How to Reset an iPhone: Detailed Approaches

Lisa OuPosted by Lisa Ou / January 26, 2026 07:00

Good day! How do I reset my iPhone? A while ago, my friend suggested it to me. The reason is that I told her that I have been experiencing weird issues on my iPhone. However, she was in a hurry and did not have the chance to teach me how to perform it. Please help me learn how to reset my iPhone. Thank you in advance!

There are various ways to reset your iPhone. You might be in a serious situation if you perform one of them, which is not the one you need for your Apple product. This post will show you guide you through the 3 reset iPhone procedures. See them by scrolling below.

iPhone Reset: Detailed Approaches
Guide

Guide List

Part 1. What Happens When You Reset Your iPhone

You might wonder what happens when you reset your iPhone. Actually, the result of the resetting procedure depends on which reset procedure you perform. Three reset procedures can be obtained on your iPhone. It includes Soft Reset, Hard Reset, and Factory Reset.

The reset modes have different results after being executed on your iPhone. However, the Factory Reset mode is the most crucial. It will delete all the stored data and settings on the Apple product mentioned. In contrast, Soft Reset and Hard Reset will retain your data before, during, and after their procedures.

Feature Soft Reset (Restart) Hard Reset (Force Restart) Factory Reset (Erase All Content & Settings)
What It Does Normal restart/shutdown of the iPhone Forces the iPhone to restart when frozen/unresponsive Completely erases all data & settings, returning iPhone to out-of-box state
Data Loss No data loss No data loss Complete data loss (everything erased)
Process Normal power off using buttons or Settings Specific button combination (varies by model) Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content & Settings
Time Required 30-60 seconds 10-30 seconds 5-30 minutes (depends on data amount)
FoneLab iPhone Cleaner
FoneLab iPhone Cleaner

FoneLab iPhone Cleaner is the best iOS data cleaner which can easily erase all contents and settings or specific data on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

  • Clean unwanted data from iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
  • Erase data quickly with one-time overwriting, which can save you time for plenty of data files.
  • It is safe and easy to use.

Part 2. How to Reset an iPhone on Settings App

The information above about the reset iPhone procedures is only a bit of the important ones. In this section, we fully understand their procedures and other functionalities. Please see them as you browse their list below.

Factory Reset iPhone

Factory Reset is the last reset mode you need to know. It is the most different reset procedure. It will delete all the stored data on the iPhone, requiring a built-in app to be executed. See how to perform it below.

Open the Settings application. Then, choose the General button and tap the Transfer or Reset iPhone button. Afterward, tap the Erase All Content and Settings section on the screen. Complete the verification process and follow the onscreen instructions.

factory reset iphone

As you can see, there are different resetting options, please check their features below.

Reset All Settings - Resets all system settings to factory defaults (including network, keyboard, location, privacy, and Apple Pay cards). No personal data or media is deleted.

Reset Network Settings - Erases all network configurations (Wi-Fi, cellular, VPN), resets device name to "iPhone," removes trusted certificates, and turns off cellular data roaming. Wi-Fi cycles off/on, disconnecting current connections.

Delete All eSIMs - Permanently removes all eSIM profiles from the device. Cellular service must be set up again with a new eSIM or physical SIM.

Reset Keyboard Dictionary - Only deletes custom words you've added by rejecting autocorrect suggestions; doesn't affect standard dictionary.

Reset Handwriting Style - Restores handwriting preferences to original default settings.

Reset Home Screen Layout - Returns pre-installed apps to their original Home Screen arrangement.

Reset Location & Privacy - Restores location services and privacy permissions to their default state.

Soft Reset iPhone

The Soft Reset mode on the iPhone is the most common technique among the 3 as it also means simply restarting your iPhone. It is often used to fix minor malfunctions on your iPhone, including glitches and bugs in the application or system. In addition, it differs from the 2 reset modes in that it requires you to toggle a slider during the procedures. If you ask: How do I reset my iPhone without losing everything? Soft Reset is the procedure you may use because it will not delete your iPhone data.

Moreover, the procedure mentioned can be executed in 3 ways, depending on your iPhone's model. We list their procedures and differences below.

Soft Reset iPhone Without The Home Button:

Please press and hold the Volume button. Alternatively, you can hold the Side button until you see the Power-off Slider button on the iPhone screen. Then, toggle it to turn off the iPhone for 30 seconds. After that, turn on your iPhone. To do that, please press the Side button and wait until the Apple Logo screen is shown on the iPhone.

soft reset iphone without home button
FoneLab iPhone Cleaner
FoneLab iPhone Cleaner

FoneLab iPhone Cleaner is the best iOS data cleaner which can easily erase all contents and settings or specific data on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

  • Clean unwanted data from iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
  • Erase data quickly with one-time overwriting, which can save you time for plenty of data files.
  • It is safe and easy to use.

Soft Reset iPhone With The Home and Side Buttons:

Start the process by holding down the Side button until the Power-off Slider button appears on the iPhone display. After that, toggle it to give the iPhone a 30-second power down. Turn on your iPhone after that. To accomplish that, press and hold the Side button until the iPhone screen displays the Apple Logo screen.

soft reset iphone with side home buttons

Soft Reset iPhone With The Home and Top Buttons:

Hold the Top button until the Power-off Slider button shows on the iPhone screen. After that, toggle it to power down the iPhone for 30 seconds. Next, turn on your iPhone. To do so, press and hold the Top button on your iPhone until you see the Apple Logo section on the screen.

soft reset iphone with top and home buttons

Hard Reset iPhone

Hard Reset and Soft Reset are almost the same in terms of their results. Their only difference is that in Hard Reset, you do not need to wait for a Power-off Slider to appear on your screen and toggle it. The buttons will forcibly restart your iPhone. It is commonly used for lagging and crashing issues on your iPhones.

There are different ways to Hard Reset iPhones, depending on the model. Please follow the corresponding procedures below.

Hard Reset iPhone Without A Home Button, and 7, 8, or iPhone SE (2nd generation):

Please press the Volume Up button on your iPhone and quickly release it. Please do the same procedure on the Volume Down button. Finally, push the Side button until the Apple Logo appears on the iPhone.

hard reset iphone without home button
FoneLab iPhone Cleaner
FoneLab iPhone Cleaner

FoneLab iPhone Cleaner is the best iOS data cleaner which can easily erase all contents and settings or specific data on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

  • Clean unwanted data from iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
  • Erase data quickly with one-time overwriting, which can save you time for plenty of data files.
  • It is safe and easy to use.

Hard Reset iPhone 6s or iPhone SE (1st generation):

Press the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons on the right of the iPhone. Please hold the buttons until you see the Apple Logo screen. Then, wait for the iPhone to turn on.

hard reset iphone with home button

Part 3. How to Reset iPhone without Passcode and Computer through iCloud

You can also reset your iPhone remotely using iCloud. This method requires an internet connection and that Find My was previously enabled on the device. It allows you to erase the device without a direct physical connection.

To do this, open the Find My app on another Apple device signed in with the same Apple ID, or go to iCloud.com/find in any web browser. Select your iPhone from the device list and choose Erase iPhone.

Part 4. How to Reset iPhone via iTunes/Finder/Apple Devices

If you prefer using your computer, you can restore and reset your iPhone with a local application like iTunes (earlier Windows and Mac), Apple Devices (Windows), or Finder (Mac).

Simply connect your iPhone to the computer via USB, launch the application, select your device, and click Restore iPhone. This will wipe your device and install the latest iOS. You can also restore your device from a backup file if available.

Part 5. How to Completely Reset iPhone with FoneLab iPhone Cleaner

Alternatively, you can use FoneLab iPhone Cleaner to factory reset your iPhone if you want to erase your iPhone completely. You only need to use its Erase All Data feature. Before using this tool, it is recommended that you back up your iPhone data if you have essential data. After the procedure, the deleted data cannot be retrieved. Please imitate the detailed steps on how to use the tool.

FoneLab iPhone Cleaner
FoneLab iPhone Cleaner

FoneLab iPhone Cleaner is the best iOS data cleaner which can easily erase all contents and settings or specific data on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

  • Clean unwanted data from iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
  • Erase data quickly with one-time overwriting, which can save you time for plenty of data files.
  • It is safe and easy to use.

Step 1Tick the Free Download button to download the software to your computer. Then, set it up and install it to continue. Later, grab the USB cable and use it to plug your iPhone into the computer. Then, you must see the iPhone name at the top left of the main interface.

plug iphone into computer

Step 2Click the Erase All Data button on the left. Then, select a security level and tick the Start button to continue. Follow the onscreen instructions afterward.

choose security level

Step 3The tool will require you to confirm the procedure. Enter the 0000 code on the box and click the Erase button to confirm the procedure.

confirm erasing data
FoneLab iPhone Cleaner
FoneLab iPhone Cleaner

FoneLab iPhone Cleaner is the best iOS data cleaner which can easily erase all contents and settings or specific data on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

  • Clean unwanted data from iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
  • Erase data quickly with one-time overwriting, which can save you time for plenty of data files.
  • It is safe and easy to use.

Part 6. How to Reset iPhone with Buttons in Recovery Mode

When an iPhone’s touchscreen is unresponsive, a button-based reset is necessary. This is done by entering Recovery Mode, a built-in repair state. The steps below guide you through entering Recovery Mode to restore your device.

Step 1The button sequence to enter Recovery Mode varies by iPhone model. Hold the correct buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen (showing a cable pointing to a computer icon).

iPhone Model Steps to Enter Recovery Mode
iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd/3rd gen), and later 1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Then, press and hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus Press and hold both the Side (or Top) button and the Volume Down button simultaneously until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st gen), and earlier Press and hold both the Home button and the Side (or Top) button simultaneously until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

Step 2On your computer, a dialog will appear giving you the option to Update or Restore your iPhone.

Step 3Choose Restore. This will erase all data and settings on your iPhone and install the latest version of iOS. Proceed if the update fails or if you intend to wipe the device.

FoneLab iOS Unlocker
FoneLab iOS Unlocker

FoneLab Helps you unlock iPhone screen, Removes Apple ID or its password, Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

  • Helps you unlock iPhone screen.
  • Removes Apple ID or its password.
  • Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

Part 7. How to Reset Your iPhone When Locked with FoneLab iOS Unlocker

Is a locked iPhone impossible to reset? Not necessarily. Tools such as FoneLab iOS Unlocker can remove the lock screen to regain access. It supports several common lock scenarios: forgotten passcodes, Apple ID activation locks, MDM restrictions, and Screen Time passcodes. Follow the instructions below to proceed.

Step 1Download and Install: Download the official version of the tool from its website and install it on your computer (Windows or Mac).

unlock interface

Step 2Connect Your iPhone: Use a compatible USB cable to connect your locked iPhone to the computer. Launch the tool.

Step 3Select Unlock Mode: The main interface will typically display different unlock options. Choose the function that matches your lock type, like Bypass iCloud Activation Lock, Unlock iOS Screen, etc.

Step 4Follow the detailed on-screen instructions to finish the process.

Part 8. FAQs about How to Reset An iPhone

Method Primary Use Requires Computer / Internet Requires Passcode Risk / Note
Settings App Reset Normal reset (in-system) No / No Yes Safest official way
iCloud Remote Reset Erase lost/broken device remotely No / Yes No (needs Apple ID) Must have "Find My" on
iTunes/Apple Devices/Finder Reset Full restore via computer Yes / For iOS download Sometimes Official recovery with backup option
Recovery Mode Reset Fix unresponsive/failed iPhone Yes / For iOS download No Hardware button method, last resort
FoneLab iPhone Cleaner Deep clean before selling Yes / For software Preferably Third-party, for privacy wiping
FoneLab iOS Unlocker Locked Device Yes / For software No Third-party, data loss unavoidable

Part 9. FAQs about How to Reset An iPhone

How do you factory reset the locked iPhone?

You can access your iPhone Settings app. You can use iTunes, Apple Devices or Finder to restore the iPhone backup, unlock it, and perform the Factory Reset process. Alternatively, you can use FoneLab iOS Unlocker if locked.

Is it good to reset your iPhone?

It is good to reset your iPhone in moderation and appropriately with the functions mentioned on the Apple device. We are glad you read this post because it explains all the information about the reset iPhone processes.

In conclusion, this post will help you how to reset your iPhone. It explains the rest modes that the iPhone contains. In addition, FoneLab iPhone Cleaner is also posted in this article as an alternative to the Factory Reset procedure for your iPhone. Do you have more questions about the topic? Please let us know by leaving them in the comment box at the end of this post. Thank you!

FoneLab iOS Unlocker
FoneLab iOS Unlocker

FoneLab Helps you unlock iPhone screen, Removes Apple ID or its password, Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

  • Helps you unlock iPhone screen.
  • Removes Apple ID or its password.
  • Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.
Leave your comment and join our discussion