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How To Factory Reset An iPhone Or iPad

Timothy Iyekowa
By Timothy Iyekowa - Technical Writer
7 Min Read

If you can reset other operating systems — why can’t you factory reset an iPhone, if you’re selling off your iPhone or iPad, you may want to reset it to its default settings. Resetting an iPhone or iPad device to factory settings will fix many problems before giving it off. Factory resetting your iPhone or iPad removed all your data on the device.

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The device will go back to its default settings (the way it came.) You can reset your iPhone from your phone settings easily, but there is more to it.

You should backup your iPhone or iPad data if you’re planning to sell it off. Before you begin resetting an iPhone or iPad you need to back up to iCloud or your computer.

Backing up your data make sure you get it back when using a new iPhone. But first, Why do I need to factory reset my iPhone? It is pretty simple. And there is plenty of reason for you to do that. Factory resetting your iPhone may be because of two things; if you want to sell the device, or the iPhone or iPad is misbehaving and having problems with the device.

Planning to sell off your iPhone or iPad, it is a good thing for you to factory reset the device to its default settings. If you do this, all your data will be wiped, and they won’t be able to use your information for their reasons. So, before giving it off, make sure you clear your device.

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If you’re still using your iPhone or iPad, and it gives problems that you can’t comprehend, you can resolve them by resetting your device.

Read Also: How to create new Apple ID

Backup your iPhone or iPad data

We have written how you can backup your iPhone or iPad data to iCloud or your computer. Before you back up to iCloud, make sure your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network and on a charger if the battery is below 50 percent.

1. Go to your iPhone Settings, and tap on your name if you have an Apple ID on your device.

2. Once you have opened your account from the device Settings, click on “iCloud” and then tap on “iCloud Backup“.

3. On the next page, tap on “Back up now” to begin backing up your data to iCloud. The backup might take longer, depending on the amount of information you have on your device.

Or you can go to your device Settings, click on iCloud, then Backup, and make sure the feature is enabled. Click on backup now to backup your data. If you have backup your device before, you can see the last time your iPhone was backup.

Read Also: How to restore backup to iPhone

How to factory reset an iPhone or iPad

Once you have backed up your iPad or iPhone, you are ready to perform a factory reset. This will completely wipe your device, which is why having a backup beforehand is so important.

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1. To reset your iPhone or iPad, go to your device Settings. And then click on “General.” From the General option, Scroll to the bottom and click on “Reset” and then select “Erase All Content and Settings.”

2. If you haven’t backup your device, you can do so when you click on “Erase All Content and Settings.” A pop-up will ask you if you want to update your iCloud backup before erasing it. You can click “Back Up Then Erase” if you haven’t already, and tap on “Erase Now” if you’ve already backed up.

3. The device will ask you for your phone’s passcode. Once you have done that, you will see a box with “Erase iPhone” or “Erase iPad.” Tap on it and enter your Apple ID password.

Once you confirm your Apple ID password, the device will be factory reset, and you will be welcome with the setup screen. From here you can sell your phone.

Read Also: How to compress files on iPhone and iPad

How to factory reset an iPhone with a Mac or PC

To restore your device to factory settings on a computer, make sure that your Mac or PC is updated. And update to the latest version for iTunes if you’re using an earlier Mac or PC.

Factory reset your iPhone on Mac computer
Factory reset your iPhone on Mac computer

Turn off “Find My iPhone” on your device by going to your phone device, tap on your name > Find My > Find My iPhone, then toggle to off.

1. Open iTunes on a PC or Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier. And on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder.

2. Connect your device to your computer, and enter your iPhone or iPad passcode if it asks to trust the computer.

3. Choose your device when it appears on your computer. On the General tab, under software, click “Restore iPhone” or iPad.

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5. Click on Restore again to confirm, and it will erase your device and install the latest iOS, or iPadOS software.

Read Also:

Once your iPhone is factory reset back to its default settings, you can set it up as a new phone, or restore your backup from iCloud or your computer.

If you factory reset an iPhone or iPad because it was misbehaving and having some problem that wasn’t easily identified. You can restore your backup to the device, or a new iPhone or iPad. When you restore your backup, you’ll get all your data.

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ByTimothy Iyekowa
Technical Writer
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As a seasoned content writer with 5+ years of experience in consumer technology, Timothy has been a dedicated author and editor at Techvocast since its inception. Specializing in addressing user concerns, his articles offer effective solutions for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac-related issues. Timothy's expertise also extends to crafting content about social media and various applications. Through his daily articles, he consistently aids users in overcoming their technology challenges.
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