How to Factory Reset iPhone Properly with 7 Best Options

Can an iPhone restore to factory settings? My mom gifted me a new iPhone and said I should give the old one to my younger brother. Thus, I want to restore it first to factory settings. This way, all my traces will be removed from the device, and he can use it like it is new. I hope someone can list the procedures I must do to restore the iPhone correctly.

Restoring an iPhone to factory settings means erasing all its content and settings, making it seem new. The device will be like when you first purchased it, and you will no longer see any trace of how you've used it beforehand. Thus, restoring the device to factory settings is very effective if you plan to sell or give the iPhone away. Or even if you only want to clean it.

However, doing this is a risk since an issue could occur at any time. Hence, we prepared the official and professional techniques for restoring an iPhone to factory settings. By diving into the information below, you will know the proper steps to do restoration strategies correctly. You will be guided through the safe process, so be at ease and rely on the directions now.

Part 1. If I Factory Reset My iPhone What Happens

Performing a factory reset on an iPhone permanently removes all personal content—including photos, messages, app data, and stored payment information—and resets all settings to the original factory state. While eSIM profiles can be kept or removed during the process, this action is irreversible without a previous backup. It is commonly used before selling, trading in, or troubleshooting a device.

Part 2. What to Do Before iPhone Factory Reset

1: Complete a Full Backup

iCloud Backup: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. Ensure you are connected to Wi-Fi and have sufficient iCloud storage.

Computer Backup (Recommended for security): Connect your iPhone to a computer using a cable. Use Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes to create an encrypted backup. This preserves passwords, Health, and other sensitive data.

2: Sign Out of Your Apple ID & iCloud

Navigate to Settings > [Your Name]. Scroll to the bottom and tap Sign Out. This is crucial to disable Activation Lock if you are selling, trading, or giving away the device.

3: Manage Connected Devices & Services

Unpair Apple Watch: Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to the My Watch tab, tap your watch, then tap the info icon (i), and select Unpair Apple Watch.

Remove from Bluetooth: Disconnect other paired devices like AirPods in Settings > Bluetooth.

Remove Payment Methods: Delete stored cards in Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay.

4: Handle Your eSIM & Cellular Plan

If your iPhone uses an eSIM, contact your carrier before resetting to discuss options for transferring, deactivating, or preserving the cellular plan.

5: Document Important Information

Manually note or screenshot items that may not be included in your backup, such as: Wi-Fi passwords, 2FA recovery codes from authenticator apps, important notes or files stored only locally

Part 3. How to Factory Reset iPhone via The Settings App

Whenever you modify the operations on your iPhone, it is almost always done on the Settings app. It is the same way when restoring an iPhone to factory settings. By navigating the Settings interface, you will be able to perform your goal through the reset options. It is the official technique if you desire to erase everything on the iPhone, including the media files, apps, other data types, and settings. Hence, the process should be straightforward and quick, letting you enjoy the improved and newly restored iPhone sooner.

Stick to the comfortable instructions below to master how to restore factory settings on iPhone Settings app:

Step 1Locate your Settings icon on the iPhone Home screen and tap it to view the app interface. Afterward, open the General tab and scroll through the options until the lowest area for the Transfer or Reset iPhone option is shown.

Step 2Tap it, and when the reset selections appear, tick the Erase All Content and Settings tab. Then, tap Continue and proceed with the further options accordingly. When the reset process finishes, your iPhone will restart and be restored to factory settings.

Part 4. Factory Reset iPhone Using FoneLab iPhone Cleaner

Another way to restore your iPhone to factory settings is through a professional cleaning tool like FoneLab iPhone Cleaner. This program easily cleans your device by erasing unwanted files, junk, and apps. In the same way, it also eliminates all your device content and settings if you desire to restore the iPhone to factory settings. Meanwhile, you can guarantee this program is the safest you will ever discover, as it offers the most security among the cleaning programs we have tested. It also supports many devices besides an iPhone.

Moreover, FoneLab iPhone Cleaner is trustworthy regarding data deletion. If you intend to delete only a few data but don’t want to erase everything, its other features will be helpful to you. For instance, it offers a Free up Space feature that allows you to erase junk files, uninstall apps, delete large files, and clean up photos from the iPhone. Then, trust the program to eliminate them permanently, preventing others from seeing your erased data.

Identify the safe directions underneath as a sample of how to restore an iPhone to factory settings with FoneLab iPhone Cleaner:

Step 1Find the official FoneLab iPhone Cleaner site through your browser for the Free Download tab to materialize on its page. Once found, click it, and the files will automatically be saved to your computer’s Downloads folder. Access it from there to quickly manage the installation, taking only a few seconds. When ready, start the cleaner to run on the desktop.

Step 2The cleaner’s initial interface will require a USB cable to attach the iPhone to the computer. This way, the program can acknowledge your device and read its content. Then, proceed to the Erase All Data option in the interface’s left pane to view the device deletion option section. Next, pick your preferred security level on the upper section of the screen.

Step 3Every level’s description will be shown underneath accordingly, so read attentively. Once ready, tick the Start tab and ensure the Find My feature is deactivated on your iPhone. Finally, enter 0000 in the text field on the following interface and click the Erase tab to restore your iPhone to factory settings.

Part 5. How to Reset iPhone to Factory Settings through iTunes/Apple Devices/Finder

Navigating iTunes, Apple Devices or Finder on your computer can also help restore your iPhone to factory settings. The iTunes program will be available if your computer runs Windows or an older macOS version. Meanwhile, use Finder if it’s running a later macOS. Like the prior methods, restoring your iPhone through either of these programs is not complex, and you can finish the process within a short time. A USB cable is only required for device connection.

Mimic the painless process below to determine how to restore iPhone to factory settings through iTunes, Apple Devices or Finder:

Step 1Open your computer's supported or available program (iTunes, Apple Devices or Finder), then use a lightning cable to attach your iPhone to it. When the program detects the iPhone, your device name will display on the interface, so click it to view its options and content.

Step 2Under the General section is your software information, and the Check for Update and Restore iPhone tabs are below. Choose the Restore iPhone button, then click Restore on the pop-up dialogue to confirm your device's restoration to factory settings.

If you have noticed, this and the Part 1 methods only offer basic restoration techniques. Thus, if you prefer an advanced strategy with additional features and advantages, the Part 2 procedure is highly recommended, as it provides more cleaning features for your iPhone.

Part 6. How to Factory Reset iPhone without Password or Computer with iCloud

If you prefer a method to factory reset iPhone without passcode, iCloud is your choice. It enables you to manage your device remotely, so you can use it to do a factory reset on iPhone via erasing feature.

You can access iCloud on its official webpage, and you can also find it on Find My app on other Apple devices with the same Apple ID.

Go to the Find My app or iCloud webpage and choose Find My feature. Choose the iPhone you want to factory reset from the list. And then click the Erase iPhone button. You will be asked to confirm that you want to do it.

There are times you cannot remember the lock screen passcode or Apple ID password but want to factory reset your iPhone for certain reasons. Here we will show you 2 methods to factory reset an iPhone to factory resettings without password.

Part 7. How to Factory Reset iPhone with Buttons in Recovery Mode

Recovery mode is a repair feature for Apple users to solve most issues on their devices without further specific operations. You can use it directly even you have no idea about what happens on your device and it will complete remove the error.

For people who want to factory reset iPhone, recovery mode is suitable as it will also remove all data and settings from iPhone. Can't wait to get the instructions? Move on.

Step 1Turn off your iPhone with Power button, or also Volume down button for iPhone with Face ID.

Step 2Plug your iPhone into computer with USB cable, then put iPhone into recovery.

For iPhone 8 and later: Hold the Power button until you see the recovery mode screen.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Hold the Volume down button until you see the recovery mode screen.

For iPhone 6s and earlier: Hold the Home button until you see the recovery mode screen.

Step 3You need to choose Restore button when it pops up on your computer screen.

Part 8. How Do You Factory Reset an iPhone with Forgot Passcode Option

If you have iPhone running iOS 15.2 and later, you can see an option called Forgot Passcode on the bottom corner of the screen. With it, you can use your Apple ID and password to reset your iPhone to factory settings and re-access it easily.

Step 1Tap the Forgot Passcode on iPhone screen, then tap Start iPhone Reset.

Step 2You will be asked to enter Apple ID and password, tap Erase iPhone. You can choose Delete eSIM and Erase Data if you don't use it anymore.

What if you want to factory reset iPhone without passcode or iTunes? Move on.

Part 9. How to Factory Reset an iPhone Using FoneLab iOS Unlocker

FoneLab iOS Unlocker is a powerful third-party tool on computer to help you access your locked iPhone within a few clicks. No matter you forgot iPhone lock screen passcode, Apple ID password, screen time password, or you want to bypss iCloud activation lock, SIM lock, MDM and more, it will be a wonderful choice you should not miss.

Without complicated steps, it makes you understand how to use it quickly. And it won't require propfessional skills. Please move to the demonstration on how to use it.

Step 1Download and install the program on computer. Plug iPhone into computer.

Step 2Choose a feature from the main interface. Click Start Now button to move on.

Step 3You need to enter iPhone recovery mode.

Step 4Follow the on-screen steps to finish the procedure, it will begin to factory reset your iPhone in minutes.

It is not difficult to factory reset a locked iPhone using the right tool. As you can see, FoneLab iOS Unlocker must not make you down. Why not download and have a try now!

Part 10. Comparison of iPhone Factory Reset Methods

Part 11. FAQs about How to Do a Factory Reset on iPhone

Restoring the iPhone to factory settings will cause you to lose all your device content, as mentioned above. Thus, consider it carefully before proceeding with the process, or use a program like FoneLab iPhone Cleaner instead if your goal is to clean.