XDA Basics: How to Factory Reset your iPhone or iPad

If you have an iPhone or an iPad, and you’re planning to upgrade to newer versions of either device, it’s a good idea to sell your existing one or trade it in to save a few bucks. It’s also a good idea to give your older iPhone or iPad away to someone in need or even a family member or friend who doesn’t need the latest and greatest gadget. Before you do this however, it’s a good idea to remove all your existing data from the device. The way to do this is via a factory reset.

All of us have some sort of sensitive data on our smartphones and tablets that we don’t want others to access. A factory reset wipes all of your personal data, as well as settings and other configurations, and resets the phone to how it was when you first bought it. This means when you give the device to someone else, the software is as good as new and they would have to set it up with their own information. Sometimes, a factory reset even helps to fix some issues you might be facing on your device.

Here’s how to factory reset your iPhone or iPad and make sure your personal data is deleted from your device.

Note that the following steps are applicable for all iOS versions including the latest iOS 15. Also, in case you’re planning to sell your old iPhone and upgrade to a newer one, we have a list of the best iPhone devices to buy in 2021 which may interest you. If you want to get a new iPad, we also list out the best iPads you should consider.

How to Factory Reset an iPhone or iPad

Before you factory reset your iPhone or iPad, you should back up all your data so it’s easy to restore all your personal data including apps, accounts, photos, music, etc, on your new phone, or on the same phone if you plan to use it again after resetting it.

The best way to back up your iPhone or iPad is to make an iCloud back up by going to Settings > Your Apple ID (displayed at the top of the screen) > iCloud > iCloud Backup and turning the toggle on if it isn’t already. Alternatively, you can also plug your iPhone or iPad into a Mac or PC and back up your data locally on your computer via iTunes.

Once you’ve backed up your data, you can go ahead and factory reset your iPhone or iPad by following these steps:

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and head over to the Apple ID Settings by tapping on your name displayed at the top of the screen.

• Then, head over to the Find My section and tap on Find My iPhone and turn the toggle off.

• Now, return to the Settings menu and go to General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

• Once you select the option, you’ll be prompted to enter your iPhone or iPad’s passcode which you use to unlock your device.
• Then you’ll be asked to enter the password to your iCloud account.

• Enter both your PIN as well as your iCloud password correctly and your iPhone or iPad will factory reset.

Wait for your iPhone or iPad to reboot (it will take a few minutes) and then you can set it up just like you would set up a brand new iPhone or iPad.

The post XDA Basics: How to Factory Reset your iPhone or iPad appeared first on xda-developers.

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