Restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod to factory settings using a computer

A factory restore erases the information and settings on your iPhone, iPad or iPod and installs the latest version of iOS, iPadOS or iPod software.

If you can't access a computer and your device still works, you can erase and restore your device without a computer.

Get your device ready

  1. Make sure your Mac or PC is up to date. If you're using iTunes, make sure that you have the latest version.

  2. If you want to save the information on your iPhone, iPad or iPod, make a backup.

  3. Go to Settings > [your name] > Find My, tap Find My iPhone, then turn it off. Find out what to do for an unresponsive device or one that won't turn on. Get help if you have forgotten your passcode.

Restore your device to factory settings

  1. Open the Finder on your Mac, or open the Apple Devices app on your PC. If your PC doesn't have the Apple Devices app, or your Mac is using macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes instead. Find out which macOS your Mac is using.

  2. Connect your device to your computer.

  3. If a message asks for your device's passcode or to Trust This Computer, follow the onscreen steps. Get help if you have forgotten your passcode.

  4. Find out what to do if your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is unresponsive or won't turn on. Or get help if your device doesn't appear on your computer.

  5. Click Restore [device]*. If you’re signed in to Find My, you need to sign out before you can click Restore.

    A Finder window showing the option to restore your iPhone

  6. Click Restore again to confirm. Your computer erases your device and installs the latest iOS, iPadOS or iPod software.

    A Finder window showing Restore as the selected option

After your device has been restored to factory settings, it will restart.

* Restoring an iPhone does not delete your eSIM. Find out how to erase your eSIM if you need to.

Get help

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