How to Restore an iPhone

Co-authored by Gonzalo Martinez

Last Updated: April 9, 2021 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to erase all the data on your iPhone and reset it to the same condition it was in when it left the factory.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Your iPhone

It's a gray app with gears (⚙️) that's typically located on your home screen.
2
Tap your Apple ID. It's the section at the top of the menu that contains your name and image if you've added one.
- If you are not signed in, tap Sign in to your iPhone , enter your Apple ID and password, then tap Sign In .
- If you are running an older version of iOS, you may not need to do this step.
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It's in the second section of the menu.
4
Scroll down and tap iCloud Backup . It's at the bottom of the "APPS USING ICLOUD" section.
- Slide iCloud Backup to the "On" (green) position, if it's not already.
5
Tap Back Up Now . It's at the bottom of the screen. Wait until the backup is complete.
- You must be connected to a Wi-Fi network to back up your iPhone.
It's in the upper-left corner of the screen. This will return you to the iCloud settings page.
It's in the upper-left corner of the screen. This will return you to your Apple ID settings page.
It's in the upper-left corner of the screen. This will return you to the main settings page.
It's near the top of the menu, next to a gear (⚙️) icon.
It's at the bottom of the menu.
It's near the top of the menu. ^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Gonzalo Martinez
Computer & Phone Repair Specialist

Expert Interview. 30 March 2021}
12
Enter your passcode. Enter the passcode you use to unlock your phone.
- If prompted, enter your "Restrictions" passcode.
Doing so will reset all settings, as well as erase the media and data on your iPhone.
The set-up assistant will guide you through the process.
Your iPhone will begin downloading the backup from iCloud. After it's restored, your settings and apps will be reinstalled.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using iTunes

1
Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes.
- Windows - Click on Help then click on Check for Updates .
- Mac OS - Click on iTunes then click on Check for Updates .
Use the USB cable that came with the device.
Do so if it doesn't launch automatically.
4
Click on your iPhone's icon. It will be in the bar at the top of the window.
- If your iPhone isn't detected, you may need to put it into Recovery mode. Disconnect the iPhone, power it down, press and hold the Home button, and then connect it to the computer. Continue holding the Home button until the "Connect to iTunes" message appears. You will be prompted to restore the iPhone.
Doing so saves a backup of your iPhone to your computer.
It's in the right pane.
This confirms that you want to restore your iPhone.
This may take several minutes.
9
Click on Restore from this backup . Doing so restores the backup you created earlier. This will reinstall your apps and restore your settings.
- If you want to set up your device as if it was new, tap Setup as new iPhone .
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Question

How do I reset my iPhone to factory settings?

Gonzalo Martinez
Computer & Phone Repair Specialist
Gonzalo Martinez is the President of CleverTech, a tech repair business in San Jose, California founded in 2014. CleverTech LLC specializes in repairing Apple products. CleverTech pursues environmental responsibility by recycling aluminum, display assemblies, and the micro components on motherboards to reuse for future repairs. On average, they save 2 lbs - 3 lbs more electronic waste daily than the average computer repair store.

Gonzalo Martinez

Computer & Phone Repair Specialist

Expert Answer

You can either go into the Settings menu on your phone or restore it remotely from the iCloud website.

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Question

My old photos from my iPhone galley cannot be sent to anyone and are getting blurry. I can't even transfer them to my laptop. What can I do?

Community Answer

Check your storage! If it's low, try deleting some things. Go into Settings and click "iCloud", then go to Photo Library and click the "Optimize Storage" option. Reset your iPhone and try again.

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Question

Why does my iPhone take so long to restore after choosing "Restore iPhone"?

Community Answer

The restoration process is long, so you just have to be patient.

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Gonzalo Martinez
Computer & Phone Repair Specialist

How to Restore an iPhone

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Using Your iPhone

Using iTunes

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