How To Factory Reset An iPhone & Wipe All Your Data

If your iPhone is acting up, running out of space, or about to be sold, a factory reset is the fastest way to give it a clean slate. It erases everything and returns the phone to the same state it was in when it left Apple’s factory.

This guide covers every reset method, every iPhone model, and every situation, whether your phone is working perfectly or completely locked up.

What Does a Factory Reset Actually Do?

A factory reset removes:

• All apps and data
• Photos, videos, and messages
• Apple ID and accounts
• Settings and passwords
• Wallet cards and Face ID

Once the reset is complete, the data is encrypted and destroyed, making it impossible for the next owner to access your files.

Before You Reset Your iPhone

Do these first. Skipping them can cause major problems later.

Back up your data

You have two options.

iCloud

1. Settings
2. Your name
3. iCloud
4. iCloud Backup
5. Back Up Now

Mac or PC

• Mac: Finder
• Windows: iTunes
• Plug in your iPhone
• Click Back Up Now

Turn off Find My iPhone

This removes Activation Lock.

Settings → Your name → Find My → Find My iPhone → Turn off

Enter your Apple ID password.

Unpair Apple Watch and remove eSIM

If you use Apple Watch or eSIM, remove them before resetting to avoid headaches later.

How to Factory Reset an iPhone using Settings

Let’s keep this really simple. No fluff in this guide. This is the easiest method if your phone is working.

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings
5. Tap Continue
6. Enter your passcode
7. Tap Erase iPhone

Your phone will reboot and begin wiping everything.

How to Factory Reset An iPhone Without a Passcode

If you forgot your passcode, use a computer.

1. Plug the iPhone into a Mac or PC
2. Put the phone into recovery model

Button Combinations By iPhone Model

(For Recovery Mode and Force Restart)

Keep holding until you see the recovery screen.

3. On your computer, choose Restore
4. Let it download iOS and erase the phone

How to Reset an iPhone that will not turn on

Use the same recovery mode steps above. Even a dead looking iPhone can usually be restored through Finder or iTunes.

If that fails, use DFU mode, which forces a complete firmware reinstall.

How to Wipe an iPhone Before Selling or Trading it in

Follow this checklist:

• Back up data
• Turn off Find My iPhone
• Sign out of iCloud
• Erase all content
• Remove SIM and eSIM
• Unpair Apple Watch

Once done, the phone should show the Hello setup screen. That means it is safe to sell.

Can you reset an iPhone without Apple ID?

No. Activation Lock prevents stolen phones from being reused. You must enter the Apple ID used on the device.

If you forgot it:

• Visit Apple’s account recovery site
• Or bring proof of purchase to Apple Support

There is no legitimate bypass.

What If The Reset Fails?

If the iPhone gets stuck, try doing the following;

• Force restart and try again
• Use recovery mode
• Use DFU restore

Almost all software issues can be fixed this way.

Force Restart Button Combinations by iPhone Model

Use this when your iPhone is frozen, unresponsive, or stuck on the Apple logo.

FAQ

How long does a factory reset take?
Usually 5 to 15 minutes.

Does a factory reset delete iOS updates?
No. It wipes your data but keeps the current iOS version.

Can data be recovered after reset?
No. Apple’s encryption makes it unrecoverable.

Does factory reset fix bugs?
Yes. It often fixes crashes, freezes, and battery drain.

Conclusion

A factory reset is the cleanest way to fix, sell, or refresh an iPhone. Do it properly, and your data is gone, your phone is clean, and you start fresh.

If you are selling it, it is the most important step you can take.