iOS: Understanding 'Erase All Content and Settings'
Summary
You can remove all settings and information from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using "Erase All Content and Settings" in Settings > General > Reset.
If possible, your device should have a full charge before beginning this process. If it doesn't have a full charge, connect the device to power and leave it connected until the process is complete.
Products Affected
iPad, iPhone, iPod touch
When you opt to "Erase All Content and Settings," the process can take from a few minutes to several hours. The time this process takes will vary by iOS device:
- Devices that support hardware encryption: Erases user settings and information by removing the encryption key that protects the data. This process takes just a few minutes.
- Devices that overwrite memory: Overwrites user settings and information, writing a series of ones to the data partition. This process can take several hours, depending on the storage capacity of your iPhone or iPod touch. During this time, the device displays the Apple logo and a progress bar.
| Model |
Hardware Encryption
|
Overwrite
|
| Original iPhone and iPhone 3G |
|
√
|
| iPhone 3GS and later |
√
|
|
| iPad (all models) |
√
|
|
| iPod touch and iPod touch (2nd generation) |
|
√
|
| iPod touch (3rd generation) and later |
√
|
|
Note: All devices that support iOS 5 or later use hardware encryption.
Additional Information
If you run out of power or reset your device before it is complete, you will see the Connect to iTunes screen after you connect to power again. If this happens and you want to ensure that your content is fully erased:
- Restore the device using iTunes.
- Connect to power.
- Select Erase All Content and Settings again.
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