How to Factory Reset an iPhone or iPad

Factory resetting an iPhone or iPad erases all personal data and returns the device to factory defaults. This is the right approach before selling or trading in your device, when troubleshooting deep software issues, or when handing the device to someone else. This guide covers every method — from the standard Settings route to recovery mode when your device won't turn on.

Before You Start: The Three Things to Do First

1. Back up to iCloud or your computer

Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. Wait until the backup shows a completion timestamp. For a comprehensive backup that includes data iCloud might not cover (such as health data on non-Apple platforms or certain local files), connect to a Mac or PC and use Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows) to create an encrypted local backup.

If you use WhatsApp, Telegram, or other apps with their own backup systems, trigger those backups independently — iCloud Backup does not capture all third-party app data.

2. Sign out of your Apple ID

This step is critical if you plan to give or sell the device. Apple's Activation Lock ties the device to your Apple ID — if you don't sign out, the next person who tries to use it will be permanently blocked and there is no workaround without your credentials.

Go to Settings > [your name] and scroll down to Sign Out. You'll be asked for your Apple ID password. When prompted about keeping a copy of your data on the iPhone, choose Keep on My iPhone (it will be wiped in the next step anyway). Tap Sign Out twice to confirm.

3. Disable Find My iPhone

Find My is automatically disabled when you sign out of Apple ID. If for any reason you need to disable it separately, go to Settings > [your name] > Find My > Find My iPhone and toggle it off. You'll need your Apple ID password to confirm.

Method 1: Erase from Settings (Recommended)

This is the standard method for any iPhone or iPad that can boot normally. It works on all devices running iOS 15 or later (and iPadOS 15 or later).

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General
3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone (or iPad)
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings
5. If prompted, follow the Erase Assistant — it will remind you to back up if you haven't already
6. Enter your device passcode when asked
7. Tap Erase iPhone (or iPad) to confirm
8. Enter your Apple ID password if prompted (only if you didn't sign out in the prep step)

The device will display a progress bar. Modern iPhones typically take 3–10 minutes to complete the erase. An Apple logo will appear briefly, then the device will reboot to the "Hello" welcome screen.

Method 2: Erase Remotely via iCloud.com

If your iPhone has been lost or stolen, or if you no longer have physical access to it, you can erase it remotely — provided it was signed in to iCloud and has an internet connection.

1. On any browser, go to iCloud.com and sign in
2. Click Find My
3. Select the device from the All Devices drop-down
4. Click Erase iPhone
5. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted
6. Optionally enter a phone number and message to display on the lock screen
7. Click Erase to confirm

The erase command is sent immediately. If the device is offline, the command executes the moment it next connects to the internet.

Method 3: Recovery Mode (When Your iPhone Won't Turn On)

If your iPhone is disabled, stuck on the Apple logo, or won't boot at all, you can perform a complete restore using Recovery Mode and a computer. Note that this method requires you to know your Apple ID credentials — otherwise Activation Lock will prevent the device from being set up after the erase.

Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode

The button combination depends on your model:

• iPhone 8, SE (2nd/3rd gen), and later: Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen (a cable and computer icon) appears.
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Hold Volume Down and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
• iPhone 6s and earlier: Hold the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

Connect the device to a Mac or Windows PC before or during this process. When prompted in Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), click Restore (not Update) to wipe and reinstall iOS.

What Happens to eSIM After a Factory Reset?

Since iPhone XS (2018), many iPhone models support eSIM in addition to or instead of a physical SIM. When you erase an iPhone, eSIM data is also deleted. If you're handing the device to someone else, they will need to activate a new eSIM with their carrier. Contact your carrier before the reset if you need to transfer or preserve an eSIM plan.

After the Reset: Restore or Set Up as New

At the "Hello" screen, the device is completely clean. If you're keeping it, follow the setup wizard and choose to Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from Mac or PC — your apps, settings, messages, and photos will be reinstalled. If you're giving or selling the device, simply hand it over at this screen without completing setup.