How To Reset Your iPhone To Factory Settings
Learn How To Reset Your iPhone To Factory Settings with this helpful tutorial from Zip Tutorials.
Created By: 
Zip Tutorials
Published on March 13, 2025
7 Steps
Step 1:
Back Up Your iPhone
Before resetting, ensure you don’t lose important data like photos, contacts, or messages. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then select iCloud. Tap iCloud Backup, hit Back Up Now, and wait for the process to finish. Alternatively, plug your iPhone into a computer and use iTunes or Finder to create a local backup. Verify the backup is complete before moving on, as this is your safety net.
Step 2:
Turn Off Find My iPhone
Apple requires this feature to be disabled for a full reset. Open Settings, tap your name, then select Find My. Tap Find My iPhone, toggle it off, and enter your Apple ID password when prompted. This step ensures your device isn’t locked to your account post-reset, making it ready for a clean slate or new owner.
Step 3:
Navigate to the Reset Menu
Now it’s time to locate the reset option. From the home screen, open Settings and scroll down to General. Tap it, then keep scrolling until you see Transfer or Reset iPhone near the bottom. Tap that to enter the reset options, where you’ll find the tools to wipe your device clean.
Step 4:
Choose Erase All Content and Settings
In the Transfer or Reset iPhone menu, tap Erase All Content and Settings. This is the nuclear option that wipes everything—apps, data, and customizations. You might see a prompt warning you about the consequences; just confirm you’re ready to proceed since you’ve already backed up your data.
Step 5:
Enter Your Passcode and Apple ID
For security, your iPhone will ask for verification. Type in your device passcode if you have one set. Next, you may need to enter your Apple ID password again to sign out of your account fully. This step ensures no one can reset your phone without authorization, so have your credentials handy.
Step 6:
Confirm the Reset and Wait
After entering your details, a final confirmation screen will appear. Tap Erase iPhone (it might say Erase This iPhone depending on your iOS version) to start the process. Your screen will go black, show an Apple logo with a progress bar, and take a few minutes to complete. Don’t interrupt it—just let it run until the phone restarts.
Step 7:
Set Up Your iPhone as New
Once the reset finishes, your iPhone will reboot to the Hello screen, just like when you first got it. Swipe to begin setup, choose your language and region, and connect to Wi-Fi. You can either set it up as a new device or restore from your earlier backup using iCloud or a computer. If you’re passing it on, stop here and let the new owner take over.
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