If your iPhone or iPad is experiencing performance issues or slowing down, the device may be getting a clean slate. Over time, operating systems can have small issues that affect their operation, which is understandable since they are very complex software setups.
Sometimes it’s a good idea to completely reset a system so that it returns to how it was when it came out of the box. This is called a “factory reset”. This is also what you should do if you want to erase your iPhone or iPad if you plan to sell it or pass it on to a friend or family member.
So how can you do this? Well, it’s actually quite simple. Here’s how to factory reset an iPhone or iPad.
Back up your data
Before you begin, and if your device is still operational, you should make sure that you have backed up all your data, as a factory reset will delete everything from the iPhone or iPad.
There are a few different methods to achieve this, including iCloud, plugging it into a Mac, or using third-party services. Read our guide on how to back up an iPhone for a detailed overview of the options available.
Update to the latest software version
If the reason you’re considering a factory reset is due to buggy performance, it’s worth updating to the latest version of iOS/iPadOS, as the issues you’re experiencing may have been fixed in the latest update.
Follow the How to Update iOS on an iPhone guide on our sister site Macworld for instructions. It also works the same with iPads.
How to force restart an iPhone or iPad
Another option, if your device is unresponsive or won’t turn on, is to try a force restart.
This is different from a factory reset because it doesn’t delete anything, but just uses a hardware bypass to boot iOS if it’s stuck in some sort of loop or glitch.
The method varies depending on the physical buttons you have on your device. For all modern iPhones except iPhone SE, you will need to follow these steps:
- Quickly press and release the volume up button.
- Quickly press and release the volume down button.
- Press and hold the Power button (or Side button as Apple calls it) until the Apple logo appears.
You should now be able to enter your password and see if the issue has been resolved.
If you have an older phone or an iPhone SE that has a Home button, you can follow the instructions in our guide to force resetting an iPhone. The instructions are the same for iPads, depending on their button configuration.
How to Factory Reset an iPhone
If you’ve tried the steps above or just want to erase all the data on your iPhone or iPad so that it returns to its original state, here’s what you need to do.
Start the process by choosing the right settings
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Open Settings and select General
Access reset options
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Scroll down and select Transfer or reset iPhone.
Erase files on your iPhone/iPad
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Select Erase all content and settings.
Factory Reset Confirmation
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Select Continue. You will need to enter your password and then the process will begin. This may take a little time if a lot of data is stored on the device. Once the reset is complete, you should be greeted by the welcome screen that says everything has been erased from your iPhone or iPad.
You are now free to pass it on to a lucky loved one or sell it to finance a new purchase. If it’s the latter, be sure to read our roundup of the best iPhones or if you fancy a change, here are the best Android phones too.
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