If your iPhone is running slowly, freezing, or you’re planning to sell it, a factory reset might be the best solution. Knowing how to factory reset iPhone properly ensures your personal data is erased and the device returns to its original settings.
A factory reset wipes everything from your phone—apps, photos, settings, and personal files—bringing it back to the same state it was in when it left the factory. While the process is straightforward, there are several methods depending on whether you have your password, Apple ID, or even access to a computer.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to factory reset iPhone, including methods for locked devices, resetting without a password, and steps specific to models like iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14.
Why You Might Need to Factory Reset an iPhone
Before jumping into the steps, it helps to understand why people reset their devices.
Common reasons include:
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Selling or giving away the phone
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Fixing persistent software issues
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Removing viruses or malware
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Clearing storage completely
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Fixing performance problems
A factory reset essentially starts the phone fresh, which often solves many technical issues.
Things to Do Before Factory Resetting
Before you learn how to factory reset iphone, it’s important to protect your data.
1. Back Up Your Data
Use iCloud or iTunes/Finder to save your files.
Steps to back up with iCloud:
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Open Settings
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Tap your Apple ID
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Select iCloud
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Tap iCloud Backup
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Choose Back Up Now
2. Sign Out of Apple ID
If you’re selling the phone, sign out to remove Activation Lock.
3. Remove SIM Card
Taking out the SIM protects your mobile carrier information.
How to Factory Reset iPhone Standard Method
This is the easiest method if you know your passcode.
Steps
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Open Settings
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Tap General
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Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone
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Tap Erase All Content and Settings
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Enter your passcode
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Confirm the reset
Your iPhone will restart and begin the reset process, which usually takes a few minutes.
How to Factory Reset iPhone Without Password
If you forgot your passcode, you can still reset the device using Recovery Mode and a computer.
Steps
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Turn off the iPhone.
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Connect the device to a computer.
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Put the iPhone into Recovery Mode.
For most modern iPhones:
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Press and quickly release Volume Up
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Press and quickly release Volume Down
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Press and hold the Side Button until the recovery screen appears.
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On your computer, open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).
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Choose Restore iPhone.
This method allows you to factory reset when locked.
How to Factory Reset Without Apple ID Password
This situation is more complicated because of Apple’s Activation Lock security.
Possible solutions include:
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Resetting the password through iforgot.apple.com
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Contacting Apple Support
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Providing proof of purchase to Apple
Without removing the Apple ID, the device will remain locked even after resetting.
How to Factory Reset iPhone Without Password or Computer
In most cases, resetting without a password and computer is not possible because Apple designed the system to prevent unauthorized access.
However, if Find My iPhone is enabled, you can reset remotely using iCloud.
Steps
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Go to iCloud.com
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Log in with your Apple ID
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Select Find iPhone
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Choose your device
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Click Erase iPhone
This will erase the device remotely.
How to Factory Reset iPhone When Locked
If the screen is locked and you can’t access settings, use Recovery Mode.
Quick summary:
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Connect iPhone to computer
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Enter recovery mode
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Select Restore
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Wait for the reset to finish
This is the most reliable way to reset a locked device.
How to Factory Reset iPhone 12
The process for how to factory reset iphone 12 is the same as other modern iPhones.
Steps:
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Open Settings
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Tap General
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Tap Transfer or Reset
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Select Erase All Content and Settings
Because iPhone 12 uses Face ID, you’ll need your passcode to confirm.
How to Factory Reset iPhone 13
To factory reset iphone 13, follow these steps:
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Go to Settings
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Tap General
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Select Transfer or Reset
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Tap Erase All Content and Settings
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Enter passcode
The phone will restart and wipe all data.
How to Factory Reset iPhone 14
The steps for how to factory reset iphone 14 are nearly identical.
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Open Settings
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Tap General
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Select Transfer or Reset iPhone
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Tap Erase All Content and Settings
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Confirm the reset
The device will restart and restore factory settings.
Common Problems During Factory Reset
Sometimes users experience issues during the reset process.
iPhone Stuck on Apple Log
Try:
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Force restarting the phone
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Using Recovery Mode
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Restoring with iTunes or Finder
Reset Taking Too Long
Most resets take 5–15 minutes. If it takes longer, restart the process.
FAQs
Does factory reset delete everything on?
Yes. A factory reset removes all apps, photos, contacts, settings, and files. The phone returns to its original factory state.
Can you factory reset an without a password?
Yes. You can use Recovery Mode with a computer or erase the device remotely using iCloud.
Will a factory reset remove Apple ID?
No. If Find My iPhone is enabled, the Apple ID remains due to Activation Lock.
How long does a factory reset take?
Typically 5–15 minutes, depending on the iPhone model and storage.
Is factory resetting safe?
Yes. It’s a built-in Apple feature designed to securely erase your data.
Conclusion
Knowing how to factory reset iPhone is essential whether you’re troubleshooting issues, preparing your device for resale, or simply starting fresh. The process is simple if you have your passcode, but even locked devices can be reset using recovery mode or iCloud.
Just remember to back up your data first, remove your Apple ID if you plan to sell the device, and follow the correct steps for your specific model like iPhone 12, iPhone 13, or iPhone 14.
