How to Reset iPhone: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Resetting your iPhone can resolve software issues, improve performance, or prepare it for sale. This guide covers all reset methods — from a simple restart to a complete factory reset — including model-specific instructions, backup tips, and advanced restore options.

1. Types of iPhone Resets

• Restart (Soft Reset): Turns your iPhone off and on without affecting data.
• Force Restart (Hard Reset): Reboots an unresponsive or frozen device.
• Reset Network Settings: Clears Wi-Fi, VPN, and Bluetooth settings without deleting data.
• Reset All Settings: Restores system settings to default while keeping personal data.
• Erase All Content and Settings (Factory Reset): Completely wipes the device and restores it to factory state.
• Recovery Mode / DFU Restore: Advanced restore methods when the device fails to boot or update.

2. Preparation Before Resetting

1. Backup Your Data
   • iCloud: Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now
   • Mac/PC: Use Finder (macOS Catalina+) or iTunes (Windows)
2. Know Your Apple ID & Password — Required if Find My iPhone is enabled.
3. Unpair Apple Watch to automatically back it up.
4. Charge Your iPhone — Keep it above 50% or plugged in during the reset.

3. How to Restart iPhone

• iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or later: Press and hold Side button + Volume Up/Down → Slide to power off → Press Side button to turn on.
• iPhone SE (1st gen), 5 or earlier: Press and hold Top button → Slide to power off → Press Top button to restart.

4. How to Force Restart iPhone

• iPhone 8 and later / SE (2nd & 3rd gen): Press Volume Up → Volume Down → Hold Side button until Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 7 & 7 Plus: Hold Side button + Volume Down until Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold Home button + Side/Top button until Apple logo appears.

5. Reset Options in Settings

Navigate to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset:

• Reset Network Settings: Fixes Wi-Fi and connection issues.
• Reset All Settings: Restores default settings without erasing apps or data.
• Other Options: Reset Home Screen Layout, Reset Keyboard Dictionary, Reset Location & Privacy.

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6. How to Factory Reset iPhone

1. Backup your iPhone.
2. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Enter your passcode and Apple ID password.
4. Wait for the device to erase and restart.

7. Recovery Mode Restore

If your iPhone won’t start:

1. Connect it to a Mac (Finder) or PC (iTunes).
2. Enter Recovery Mode using your model-specific button sequence.
3. Select Restore to erase and reinstall iOS.

8. DFU Mode Restore

• Device Firmware Update (DFU) Mode reinstalls the firmware and iOS.
• Use only if Recovery Mode fails.
• Requires precise button timing; the screen remains black during the process.

9. After Reset — Set Up iPhone

After reset, choose to:

• Restore from iCloud Backup
• Restore from Computer Backup
• Transfer from another iPhone
• Set up as a new device

10. Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues

• Erase option greyed out: Device may be managed by MDM or have a Screen Time passcode.
• Stuck on Apple logo: Use Recovery Mode or DFU restore.
• Activation Lock: Requires original Apple ID or proof of purchase.

✅ Tip: Always sign out of iCloud and disable Find My iPhone before selling or giving away your device to avoid Activation Lock problems.