There are many reasons why you may need to reset your phone to factory settings. Sometimes a phone just needs a good reboot to work again, or you may need to reset your phone to factory settings as you are selling it to someone else or trading it in when you get a new phone. There are several ways to reset a phone to factory settings, and this depends on whether you have the passcode, if you need your data backed up first, and which phone you have.
iPhones and Androids are different, so how to reset your phone to factory settings will depend a lot on the make and model of your mobile. This guide can take you step-by-step through resetting a phone to factory settings. If you still need help, it is best to seek advice from a family member or friend who can teach you or take your phone back to the place you purchased it from, as they will be able to do it for you.
How to Reset iPhone to Factory Settings
There are a few ways you can reset your iPhone to factory settings and luckily this is not a difficult task. Apple users can very easily restore some or all of their iPhone settings to default. If you want to reset your iPhone to factory settings without removing the data from your phone, or if something is bugging out your phone and you want to troubleshoot a network problem, these steps will allow you to do just that:
- Head to ‘Settings’ on your iPhone. If you can’t find the settings symbol, you can also swipe down and use the search bar to type ‘Settings’.
- Click on the ‘General’ section.
- Click on ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’.
- When you are ready, press ‘Reset’.
- You can then select which settings you want to reset, such as network settings, home screen layout, or all settings.
- If you want to reset your iPhone to full factory settings, make sure to select ‘Reset All Settings’.
- You will then be prompted to enter your screen passcode, which means you will need to know this to continue.
- Confirm this action.
Be aware that if you select the button that says ‘Erase All Content and Settings’, not only will your iPhone go back to factory settings, but it will also erase all your data. If you have not backed up your data through iCloud, you could lose everything. Make sure to not select this option unless you also want to fully reset your iPhone ready for another user.
How to Restore iPhone to Factory Settings
There are other ways that you can reset and restore your iPhone to factory settings. If your iPhone is working fine but you want to prepare for a new iPhone or user, follow the steps below.
Before you do anything, back up the data on your iPhone. You can do this through iCloud by connecting to a Wi-Fi network, going to settings, and selecting your name, then clicking ‘iCloud’. Select ‘iCloud Backup’ and ‘Back Up Now’. You must stay connected to the Wi-Fi network until this has been completed. This will back up your phone exactly how it is now, so when you sign in with your Apple ID, your apps, messages, images, etc., will all remain the same from the date and time of your last backup.
You can also back up your iPhone using a Mac if you have one. If you need further help with this, look for an official online guide. Once the backup is complete, you should continue with the restore process straight away, as the backup will only save the data from the time and date it was completed, meaning anything new you add to your phone after this will not be saved on your backup.
Once you are ready:
- Head ‘Settings’ on your iPhone.
- Select ‘General’, then ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’.
- Select ‘Erase All Content and Settings’, which will enable you to fully restore your iPhone to factory settings.
- You will then need to press continue and enter your passcode.
- Select ‘Erase iPhone’.
- You will then need to wait for your iPhone to erase all data and restore itself to factory settings.
You may want to plug your device in during this time, especially if you weren’t on full battery when you started. Depending on how much data was on your iPhone, this can take anywhere from five to fifteen minutes. Make sure you do not leave your home or the place where you are doing the erasing, as you need to remain connected to a network during this time.
Once the restore is complete, your iPhone will come up as new, with the ‘hello’ screen. This means it is ready for a new user and you can sell your iPhone knowing that your data is safely erased, and the iPhone has been restored to factory settings.
How to Reset iPhone Using a Mac or PC
If you would prefer to back up your phone and reset your iPhone using your Mac or PC, follow the steps below:
- Using a reliable USB cable, connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC.
- If you are using Windows, you will need to have iTunes downloaded. If you are using a Mac, you will need to use Finder to do this.
- Select the iPhone icon in iTunes or Finder. This will bring up your iPhone information. If it doesn’t, make sure your iPhone is unlocked and you have allowed the PC or Mac access to your phone.
- If you need to, backup your iPhone to your Mac or PC.
- Once the backup is complete, or if you have skipped this step, select the ‘Restore iPhone’ button. You can then follow the simple instructions on the screen to complete the steps, as this will be slightly different on iTunes and Finder.
If you are trying to reset or restore an iPhone that has a broken screen or has been disabled, you can put it in recovery mode. This will enable iTunes or Finder to recognise it.
How to Reset iPhone if Lost or Stolen
Fortunately, Apple allows users to remotely reset their iPhone which can be handy if your phone has been lost or stolen and you want it to go back to factory settings. This means that nobody can gain access to your data whilst you report it lost. To reset your iPhone remotely, you will need to be using the app that comes with all Apple devices, called ‘Find My’.
This app can let you remotely locate your iPhone, or its last location, as well as wipe the device. As long as your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network and has the ‘Find My iPhone’ function switched on, you can reset it easily using the app. If you don’t currently use the ‘Find My’ app, it is well worth setting it up and learning how to use it.
To reset your iPhone to factory settings using the Find My app, follow these steps:
- Open the app on your other Apple devices, such as an iPad or Mac.
- Select the ‘Devices’ tab, then choose the iPhone that requires a reset.
- Find the ‘Erase iPhone’ button and select it.
- You will then be prompted to enter your Apple ID password, which means you will need to know what it is to reset the iPhone. If you can’t remember your password, you can reset it if you have access to the email associated with your Apple ID account.
- Confirm the action and then click next.
- Your iPhone will then be erased and reset to factory settings.
How to Reset Android to Factory Settings
Android phones are not all built with the same settings system, as they are made by different manufacturers, unlike Apple. This means it can be difficult to tell you exactly how to reset or restore your Android phone to factory settings, as it may be different for every phone. Your Android device likely follows a similar way of resetting to an iPhone, but how you get to the correct settings may be slightly different.
It is best to use the internet and search for how to reset your make and model of Android phone back to factory settings or check the instructions and guidebook that came with your phone. If you are still stuck, speak to a local phone shop that will be able to help you.
As you can see, there are many ways to reset a phone to factory settings and most of these are relatively easy. If you have an iPhone, you can reset certain settings or all settings, without erasing any data at all. You can also reset your iPhone to full factory settings, erase all data, and complete a backup, so you can sell your phone or transfer your data to a new phone.
You can also use a Mac or PC to reset your iPhone or reset it using the ‘Find My’ app if your phone has been lost or stolen. Resetting an Android is a little different, as there are many manufacturers of Android phones. It is best to seek advice from the manufacturer or use an online article to help.