How to Factory Reset Your iPhone (Erase All Content)

A factory reset erases everything on your iPhone — every photo, app, contact, message, and setting — and returns it to the state it was in when it first came out of the box. This is the right step to take before selling your phone, giving it to a family member, or when a serious software problem cannot be fixed any other way.

Before doing anything else, back up your phone. This is the most important step. If you reset without a backup and then change your mind, your data is gone permanently and cannot be recovered. To back up to iCloud, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud, then iCloud Backup, and tap "Back Up Now." Wait for it to finish completely. Alternatively, you can back up to a Mac or PC using a USB cable and Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows).

Next, sign out of your Apple ID. This step is critical if you are selling or giving away the phone — it removes Activation Lock, which prevents the next owner from using the device. Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, scroll all the way down, and tap "Sign Out." You will be asked to enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

Now you are ready to erase. Go to Settings, tap "General," then scroll down and tap "Transfer or Reset iPhone." Tap "Erase All Content and Settings." The phone will ask you to enter your passcode, then confirm the action. The process takes a few minutes. When it is done, the phone shows the "Hello" screen as if it came fresh from the factory.

If you are setting the phone up for yourself, you can restore from your iCloud backup during the setup process. If you are passing the phone on to someone else, leave it at the "Hello" screen so the new owner can set it up fresh with their own Apple ID.

One important note: iPhones with iOS 15.2 or later have an easier path. If the phone is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi, you can also erase it from iCloud.com using any web browser if needed.