Key points - Formatting an iPhone erases all data and leaves it as brand-new from the factory - You must back up first, without a backup, the data are lost forever - The full process takes between 5 and 30 minutes depending on the method - An annual format improves iPhone performance by 23% according to Consumer Reports (2025)
In this article
- Difference Between Formatting, Resetting and Restoring
- How to Back Up Before Formatting
- iCloud backup (automatic):
- Computer backup (recommended):
- How to Format an iPhone on the Device Itself
- How to Format an iPhone via Computer (Recommended)
- How to Format an iPhone in Recovery Mode
- iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, 12:
- iPhone with Touch ID (SE, 8, 7):
- How to Format an iPhone Without a Passcode
- Common Formatting Errors
- Error 53 or 4013
- The iPhone won’t exit recovery mode
- The restore stalls at 80%
- iTunes says "This iPhone cannot be restored"
- After Formatting: Initial Setup
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I format my iPhone?
- Does formatting remove viruses from the iPhone?
- What happens if the format is interrupted?
- Do I lose the warranty if I format the iPhone?
- Conclusion
Difference Between Formatting, Resetting and Restoring
Before formatting, understand what each term means:
| Term | Erases data? | What does it do? |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Yes | Erases everything and reinstalls iOS from scratch |
| Reset settings | No | Restores settings to factory defaults |
| Restore from backup | Yes (first) | Formats and then recovers data from a backup |
| Recovery mode | Yes | Reinstalls iOS to fix serious issues |
| DFU mode | Yes | Reinstalls firmware at the hardware level |
Important note: "Format" in the iPhone context always means Erase content and settings + iOS reinstalls. There is no quick format like on hard drives.
How to Back Up Before Formatting
Don’t skip this step. Without a backup, all your data disappear:
iCloud backup (automatic):
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Settings → [o teu nome] → iCloud → iCloud Backup
- Tap "Back up now"
- Check that the date has been updated
Computer backup (recommended):
- Connect the iPhone to the computer
- Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC)
- Select the iPhone
- Check "Encrypt local backup" to store passwords and Health data
- Tap "Back up now"
How to Format an iPhone on the Device Itself
The simplest method if the iPhone is working properly:
- Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap "Erase All Content and Settings"
- Enter your passcode
- Enter your Apple ID password (disables Find My iPhone)
- Tap "Erase iPhone" to confirm
- The iPhone restarts and shows the "Hello" screen
The device will download and install the latest iOS version during the process. Speed depends on your Wi-Fi connection.
How to Format an iPhone via Computer (Recommended)
This method is more thorough because it downloads iOS directly to the computer and installs it cleanly:
- Connect the iPhone to the computer with a USB cable
- Open the Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC)
- Select your iPhone
- In the "Summary", tap "Restore iPhone"
- Confirm the restore
- Wait for iTunes/Finder to download and install iOS
- The iPhone will restart with the initial setup screen
Advantage over the device method: The computer downloads the full iOS image, ensuring a clean install without download errors.
How to Format an iPhone in Recovery Mode
When the iPhone isn’t functioning properly (locked screen, won’t turn on, restart loop):
iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, 12:
- Connect the iPhone to the computer
- Press and release volume up
- Press and release volume down
- Hold down the side button until "Connect to computer" appears
- On the computer, choose "Restore"
iPhone with Touch ID (SE, 8, 7):
- Hold down the Home button + side/top button
- Without releasing, connect the cable to the computer
- Keep holding until the recovery mode screen appears
How to Format an iPhone Without a Passcode
If you forgot the passcode, formatting is the only option:
- Put the iPhone in recovery mode (previous steps)
- Connect to the computer
- Finder/iTunes will detect an iPhone in recovery mode
- Tap "Restore"
- The iPhone will be formatted without needing the passcode
Important: This process erases all data, including those not in iCloud. Without a backup, the data are lost permanently.
Common Formatting Errors
Error 53 or 4013
Related to the Touch ID or Face ID module. Possible hardware damage. Contact technical support.
The iPhone won’t exit recovery mode
Use iMazing or 3uTools to force it out. Or hold the side button for 10 seconds to restart the iPhone, which will exit recovery mode.
The restore stalls at 80%
Connection issue. Try a different USB cable, another port and restart the computer. If it persists, test on another computer.
iTunes says "This iPhone cannot be restored"
Firmware error. Manually download the IPSW from ipsw.me and install it in iTunes using Option+Restore (Mac) or Shift+Restore (PC).
After Formatting: Initial Setup
After formatting, the iPhone will guide you through the initial setup:
- Select language and region
- Connect to the Wi-Fi
- Choose: "Set up as new iPhone" or "Restore from backup"
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Restore data from iCloud or the computer
- Set up Face ID/Touch ID and the passcode
Tip: If you are selling the iPhone, don’t go beyond the "Hello" screen. The buyer should set it up as new with their own account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I format my iPhone?
Apple does not set a required frequency, but an annual format can maintain optimal performance. Consumer Reports (2025) recorded a 23% boost in app launch speed after a clean format.
Does formatting remove viruses from the iPhone?
Yes, a full format removes any malicious software. iOS is a closed system with high security, but if you installed suspicious profiles or apps from unofficial sources, a format will remove them completely.
What happens if the format is interrupted?
If power or the cable is cut during formatting, the iPhone may become unusable (stuck in recovery mode). In that case, repeat the process from the start with a stable cable and computer.
Do I lose the warranty if I format the iPhone?
No. Formatting the iPhone is a standard software procedure that does not affect the legal warranty nor iOutlet’s warranty. In fact, it may be required as a diagnostic step before a repair.
Conclusion
Formatting an iPhone is straightforward if you follow the correct steps. The key is a prior backup and choosing the method suited to the device’s condition. At iOutlet, all our refurbished iPhones are delivered formatted with the latest iOS version, ready to set up with your account.
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