPhone is stuck: If your iPhone gets stuck on the Apple logo during reset and won’t finish booting up, the reset failed. You’ll need Apple’s help to troubleshoot. Reach out to Apple support online or by phone.
Activation Lock engaged after reset: Activation Lock prevents anyone else from using your iPhone if it’s ever lost or stolen. If Activation Lock re-engages after you reset the device, contact Apple support to disable it with proof of purchase.
Ongoing software issues: A factory reset should resolve most software problems. But if issues persist even after resetting your iPhone, Apple can help diagnose and fix remaining bugs or glitches.
You can contact Apple support online or by phone. Have your iPhone’s serial number ready along with proof of purchase. Apple’s support teams are available to help troubleshoot and fix any issues persisting after an iPhone factory reset.
