How to Factory Reset iPhone Safely: Step-by-Step Guide for All Users
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Omar Haddad
- . December 30, 2025
- . Update: December 31, 2025 12:31 pm
Having the knowledge on how to factory reset iPhone devices is necessary when you are willing to sell your phone, repair software problems, or to install a clean setup. A factory reset erases all of your data, applications and settings returning your iPhone to its out of the box state. The process is not complicated, but without such steps as data backup or Find My iPhone deactivation, the loss of data may be permanently lost or the device may cease to work. The guide involves a description of the steps to follow in order to perform a safe factory reset on iPhone models, the steps to follow prior to the reset, and the process that occurs when a reset is performed.
Why You May Need to Factory Reset Your iPhone
Users are searching on how to factory reset iPhone correctly because of several reasons. A reset can fix performance issues, bugs in the software, forgotten passwords or can format the device ready to sell or trade-in. It guarantees the erasing of all personal information and the new owner should not have any problem using the phone.
What to Do Before Factory Resetting an iPhone
Preparation is essential before one knows how to factory reset iPhone. To prevent losing pictures, messages, and contacts, first, you should back up your data. Open Settings[Your Name] iCloudiCloud Backupand tap Back Up Now. It is also possible to backup in Finder or iTunes in the computer.
Then, switch off Find My iphone by tapping on your name under Settings > Find My > Find My iphone and putting off the feature using your Apple ID password. This will unlock Activation Lock and successfully restore a reset.
How to Factory Reset iPhone (Step-by-Step)
In case you are in need on knowing how to reset iPhone directly, through the phone, what you need to do is as follows:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Go down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase Everything and Settings.
- Swipe Continue and key in your passcode.
- Provide password of your Apple ID.
- Erase the erase button to start the reset.
Apple logo and a progress bar will be shown. After it is fully done, you will be greeted with the screen saying Hello, and this is confirmation that the factory reset has been completed.
What Happens After a Factory Reset
Knowledge of factory resetting of iPhone also entails knowing what will be the result. Every application, information, preferences, and connected accounts are destroyed forever. Activation Lock and Find My are not on. In case your iPhone has an eSIM, it can be erased, and this is advisable when selling, or giving it as a gift.
