How to factory reset an iPhone: step-by-step guide (2026)

Key points

Formatting an iPhone means erasing its content and settings: the iPhone is returned to factory settings.

Back up first. Without a backup, any data not in iCloud will be lost.

If the iPhone works, format it in Settings. If it will not start, use a computer and recovery mode.

If you have forgotten the passcode, try the previous passcode or the on-device reset first.

In this article
Format, reset and restore: what is the difference
Back up before formatting
In iCloud
On a computer
How to erase an iPhone in Settings
How to erase an iPhone using a computer
How to erase an iPhone in recovery mode
iPhone 8 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 6s or earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation)
How to reset an iPhone without the passcode
Common errors when formatting
Errors 9, 4005, 4013 or 4014
Error 53
The iPhone exits recovery mode halfway through
The restore fails with a different error
After formatting: initial setup
Frequently asked questions
Does formatting the iPhone remove malicious software?
What happens if formatting is interrupted?
Does formatting the iPhone erase the eSIM?
Conclusion

Format, reset and restore: what is the difference

On the iPhone, formatting corresponds to erasing all content and settings. There are several ways to do this, and not all of them erase data:

Operation	Erase data?	What it does
Erase All Content and Settings	Yes	Restores factory settings on the iPhone itself
Restore with computer	Yes	Erases the iPhone and installs the latest version of iOS
Reset all settings	No	Restores defaults without deleting data or media
Restore from an iCloud backup	iPhone must be erased	Recovers your data and settings
Recovery mode	Yes with "Restore". No with "Update"	Reinstall iOS on an iPhone that won't start up

Back up before formatting

Do not skip this step. Formatting erases everything on the iPhone. You can only recover what is in a backup or in iCloud.

In iCloud

With the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi, open Settings, tap your name and go to iCloud > iCloud Backup. Tap "Back Up Now" and keep Wi-Fi on until the backup finishes. Confirm the date and time of the last backup on that screen.

To have automatic backups, turn on "Back Up This iPhone". iCloud backs up every day when the iPhone is connected to power, locked and on Wi-Fi.

On a computer

Connect the iPhone to the Mac or PC with a cable.
Open Finder (Mac) or the Apple Devices app (Windows), select the iPhone and click General.
If you want to save Health and Activity data, select "Encrypt local backup" and set a password. Make a note of it: without it you cannot restore the backup.
Click "Back Up Now". When finished, the date and time of the last backup appear.

How to erase an iPhone in Settings

Use this method when the iPhone is working and you know the passcode:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap "Erase All Content and Settings" and then "Continue".
If you have an eSIM, choose whether to keep or remove it.
Enter your iPhone passcode and, when prompted, your Apple Account password.
Wait. When finished, your iPhone will display the welcome screen.

If Find My is active, your iPhone will ask for your Apple Account password. Erasing the iPhone turns off Find My and Activation Lock.

How to erase an iPhone using a computer

The computer erases your iPhone and installs the latest version of iOS. Before you begin, update your Mac or PC and create a backup.

On your iPhone, turn off Find My: open Settings, tap your name, then Find My > Find My iPhone. Turn the option off and enter your Apple Account password. Without this step, the computer will not allow you to restore.
Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB or USB-C cable.
Open Finder on Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows. With macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a PC without the Apple Devices app, use iTunes.
Select the iPhone and click General. If the iPhone prompts you, trust the computer and enter the passcode.
Click "Restore iPhone" and then "Restore" to confirm.

When the restore finishes, the iPhone shows the welcome screen. This method does not erase the eSIM.

How to erase an iPhone in recovery mode

Use recovery mode when:

the iPhone displays the Apple logo for several minutes with no progress bar;
the computer does not recognise the iPhone;
the "Connect to Computer" screen appears;
the iPhone repeatedly boots to the Recovery Assistant, which cannot recover it.

Connect the iPhone to the computer with a USB cable and open Finder (Mac) or the Apple Devices app (Windows).
With the iPhone connected, perform the button combination for your model (below) until you see the "Connect to Computer" screen.
On the computer, choose "Update" or "Restore". "Update" reinstalls iOS and keeps your data, so try that first. "Restore" reinstalls iOS and erases all data.
Wait for the computer to download the software. If it takes more than 15 minutes and the iPhone exits the "Connect to Computer" screen, let the download finish and repeat steps 2 and 3.

iPhone 8 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

Press and quickly release the volume up button.
Press and quickly release the volume down button.
Press and hold the side button until you see the "Connect to computer" screen.

iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

Press and hold both the side button and the volume down button until you see the "Connect to computer" screen.

iPhone 6s or earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation)

Press and hold both the Home button and the top (or side) button until you see the "Connect to computer" screen.

You can find more details in the guide on how to put your iPhone into recovery mode.

How to reset an iPhone without the passcode

If you have forgotten the passcode, Apple offers three options, in this order:

Previous passcode (iOS 17 or later): if you changed the passcode less than 72 hours ago, the old one still unlocks the iPhone and you will not lose any data.
Reset on the iPhone itself (iOS 15.2 or later): on the "iPhone Unavailable" screen, tap "Forgot Passcode?" and follow the steps. You need a mobile network or Wi-Fi, Find My enabled and your Apple Account password.
Reset using a computer: turn off the iPhone, connect it to the computer, put it into recovery mode and choose "Restore" in Finder or the Apple Devices app. You need a Mac or a Windows PC, a cable and an internet connection. Allow up to 60 minutes.

You have the full steps in the guide on how to unlock an iPhone.

Important: the last two methods erase the iPhone. You only recover what is in a backup or in iCloud.

Refurbished iPhones

Common errors when formatting

Errors 9, 4005, 4013 or 4014

These appear when the iPhone turns off during the update or when the computer loses connection to the iPhone during the restore.

Update the computer: macOS on Mac, the Apple Devices app or iTunes on PC.
Force restart the iPhone. On iPhone 8 or later, press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
Connect the iPhone to the computer and, when the option appears, click "Update" instead of "Restore". This reinstalls the software and keeps your data.
If the error persists, try a different USB cable or a different computer.

If the iPhone enters recovery mode during the update, restore it and set it up from a backup.

Error 53

Update the computer software, connect the iPhone and choose "Update" to reinstall iOS without erasing your data. If the iPhone does not progress past the Apple logo, force restart it and choose "Restore". If Touch ID was not working before the error, it will still not work after the restore. In that case, request a diagnosis from Apple or an Apple Authorised Service Provider.

The iPhone exits recovery mode halfway through

If the software download takes longer than 15 minutes, the iPhone may exit the "Connect to Computer" screen. Let the download finish, then put the iPhone back into recovery mode. If the buttons do not respond or the recovery mode restore fails, contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorised Service Provider.

The restore fails with a different error

Connect the iPhone directly to a USB port on the computer, not to a keyboard or a USB hub.
Unlock the iPhone and, if prompted, trust the computer.
Try a different Apple USB cable or another USB port.
Turn the computer off and on again, then restart the iPhone.
Check whether the computer's security software is blocking the connection.
Try on another computer connected to a different network.

After formatting: initial setup

Once formatted, the iPhone displays the welcome screen. To restore your data from iCloud:

Follow the on-screen setup steps until you reach "Transfer Apps and Data".
Tap "From iCloud Backup" and sign in with your Apple Account.
Select the backup by date and size.
When prompted, sign in with your Apple Account to restore apps and purchases.
Keep Wi-Fi connected until the progress bar completes.

If the backup is on your computer, connect the iPhone, select it in Finder or the Apple Devices app and click "Restore Backup". If the backup is encrypted, enter the password.

Tip: if you are selling or giving away the iPhone, leave it on the welcome screen. The new owner sets it up with their own Apple Account.

Frequently asked questions

Does formatting the iPhone remove malicious software?

Apple recommends a factory reset when you suspect someone has installed malicious software on the iPhone. In that case, do not restore a backup afterwards: it may reinstall the software you want to remove.

What happens if formatting is interrupted?

If the iPhone turns off or the computer loses connection during the restore, an error such as 4013 or 4014 may appear. Follow the steps indicated above for those errors. If the iPhone boots into recovery mode, restore it and set it up from a backup.

Does formatting the iPhone erase the eSIM?

In Settings, you choose whether to keep or delete the eSIM. If you delete it, you must contact your carrier to reactivate the plan. Restoring with a computer does not delete the eSIM.

Conclusion

Back up your data and choose the method based on the iPhone's condition: Settings if it works; a computer if you want to install the latest iOS; recovery mode if it will not start up. iOutlet refurbished iPhones arrive restored to factory settings, ready to set up with your Apple Account, and come with 24 months warranty.