How to Factory Reset iPhone

Reasons to factory reset your iPhone

You might need to reset your iPhone if you’ve tried updating your software but still experience problems with glitches or app crashes. Sometimes, you might also want to factory reset your phone because it has malware. Issues with your internet connection, whether cellular or Wi-Fi, can prompt a factory reset, too.

A note from our experts: 

 

Before you format your iPhone, it’s worth speaking to an expert to confirm whether this is even necessary. MacKeeper’s Premium Services team is available 24/7 and has comprehensive experience with iOS devices. They can help if you have any issues while factory resetting, along with assisting if you need to reset Apple ID password.

 

Here’s how to use the service:

1. Download MacKeeper.
2. Select Premium Services > Chat Now.
3. Tell the support team what your problem is; enter as much information as possible.

Preparation for erasing iPhone

Like when learning how to factory reset your Mac, you need to prepare before erasing your iPhone. Here are all the steps you should take:

1. Back up your data.
2. Sign out of iCloud.
3. Disable Find My iPhone.

1. Back up your data

I always back up my iPhone data before doing anything important, and it’s a good general practice to follow. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Go to Settings and select your Apple Account.
2. Select iCloud and tap iCloud Backup.
3. Choose Back Up Now.

Important: 

 

If you aren’t signed into your Apple Account, and you don’t know your login credentials, you can reset your Apple ID password.

2. Sign out of iCloud and other accounts

In addition to backing up your device, you also need to sign out of iCloud. Before doing so, make sure that you remember your Apple security questions and login details. That way, you can use your phone like normal after the reset:

1. Go to Settings > Apple Account.
2. Scroll down to the bottom and select Sign Out.

3. Disable Find My iPhone

I make sure to turn off Find My before a factory reset because it stops unauthorized people from doing this to my iPhone. Importantly, it also stops them from activating my device again and pretending it’s theirs. Here’s what to do:

1. Go to Settings > Apple Account and select Find My.
2. Tap the Find My iPhone tab.
3. Toggle Find My iPhone off.

If the tab is grayed out, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > toggle Stolen Device Protection off. Then, retry the above steps.

How to do factory reset on your iPhone

Once you’ve prepared your iPhone for a factory reset, you can easily perform this from your device. Do the following:

1. Go to Settings > General.
2. Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Continue through the on-screen instructions.
5. Enter your passcode and wait for the factory reset to be completed.

Other ways to factory reset iPhone

I recommend factory resetting from your iPhone because it’s by far the easiest way. However, you have other options if needed:

• Reset using iTunes or Finder.
• Erase via Recovery Mode.
• Format via iCloud.

1. Reset using iTunes or Finder

If you couldn’t erase your iPhone via the device itself, I recommend instead using Finder as the next easiest option (if you use macOS Catalina or later). You’ll need to use iTunes if you use an operating system earlier than Catalina.

First, let’s look at how to reset via Finder:

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac via a USB cable.
2. Allow your smartphone to trust your computer by unlocking it and entering your passcode.
3. Open Finder.
4. Select your iPhone on the left-hand side.
5. Click on Restore iPhone.

If you need to use iTunes, follow these steps instead:

1. Open iTunes.
2. Connect your iPhone.
3. Click on the phone icon and select Restore iPhone. The button looks identical to Finder.

2. Erase via Recovery Mode

I don’t recommend using Recovery Mode unless you absolutely have to because the process is a bit longer. Nonetheless, it’s an option; how you do so will depend on whether you have Face ID or a Home Button.

If your iPhone has Face ID:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Quickly tap the volume up/down buttons.
3. Hold the side button.
4. Click on Restore when the option appears on your computer.

For iPhones with a Home Button, you can follow these steps to force restart and restore your device.

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Simultaneously hold the volume down button and the standby button.
3. Click on Restore after your phone has reconnected to the computer.

3. Format via iCloud

If your device is lost, or you can’t unlock it, I recommend formatting via iCloud. You can erase it via Find My iPhone. Here’s how:

1. Sign into the iCloud website.
2. Select Find My.
3. Choose your iPhone from your list of devices.
4. Click on Erase This Device.

What to do after resetting your iPhone

Restore your most recent backup by following these steps:

1. On your iPhone’s screen, select From iCloud Backup under Transfer Your Apps & Data.
2. Sign into iCloud on your device.
3. Pick your preferred backup.
4. Sign in with your Apple ID (if asked) and wait for the restoration.

Factory reset your iPhone with ease

I recommend resetting your iPhone from your device, but it’s also possible to do so from your computer if needed. Before doing so, make sure that you’ve backed up your phone to avoid any complications.

If you get stuck or want to ensure that you’re making the right decision, you can always contact MacKeeper’s Premium Services. The team is available 24/7.