Performing a factory reset is your weapon of choice when you encounter constant problems with your iPhone, or you need to prepare it for resale or donation. During this procedure, every such thing as data, settings, applications will be erased and finally the iPhone will be in the state as it was coming out of the box. Still, it is of great significance to grasp the concept of the factory reset, how to plan beforehand, and what the steps are that should be followed for a smooth, successful reset process. Below we are going to guide you through all the steps that you should take when factory resetting your iPhone.
What is a Factory Reset?
A factory reset, which is also called a hard reset or a master reset, is a computer strategy that removes all personal information, settings, and applications from an iPhone by restoring it to its factory default system. Consequently, your device will look and be like you first bought it, without any data of yours or any changes, you might have made.
The Salvation of the Factory Reset, Would it Be?
A few possible reasons why one would be prompted to factory reset their iPhone could be the following:
- Resolving Persistent Issues: Whether your iPhone is hitting frequent crashes, hangs, or other software-related issues, a factory reset is a great tool to bring things back to normal by getting rid of the corrupted data and settings.
- Preparing for Resale or Donation: Before you sell, donate, or give away your iPhone, perform a factory reset to make sure that all your personal data is gone and, thus, protect your privacy.
- Starting Fresh: There are times when you might feel like starting over from scratch,mainly if your iPhone has gotten too stuffed with apps, files, and settings that are not being used.
- Troubleshooting Major Errors: When the boot loop, not turning on, or any other serious error is the problem leading to your iPhone devices, a factory reset will be your lifesaver, being the only option when nothing else helps.
What’s Erased During a Factory Reset?
Before you do a factory reset, you should know exactly what data and settings will be deleted from your iPhone. Below is a list of the data and settings that are to be removed:
- All Passwords and Security Settings: The list includes Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, as well as any other security-related configurations.
- Personal Messages, Emails, and Photos: All your text messages, iMessages sent and received, emails, and photos stored on the device.
- Installed Apps and Their Data: Any apps you’ve downloaded, accompanied by their data (e.g., game progress, app settings), will be wiped.
- Privacy Settings, Face ID, and Touch ID Data: Your biometric data (Face ID or Touch ID) and privacy settings will be completely cleared.
- System Settings and Preferences: All the customizations you have made to your iPhone’s settings, such as display brightness, sound settings, are the very first to go after the wipe, as well as accessibility options.
How to Prepare for A Factory Reset?
Prior to performing a factory reset, you must, first of all, take some preparatory measures to ensure that you do not lose any important data.
1. Back Up Your Data
The step which is considered as the most important of all is to back up your data before a factory reset. You are allowed to back up your iPhone to iCloud or to a computer using iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
Backing Up to iCloud:
- Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now and wait for the process to complete.
Backing Up to a Computer:
- Connect your iPhone to the computer by the USB cable.
- Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
- Select your device and click Back Up Now.
2. Check iCloud Storage
Make sure that you have enough iCloud storage to complete the backup. If necessary, you can either buy additional storage through Apple or remove unnecessary data (like photos) from an iCloud account.
3. Charge Your iPhone
The only thing that you must pay attention to is keeping your iPhone charged with battery life being not less than 50% the entire time or being plugged in during the reset process, so that there are no interruptions.
4. Remove Your iPhone from Your Apple ID
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Steps to Factory Reset Your iPhone
Once you’ve placed the duplicated data in a different location as a backup and conducted the preparatory measures, you can proceed to the factory reset of your iPhone. Here’s how to do it:
- Step 1: Open Settings
- “Open the settings app of your iPhone.” This is also the correct approach for you to take now.
- Step 2: Go to General
- After your iOS screen loads, the first step that you perform is to scroll and tap on General.
- Step 3: Select Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap on the bottom of the General menu where the option of Transfer or Reset iPhone is.
- Step 4: Choose Erase All Content and Settings
- “Tap on Erase All Content and Settings, and if asked, enter your passcode or Apple Id to proceed.”
- Step 5: Confirm the Reset
- Go ahead and click Erase iPhone to start the process. Press the shutter of your iPhone. Then the device will restart and begin removing all data. It will depend on the amount of data your device has, how long this process takes.
What to Do After the Reset
Once the factory reset has finished and the iPhone has restarted, you’ll be shown the initial setup screen which will lead you to the following options:
1. Set Up as New
Set up the iPhone as a new one only if you are the one who will be using the phone. This is a perfect choice in case you need a fresh start without bringing back ignored old material.
2. Restore from Backup
Provided you did the backup job, you are able to recover it by choosing the appropriate backup as applicable. Follow the instruction panels step by step and then enter your Apple ID and pick up the desired backup for recovery.
3. Remove from Apple ID (If Selling or Donating)
In case you are selling or giving away your iPhone, you should first see to it that it is no longer under ‘Find my iPhone’ through your Apple ID account. The Steps are as follows: Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone > switch it off. Finally, you can log out of your Apple ID.
Tips for a Smooth Factory Reset
These guidelines should be followed in order to clear the factory reset:
- Back Up First: Always back up your data to iCloud or a computer before resetting. This ensures you don’t lose any important information.
- Check iCloud Storage: Make sure you have enough iCloud storage for your backup. If not, consider upgrading your storage plan.
- Charge Your iPhone: Ensure your iPhone has sufficient battery life or is plugged in during the reset process to avoid interruptions.
- Remove SIM Card: If you’re selling or donating your iPhone, consider removing the SIM card to protect your personal information.
- Double-Check Data Removal: After the reset, verify that all your personal data has been erased by going through the setup process without restoring a backup.
Conclusion
Factory reset is a very powerful tool that can get you out of the trouble with your iPhone, which is when you can do a thorough check-up on it or start over just like a new iPhone. Just stick to the instructions written in this guide to ensure a well-functioning reset process. Don’t forget to save your files, check your iCloud data, and make sure your iPhone is fully charged before resetting. A factory reset is an ultimate solution when you experience problems or want to hand over your device to someone else because it makes your iPhone fresh as new.
If you’re seeking for more iPhone tips, you might want to go through our guides on how to back up your iPhone, without addressing the cache issue or force restart your device. Happy resetting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will a factory reset remove the iOS version?
No, a factory reset will not remove or downgrade the iOS version installed on your iPhone. It only deletes your data and settings.
2. Can I recover data after a factory reset?
When you make a factory reset, the data is permanently deleted, and if you didn’t make a backup, you cannot recover it.
3. Does a factory reset remove iCloud activation lock?
No, a factory reset does not remove the iCloud activation lock. You will have to sign out of your Apple ID before resetting it, deleting the lock.
4. How long does a factory reset take?
The time required to restore the factory settings of an iPhone directly depends on the amount of data on the device. Usually, it takes between 5 and 15 minutes.