How To Restore iPhone to Factory Settings – Putting your iPhone back to its original settings can help with a number of problems you may be having with it.
Factory settings, which are also called factory reset or hard reset, are the settings on your iPhone that were there when it first came out of the factory.
In this case, all data, settings, and apps are deleted, leaving the device in its original state. This is a must-have when you want to get rid of all personal information on your iPhone before selling or giving it away.
The process of returning your iPhone to factory settings is pretty easy, and you can do it to get it ready to sell, fix a software problem that won’t go away, or just start over.
This detailed guide will show you all the steps you need to take to get your iPhone back to the way it was before.
Why Should I Restore My iPhone to Factory Settings?
Let’s talk about why you might need to return your iPhone to factory settings before we get to the step-by-step guides. While this process is not something you should do on a whim, there are times when it is necessary:
Threats like malware or viruses
If malware or bugs get into your iPhone, it could make using it less enjoyable and even put your personal information at risk. Putting the computer back to its original settings can help get rid of these harmful program parts.
Device Not Working Well
iPhones can get clogged up with useless files and data over time, which can slow them down. When you restore to original settings, your device starts over, which makes it run better.
The iPhone should be sold or given away.
To protect your privacy, you should delete all of your data and settings from your iPhone before you sell or give it away. Your personal information won’t get into the wrong hands if you return to original settings.
Fixing Problems with Software
If you keep having software problems or problems that you can’t fix any other way, you might need to do a factory restart. It’s a drastic step, but it can help solve problems that won’t go away.
Now that you know why it’s important to restore your iPhone to its original settings, let’s go over the steps to do it right.
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How to Save a Copy of Your iPhone
To keep your data from getting lost, you should make a backup of your iPhone before you return it to factory settings. To back up your iPhone with iCloud or iTunes, do these things:
With iCloud:
- Find a Wi-Fi network and connect your iPhone to it.
- Select “Settings” on your iPhone.
- At the top of the screen, scroll down and tap on your name.
- Press “iCloud.”
- Get to the bottom of the page and tap “iCloud Backup.”
- Flip the “iCloud Backup” switch on.
- Click on “Back Up Now” to start the backup.
When you use iTunes on a computer:
- Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Start up iTunes (or Finder if you have macOS Catalina or later).
- In iTunes or Finder, click on the device icon that shows up.
- Select “Backups” and click on “This computer.”
- Press “Back Up Now” to begin the backup.
How to Get Your iPhone Back to Its Original Settings
You can do the factory restart after you have successfully backed up your iPhone. To get your iPhone back to the way it was when it was new, do these things:
- Select “Settings” on your iPhone.
- Go to the bottom and press “General.”
- At the very end, tap “Reset.”
- Choose “Erase All Content and Settings.”
- If asked, enter your password.
- To be sure of what you’re doing, tap “Erase iPhone.”
- The reset process for your iPhone will now begin. This could take a few minutes.
How to Restore iPhone to Factory Settings
Now that you understand why a factory reset is beneficial, let’s go through the step-by-step process:
1. Backup Your Data
Before proceeding, it’s essential to back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer. This ensures that you can restore your data after the reset. Follow these steps:
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Go to “Settings.”
- Tap your name at the top.
- Select “iCloud.”
- Scroll down and tap “iCloud Backup.”
- Tap “Back Up Now.”
2. Disable Find My iPhone
To perform a factory reset, you need to disable the “Find My iPhone” feature. Here’s how:
- Open “Settings.”
- Tap your name.
- Select “Find My.”
- Turn off “Find My iPhone.”
3. Factory Reset
Now, it’s time to reset your iPhone to its factory settings. Follow these steps:
- Open “Settings.”
- Scroll down and tap “General.”
- Scroll to the bottom and select “Reset.”
- Choose “Erase All Content and Settings.”
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Confirm your decision.
4. Set Up Your iPhone
After the reset is complete, your iPhone will restart, and you’ll be greeted with the initial setup screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your device as a new iPhone or restore it from a backup.
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Conclusion
Knowing how to restore your iPhone to factory settings is a valuable skill for any Apple user. Whether you’re troubleshooting software issues or preparing to sell your device, following these steps and guidelines will help you achieve a smooth and successful reset.
Remember to back up your data, disable “Find My iPhone,” and follow the on-screen instructions carefully to ensure a hassle-free experience.