In this article, we will show you how to factory reset iPhone to safely erase all data, solve performance issues, or prepare your device for resale.

How to factory reset iPhone – If you’re looking to give your iPhone a fresh start, whether to solve performance issues, prepare it for sale, or just start from scratch, a factory reset is the way to go.

Here we will show you the process of how to factory reset your iPhone safely, ensuring you don’t lose any important data.

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Why You Might Want to Factory Reset Your iPhone

Before diving into the how-to, let’s quickly review why you might need to reset your iPhone:

1. Performance Issues: If your iPhone is running slow or glitchy, a reset can help resolve many software-related problems.
2. Selling or Giving Away Your iPhone: A factory reset wipes your device clean, removing all your personal information before passing it on to someone else.
3. Start Fresh: Sometimes, starting with a clean slate is the best way to fix long-standing issues.
4. Forgotten Passcode: If you can’t access your iPhone due to a forgotten passcode, a factory reset might be the only way to unlock it.

What Happens When You Factory Reset an iPhone?

A factory reset erases all your data, apps, settings, and personal information, bringing your device back to its original state. This means you’ll lose everything unless you’ve backed up your iPhone beforehand.

Tips Before You Reset:

• Back Up Your iPhone: Use iCloud or iTunes to back up important files, photos, apps, and settings before resetting. This ensures you can restore everything after the reset.
• Sign Out of iCloud: To avoid any issues with Activation Lock, sign out of iCloud before resetting your device. If you don’t, the iPhone will require your Apple ID password to activate again after the reset.

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How to Factory Reset iPhone (Step-by-Step)

Follow the step-by-step guide on how to reset iPhone below;

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Before you proceed with the reset, make sure to back up your data. You can do this via iCloud or iTunes. Here’s how:

• iCloud Backup: Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Tap Back Up Now.
• iTunes Backup: Connect your iPhone to your computer, open iTunes, and select your device. Click Back Up Now.

Step 2: Sign Out of iCloud

To avoid Activation Lock issues, sign out of iCloud:

• Open Settings and tap [your name] at the top.
• Scroll down and select Sign Out.
• Enter your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off.

Step 3: Factory Reset the iPhone

Now, you’re ready to reset your iPhone. There are two main ways to reset your device: through the settings menu or using a computer. Here’s how to do both:

Option 1: Factory Reset Through the iPhone Settings

1. Open Settings: On your iPhone, go to Settings.
2. Navigate to General: Scroll down and tap on General.
3. Select Reset: Scroll to the bottom and tap Reset.
4. Erase All Content and Settings: Tap Erase All Content and Settings. You may be prompted to enter your passcode and Apple ID password.
5. Confirm the Reset: Confirm that you want to erase everything. Your iPhone will now begin the factory reset process. This can take a few minutes.

Once the process is complete, your iPhone will restart and appear as it did when it was first unboxed.

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Option 2: Factory Reset Using iTunes or Finder (for macOS Catalina and Later)

If you can’t access the iPhone settings or you prefer using a computer, you can factory reset your iPhone through iTunes (for older macOS or Windows PCs) or Finder (for macOS Catalina and later).

1. Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your Mac or Windows computer.
2. Open iTunes or Finder:
   • macOS Catalina or later: Open Finder.
   • macOS Mojave or earlier/Windows: Open iTunes.
3. Select Your iPhone: Find and click on your iPhone in the left sidebar.
4. Restore iPhone: In the iTunes or Finder window, click on Restore iPhone.
5. Confirm: You’ll be asked to confirm that you want to restore your iPhone to its factory settings. Click Restore.
6. Wait for the Process to Complete: iTunes/Finder will download the latest iOS software and reset your iPhone.

After the reset, your iPhone will reboot to the setup screen.

Step 4: Set Up Your iPhone Again

Once the reset is complete, your iPhone will prompt you to set it up as new or restore from a backup. If you’ve backed up your data, you can restore it during the setup process. If not, your iPhone will be like a brand-new device.

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Final Thoughts

Factory resetting your iPhone is a simple and effective way to fix issues or wipe the device clean before selling or handing it over to someone else. Just make sure you back up your data beforehand, and follow the steps carefully to avoid any problems. Whether you’re solving performance issues, erasing your data, or simply starting fresh, a factory reset will give your iPhone a clean slate.

If you need more tips on maintaining your iPhone or troubleshooting issues, feel free to explore our other helpful guides!

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