How to Completely Reset, Erase, or Wipe Your iPhone – 2025

How to Completely Reset, Erase, or Wipe Your iPhone

When you want to start fresh with your iPhone, pass it to a new owner, or fix persistent software problems, performing a reset or full wipe is often the best solution. Apple makes the process fairly straightforward, yet it’s still important to understand what each type of reset does, how to prepare your iPhone before erasing it, and what happens afterward. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about erasing, resetting, or wiping an iPhone safely and correctly.

Understanding the Difference Between Reset, Erase, and Wipe

Although people use the terms interchangeably, each action has its own purpose:

Reset

A reset generally means restoring certain functions or settings to their default state. For example:

• Resetting network settings

• Resetting keyboard dictionary

• Resetting home screen layout

These actions do not remove your apps, photos, or personal data.

Erase or Wipe

Erasing or wiping an iPhone means removing all content and settings, returning the device to its factory state. This eliminates:

• Photos and videos

• Messages

• Apps and app data

• Email accounts

• Apple ID information

• Saved settings

This is the option you choose when selling your phone, giving it away, or solving deep system issues.

Before You Wipe Your iPhone: Essential Preparations

To avoid losing important files and to ensure a smooth transition, spend a few minutes preparing.

Back Up Your Data

Your first step should always be creating a full backup. You can choose iCloud or a computer.

Back up with iCloud

1. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.

2. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud.

3. Select iCloud Backup.

4. Tap Back Up Now and wait until it finishes.

Back up with a computer (Mac or Windows)

1. Connect your iPhone using a cable.

2. On macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. On older macOS or Windows, open iTunes.

3. Select your device.

4. Choose Back Up Now.

5. If you want extra protection, enable Encrypt local backup.

Backing up ensures that when you erase your iPhone, you can restore everything afterward or transfer the data to a new Apple device.

Sign Out of Apple ID (Important When Selling the Phone)

If you’re planning to give away the device or trade it in, sign out of your Apple ID to avoid activation issues for the next user.

To sign out:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Tap your name at the top.

3. Scroll down and select Sign Out.

4. Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

This step removes Activation Lock and allows the next user to set up the phone normally.

How to Erase or Wipe an iPhone Using Settings

This is the easiest and most common method.

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap General.

3. Scroll to the bottom and choose Transfer or Reset iPhone.

4. Select Erase All Content and Settings.

5. If prompted, enter your passcode or Apple ID password.

6. Confirm the action.

Your iPhone will restart and begin erasing all your data. This usually takes a few minutes, depending on how much storage your device has. Once complete, the phone will display the “Hello” setup screen just like when it was brand-new.

How to Wipe an iPhone Using a Computer

If your phone is unresponsive or you cannot access the settings menu, wiping it with a computer is the best option.

Using a Mac (Finder)

1. Connect your iPhone using a Lightning or USB-C cable.

2. Open Finder.

3. Choose your device from the sidebar.

4. Under the General tab, click Restore iPhone.

5. Confirm when prompted.

Finder will download the latest version of iOS, reinstall it, and completely erase the device.

Using Windows or Older macOS (iTunes)

1. Connect your iPhone to the computer.

2. Open iTunes.

3. Select your iPhone icon.

4. Click Restore iPhone.

5. Confirm the action.

This method removes everything and reinstalls the operating system.

Wiping an iPhone That Is Locked or Disabled

If you forgot your passcode or the phone is disabled, you can erase it using recovery mode.

Steps to enter recovery mode

The process varies depending on your iPhone model:

• iPhone 8 and later:
  Quickly press Volume Up → Volume Down → hold the Side button until recovery mode appears.

• iPhone 7/7 Plus:
  Hold Volume Down + Side button together.

• iPhone 6s and earlier:
  Hold Home + Side or Top button.

Once in recovery mode:

1. Connect the device to your computer.

2. Open Finder or iTunes.

3. Choose Restore when prompted.

This will wipe the device and reinstall iOS.

After the Wipe: Setting Up the iPhone

Once your iPhone restarts, you can choose one of three paths:

Set Up as New

Ideal if you’re selling, giving away, or want a completely fresh start.

Restore from iCloud Backup

Follow the prompts during setup and sign in to your Apple ID to retrieve your saved data.

Restore from Computer Backup

Connect your device to your computer and select Restore from Backup.

Tips for a Smooth Erase and Reset Process

• Ensure your battery is charged to at least 50%, or keep the phone plugged in.

• Make sure you know your Apple ID and password before starting.

• If you have eSIM, your carrier settings may restore automatically after setup.

• If the erase process seems stuck, give it time. Large devices may take longer.

Conclusion

Erasing, resetting, or wiping an iPhone is a useful skill that helps you maintain device performance, troubleshoot persistent issues, or prepare the phone for a new owner. Whether you use the built-in settings, a computer, or recovery mode, the process is straightforward when you follow the correct steps. Always remember to back up your data first and sign out of your Apple ID if you’re transferring ownership. With these precautions, you can reset your iPhone confidently and safely.