How to factory reset your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch

Find out how to erase information from your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and restore your device to factory settings.

If you also need to securely erase your Apple Watch, unpair your Apple Watch.

Create a backup

Back up your device so you can restore your content, settings and apps to a new or erased iPhone.

Erase and reset your device

  1. Go to Settings.

  2. Tap General.

  3. Tap Transfer or Reset [device].

  4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.

    Transfer or Reset iPhone screen with the Erase All Content and Settings button.

  5. Tap Continue.

    Erase This iPhone screen with a list of items that will be removed and a Continue button.

  6. Choose to keep or delete your eSIM. If you erase your eSIM, you need to contact your carrier to reactivate your mobile plan.

    An alert asking "Are you sure you want to erase all data?" with buttons to Cancel, Keep eSIM and Erase Data, and Delete eSIM and Erase Data listed after the alert text.

  7. Enter your device passcode. Forgot your passcode?

  8. Wait for your backup to finish.

  9. Enter your Apple Account password. Forgot your Apple Account password?

  10. Tap the Done button on your keyboard.

  11. Wait for your device to reset.

When the process completes, the Hello screen is displayed.

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