How To Reset iPhone
How to Reset an iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide. Resetting your iPhone can help solve performance issues, clear personal data, or prepare the device for a new user. Whether you’re looking to perform a soft reset, force restart, or a complete factory reset, this guide covers everything you need to know about resetting any iPhone model safely.
Types of iPhone Resets
There are several ways to reset an iPhone, depending on the situation:
Soft Reset (Restart)
A simple restart to fix minor glitches without losing data.
Force Restart (Hard Reset)
Used when the iPhone is unresponsive or frozen.
Factory Reset (Erase All Content and Settings)
Restores the iPhone to factory settings, erasing all personal data, apps, and settings.
How to Soft Reset (Restart) Your iPhone
A soft reset is the safest way to fix minor software issues like lag or freezing.
For iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and newer:
- Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button until the slide to power off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off.
- Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone SE (2nd/3rd Gen), 8, 7, 6:
- Press and hold the Side (Power) button until slide to power off appears.
- Slide to turn off.
- Press the Side button again to turn it back on.
How to Force Restart (Hard Reset) Your iPhone
Use this method if your iPhone is frozen or unresponsive.
For iPhone 8, SE (2nd/3rd Gen), X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and newer:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
- Press and hold the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake (Power) buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, or SE (1st Gen):
- Press and hold the Home button and Sleep/Wake (Power) button together until you see the Apple logo.
How to Factory Reset (Erase All Content and Settings)
Factory resetting removes all data and returns the phone to its original state.
Important: Back Up Your Data First
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup
- Tap Back Up Now
Steps to Factory Reset:
- Go to Settings > General
- Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
- Enter your passcode or Apple ID password if prompted
- Confirm and wait for the device to reset and restart
After the reset, the iPhone will be ready for new setup or resale.
How to Reset iPhone Using a Computer (iTunes or Finder)
If your iPhone is unresponsive or locked, use this method:
For Windows PC or macOS Mojave and earlier (iTunes):
- Connect your iPhone to the computer
- Open iTunes
- Select your device, then click Restore iPhone
- Confirm to erase and reinstall iOS
For macOS Catalina or later (Finder):
- Connect your iPhone to the Mac
- Open Finder and select your iPhone
- Click Restore iPhone and confirm
How to Reset Network Settings
If you’re facing network issues like Wi-Fi not connecting or cellular problems:
Steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Reset
- Select Reset Network Settings
- Enter passcode if required
This will erase Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, and cellular settings.
How to Reset All Settings Without Erasing Data
This option resets system settings like wallpapers, network settings, and privacy settings but keeps your data.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Reset
- Select Reset All Settings
- Enter your passcode to confirm
Important Notes
- Factory Reset removes all personal data, so always back up.
- After a factory reset, the Find My iPhone Activation Lock stays active. Make sure you know your Apple ID password to avoid issues during setup.
- A factory reset is useful when selling your iPhone or fixing persistent problems.
Troubleshooting Tips
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Stuck on Apple logo | Force restart or restore via iTunes/Finder |
Forgotten passcode | Use Recovery Mode and restore via computer |
iPhone won’t reset | Check for iOS updates or use computer-based reset |
Resetting your iPhone is a powerful tool to solve problems, wipe personal data, or prepare the device for resale. Whether you need a simple restart, a force reset, or a full factory reset, following these steps ensures your iPhone runs smoothly.