Key Points - Restoring the iPhone erases all data - make a backup before you start - There are 3 ways to restore the iPhone: reset settings, erase content and restore via computer - Erasing the iPhone is mandatory before you sell or give it away to protect your data - According to Apple, 31% of second-hand iPhones retain the previous owner's personal data
In this article
- Before Restoring: Make a Backup
- iCloud backup (wireless):
- Backup to computer (most comprehensive):
- How to Reset Settings without Deleting Data
- How to Erase Content and Settings (Full Reset)
- How to Restore an iPhone via Computer (Recovery Mode)
- DFU Mode (Device Firmware Update)
- Comparison Table of Reset Methods
- What to Do After Restoring
- If you’re going to sell it:
- If you’re keeping it:
- Common Issues When Restoring
- The iPhone asks for someone else’s passcode
- The restore is incomplete
- The iPhone stays on the "Hello" screen after restoring
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Does resetting the iPhone improve performance?
- Do iCloud photos get lost when resetting?
- Is it necessary to reset before selling?
- How long does it take to restore an iPhone via iCloud?
- Conclusion
Before Restoring: Make a Backup
This step is critical. A full restore erases absolutely everything:
iCloud backup (wireless):
- Connect the iPhone to a Wi‑Fi network
- Go to Settings → [o teu nome] → iCloud → iCloud Backup
- Tap "Back up now"
- Check that the backup completed correctly (date and time)
Backup to computer (most comprehensive):
- Connect the iPhone to the computer
- Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC)
- Select your iPhone
- Choose this computer and brand "Encrypt local backup" to store passwords and health data
- Tap "Backup now"
How to Reset Settings without Deleting Data
This option erases settings but retains photos, apps and documents. Useful when: - The iPhone is slow for no apparent reason - There are Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection problems - Network settings are corrupted
Steps: 1. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone 2. Tap "Reset" 3. Choose an option: - Reset network settings: Erases Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, VPN and mobile data - Reset the keyboard dictionary: Clears learned words - Reset location and privacy: Return to default permissions - Reset all settings: Combines all previous options
This process takes 1-2 minutes and does not delete any photos, apps or documents.
How to Erase Content and Settings (Full Reset)
This option returns the iPhone to its factory state:
- Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap "Erase Content and Settings"
- Enter your passcode
- Confirm that you want to erase everything
- The iPhone restarts and shows the "Hello" screen (as new)
The complete process lasts between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the device's capacity. During erasing, the iPhone disables Activation Lock (Find My iPhone), a necessary condition for the new owner to set it up).
Important: If you are selling your iPhone, a full reset is not enough if Find My iPhone has not been disabled. The buyer cannot activate it without your iCloud password. Check in Settings → [o teu nome] → Find My iPhone that it is disabled before you sell.
How to Restore an iPhone via Computer (Recovery Mode)
For more serious software issues or if the iPhone does not power on:
- Connect the iPhone to the computer
- On iPhone 16/15/14/13/12: press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button, then hold the side button until the iTunes/Finder connection logo appears
- On the computer, the option appears "Update" or "Restore"
- "Update" reinstalls iOS without erasing data (recommended first)
- "Restore" erases everything and installs the latest iOS version
DFU Mode (Device Firmware Update)
For extreme software problems (iPhone does not power on, black screen): - DFU mode (Device Firmware Update) reinstalls the firmware at the hardware level - Requires connection to the computer and a specific button sequence - Apple recommends this method only when recovery mode does not work
Comparison Table of Reset Methods
| Method | Erase data | Time | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reset network settings | No | 1 min | Wi-Fi issues |
| Restore all settings | No | 2 min | General slowdown |
| Erase content and settings | Yes | 5-15 min | Sell or give away |
| Restore via computer | Yes | 15-30 min | iPhone won’t power on |
| DFU mode | Yes | 20-30 min | Severe system failure |
What to Do After Restoring
If you’re going to sell it:
- Check that Find My iPhone is disabled
- Remove the SIM
- Physically clean the device
- Include the original charging cable
If you’re keeping it:
- Follow the initial setup ("Hello" screen)
- Restore from your backup
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Wait for your apps to download (may take hours)
Common Issues When Restoring
The iPhone asks for someone else’s passcode
It is the Activation Lock (iCloud Lock). The iPhone remains linked to the previous Apple ID. The only solution is to contact the former owner to deactivate Find My iPhone via iCloud.com.
The restore is incomplete
- Ensure sufficient battery (>50%)
- Keep a stable Wi-Fi connection
- If it fails, try via Finder/iTunes on the computer
The iPhone stays on the "Hello" screen after restoring
That's normal. It's the initial setup screen. You can: 1. Set up as new 2. Restore from an iCloud backup 3. Restore from a backup on your computer 4. Transfer data from another iPhone
Frequently Asked Questions
Does resetting the iPhone improve performance?
Yes, especially if you haven't done it for more than 2 years. A study by Consumer Reports (2025) found that restoring an iPhone to factory settings improves app launch speed by an average of 23%.
Do iCloud photos get lost when resetting?
No. iCloud photos are not deleted when the iPhone is reset. When you sign in with your Apple ID after the reset, the photos download again.
Is it necessary to reset before selling?
Yes, for security. Erasing content and settings removes your personal data, accounts, digital information and facial recognition. It also disables Activation Lock for the new owner.
How long does it take to restore an iPhone via iCloud?
It depends on the speed of your connection. A backup of 30 GB can take between 2 and 6 hours to restore fully. During this time, the iPhone should remain connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into a charger.
Conclusion
Resetting an iPhone is a simple process, but it requires preparation. The key is having a prior backup and understanding which level of reset you need. If your iPhone has hardware issues and you’re thinking of replacing it, at iOutlet we have refurbished iPhones with a warranty and prices up to 60% lower than new ones.
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