Restoring iOS or iPod software deletes all of your data and content from your device, including songs, videos, contacts, photos, and calendar info.
You can also erase all content and settings on your device to restore it to factory settings.
Before you restore your device
- Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes.
- Use iTunes to back up your device. Transfer and sync any additional content to your computer.
- If you're using iOS 6 or later, go to Settings > iCloud and turn off Find My iPhone.
Restore your device
- Connect your device to your computer using the cable that came with it.
- Select your iPhone, iPad, or iPod when it appears in iTunes.
- In the Summary panel, click Restore.
- Click Restore again to confirm that you want to restore your device to factory settings and delete all data and content. iTunes will download the device software file and restore your device.
- After your device is restored to factory settings, it will restart. When it does, you’ll see the "Slide to set up” welcome screen. Follow the steps in the setup assistant. You can set up your device as new or use a previous backup. If you restored an iOS device that has cellular service, it will activate after you finish setting up your device.
Get more help
- If you get an error message, find out how to fix most update and restore errors.
- Get help activating your iOS device if you don't have cellular service after you restore.
- If your iOS device restarts repeatedly or isn’t responding (you might see a stopped progress bar or no progress bar), put the device into recovery mode and restore it again.
