Personal information can remain on a device after you stop using it. A factory reset erases an iPhone or iPad's content and settings for a fresh start.
Erasing removes locally stored apps, photos, files, and settings. A completed backup gives you a way to restore the information it contains later, while content already stored in iCloud stays in iCloud when you erase the device. Manually deleting synced photos or contacts instead can delete them from iCloud and your other devices too.
The Settings method requires a device you can unlock and its passcode. An Apple Account password may also be requested to turn off Find My and Activation Lock during erasure; turning off Find My separately is not a prerequisite for starting this reset. After erasing, the device returns to the Hello setup screen, ready for a new setup or restoration from a backup.
Steps to factory reset iPhone or iPad:
- Finish a backup of the information you want to keep.
A factory reset deletes the content and settings on this device. Information that is neither backed up nor synced elsewhere may be lost permanently.
You can back up to iCloud, a Mac, or a PC. For a device being sold or given away, Apple's preparation checklist also covers paired Apple Watches and account sign-out.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
If you cannot unlock the device, Apple's forgotten-passcode reset instructions describe the separate options for a locked iPhone or iPad.
- Tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone on an iPhone, or Transfer or Reset iPad on an iPad, near the bottom of the list.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
Reset offers settings-only resets that leave personal content on the device; it does not perform this full erase.
- Tap Continue on the Erase This iPhone or Erase This iPad screen once the listed items look right.
The items and sizes listed depend on what is on your device, and a signed-in device also lists your Apple Account.
The erase confirmation removes the device's data. Deleting an eSIM as well may require your carrier to reactivate your cellular plan.
- Choose the erase option for your device.
On a device with an eSIM, Keep eSIM and Erase Data retains the cellular plan for your own continued use; Delete eSIM and Erase Data removes it as well. Apple recommends deleting the eSIM when selling the device. A device without an eSIM may show Erase iPhone or Erase iPad instead.
- Enter your passcode and Apple Account password if asked, waiting for any pending backup to finish.
- Wait for the Hello setup screen to appear after the device restarts.
An Apple logo alone means the device is still erasing. If the device is going to a new owner, leave it at this screen; if you are keeping it, setup offers a fresh start or restoration from a backup.