How to factory reset an iPhone
2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026
Back up first. Then open Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone and tap Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your passcode and Apple Account password. The phone erases itself and restarts as new.
A factory reset deletes everything and returns the iPhone to the state it was in when new. Do it before selling or giving the phone away, or as a last step when serious problems will not go away.
Menu names are from iOS 26. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.
Step by step
Make a backup
Open Settings, tap your name, iCloud, iCloud Backup, Back Up Now. Wait until it finishes.
Open Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone
It is at the very bottom of General.
Tap Erase All Content and Settings
A summary shows what will be removed: apps and data, your Apple Account, Find My, Wallet cards and any eSIM.
Decide about the eSIM
If you are keeping the phone, choose to keep the eSIM. If you are selling it, erase the eSIM and move your number to the new phone first.
Enter your passcode and Apple Account password
The password switches off Find My and Activation Lock so the next owner can use the phone.
Wait
The phone restarts and shows Hello when it is done. This takes a few minutes.
Good to know
Selling it? Also unpair an Apple Watch first, and remove the phone from your trusted devices at account.apple.com.
If you forgot the passcode, connect the iPhone to a computer and restore it in recovery mode. You will still need the Apple Account password afterwards.
For smaller problems, try Reset, Reset All Settings first. It resets settings such as network settings and the Home Screen layout and keeps your data.
In short: Back up, then Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, Erase All Content and Settings.
- Apple Support: Erase your iPhone
- Apple Support: What to do before you sell, give away or trade in your iPhone
Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.