Resetting your iPhone to factory resets is an excellent way to restore your phone to its original store. Often, users undertake this task to troubleshoot an issue or clear their data before handing over their phone to a new owner. Read on to discover the simple step-by-step guide for resetting your iPhone. We will also answer frequently asked questions here. 

How to Completely Factory Reset an iPhone?

Follow the below mentioned steps to factory reset your iPhone:

1. Preparation Steps

Before proceeding, back up your data on iCloud or your computer using iTunes to prevent data loss, this allows you to restore your information later if needed.

• Disabling Find My iPhone is crucial if you plan to sell or give away your device. Navigate to Settings > [Your Name]. Move to Find My > Find My iPhone. Toggle it off.
• Make sure you know your Apple ID and password, as you may need them during the reset process.

2.  Steps to Factory Reset Your iPhone

• Tap on the Settings.
• Scroll down and select General.
• Tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Tap on Erase All Content and Settings.
• Confirm your choice by tapping Continue.
• You will be prompted to enter your Apple ID password or passcode.
• Follow the prompts
• Tap on Erase iPhone when prompted. This will initiate the erasure process.
• The device will take a few minutes to erase all data and reset itself. Once done, it will restart and display the setup screen as if it were new.

How Can I Factory Reset my iPhone Without a Password?

Yes, you can reset your iPhone even if you’ve forgotten your passcode:

• Connect your iPhone to a computer via iTunes. You can also use Finder on MacOS Catalina later.
• Put your device into Recovery Mode
• For iPhone 8 and its successor, press and hold the Volume Up button. Follow the same action with the Volume Down buttons. Hold the side button until you notice the Recovery Mode screen appear.
• Locate your device in iTunes or Finder.
• Select Restore.
• Confirm by selecting Restore again.

Does Factory Resetting an iPhone Delete Everything?

Factory resetting an iPhone will erase nearly all data stored on the device, including contacts, photos, messages, and apps, restoring it to its original factory settings. However, it’s important to note that this process does not delete data stored in iCloud or iTunes backups; those remain intact and accessible unless manually deleted. Therefore, while a factory reset clears personal information from the device, any data backed up online or on a computer will still be retrievable after the reset.

Is it Safe to Factory Reset an iPhone?

Factory resetting an iPhone is generally safe, primarily to protect personal data before selling or recycling the device. The process effectively erases all user data, including personal files, apps, and settings, restoring the phone to its original factory state. This helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information, making it a crucial step for privacy protection. However, while a factory reset is designed to delete data, some experts suggest that the data may still be recoverable using advanced recovery tools, particularly if additional steps are not taken to overwrite the data securely. Therefore, for maximum security, specialized software should be used to ensure complete data destruction before parting with the device.

Can You Factory Reset a Locked Phone?

Yes, you can factory reset a locked phone. For iPhones, if you are locked out due to a forgotten passcode, you will need to use iTunes or Finder on a computer:

• Connect your iPhone to the computer.
• Put it into Recovery Mode (by pressing the appropriate button combinations for your model).
• Choose the option to restore it. 
• This will delete all data on the devices, setting it up as new. 

What are the Disadvantages of Factory Reset?

Factory resetting an iPhone has several disadvantages that users should consider before proceeding.

• Data Loss

The most significant drawback is the complete erasure of all data on the device, including photos, messages, and apps, unless a recent backup has been made. This can lead to permanent loss of important information if backups are not available.

• Potential Hardware Issues Remain

While a factory reset can address software-related problems, it does not fix underlying hardware issues. If the device has physical defects or malfunctions, these will persist despite the reset.

• Inconvenience with Services

Users may face inconveniences related to services like Apple Pay or linked devices (e.g., Apple Watch), as these must be reconfigured after the reset. This can lead to complications in restoring access to financial information or health data. 

Overall, while factory resetting can improve performance and resolve specific issues, weighing these disadvantages against the benefits is essential before deciding to proceed.

To Sum it Up!