Performing a factory reset of your iPhone or iPad is a good idea when it comes to selling the device, giving it away, or taking it to a store for repairs. Resetting an iOS device can also fix certain issues, so it's worth knowing how it's done.

face id ipad iphone
But before you reset, you should back up your device. You can back up your data to iCloud, but we'd advise you connect your ‌iPhone‌ up to a computer and perform an iTunes backup instead, just to be sure. You can find steps to back up your ‌iPhone‌ by clicking here.

Now that you've backed up your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌, it's time to perform a factory reset of the device. It's a simple procedure, once you know how. The following steps guide you through the process.

How to Factory Reset Your iOS Device

  1. Unlock your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ and launch the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Reset.
  4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
    how to factory reset your iphone
  5. Tap in your passcode if requested.
  6. Enter your Apple ID password to erase the ‌iPhone‌ and remove it from your account.
  7. Tap Erase.

Allow the reset process to continue – it shouldn't take any longer than a couple of minutes. Once it's completed, you'll see the iOS welcome screen, then you're free to power off the device and sell it, pass it on, take it in for repair, set it up as new, or restore a backup.

Related Stories

Best Black Friday Deals on Apple Watch, AirPods Pro, MacBook Pro, More

Black Friday 2021 has kicked off, and you can now get some of the year's best deals on numerous Apple products. In this article we're providing a quick summary of all the best sales we've seen so far this season. For more on the best sales happening this week, visit our Black Friday Roundup. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a...

Best Black Friday iPhone Deals Still Available

Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models in holidays past, and Black Friday 2021 is no different. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro devices from AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models like iPhone SE. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you...

Black Friday: AirPods Pro With MagSafe Drop to $159 on Amazon

Amazon is now matching Walmart's price on the AirPods Pro with MagSafe, available for $159.00, down from $249.00. These are shipped and sold directly from Amazon, and although stock is low you can still get them in time for the holidays (mid December as of writing). Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a...

Apple Delays iOS 15 Feature for Adding Your Driver's License to Your iPhone Until Early 2022

Tuesday November 23, 2021 9:35 am PST by Joe Rossignol

Apple recently updated its website to indicate that an upcoming iOS 15 and watchOS 8 feature that will let you add your driver's license or state ID to your iPhone and Apple Watch in participating U.S. states has been delayed until early 2022. Apple previously said the feature would launch in late 2021. In September, Apple said Arizona and Georgia would be among the first states to introduce ...

Black Friday: AirPods 3 Hit Record Low Price of $149.99 ($29 Off)

Amazon has introduced a new record low price on the AirPods 3, available for $149.99, down from $179.00. At $29 off, this sale price beats the one that we were tracking earlier this week by about $5 and it's only available on Amazon as of writing. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which ...

Black Friday: AirPods Pro With MagSafe Hit Lowest Ever Price

Apple's AirPods Pro with the new MagSafe Charging Case is now available for its lowest ever price thanks to Black Friday sales. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. The limited-time deal is available at both Amazon and Walmart, which are both...

Best Black Friday Apple Watch Deals Still Available

The Apple Watch always makes a great gift around the holiday season, and for Black Friday 2021 we're tracking a few solid offers on numerous models of the Apple Watch. In this article, you'll find the best Black Friday sales on the new Apple Watch 7, but the best money-saving discounts will be found on older models like the Apple Watch Series 3 and SE. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner...

Best Black Friday iPad Deals Still Available

Although Black Friday sales began as early as October in 2021, the shopping holiday is now officially underway and we're highlighting the best sales for each of Apple's product lines. In this article, you'll find the best Black Friday sales on iPad Pro and iPad mini. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a...