Apple’s iPhone works like charm most of the time. However, every then and now, there is a need for us to
restart our phone and start out fresh. An option to factory reset our phones is a perfect opportunity to
start fresh and there are a couple of ways to perform a factory reset on iPhone, depending on a model that
you’re using. This guide will help you perform a factory reset on iPhone, whether you use iPhone 7, 8 or X.
Depending which model you use, users can generally opt for restoring via iCloud which is a newer
method, or refer to the old school of factory reset and performing it using iTunes.
Factory reset on iPhone: iCloud
Resetting via iCloud is a convenient solution for everyone using an iPhone X or 8, iPhone SE, iPhone 7
or 7 Plus. However, those who use older iPhone models such as iPhone 4, 4S, 5, or 5S can also refer to
this method.
Step 1:
Those who run iOS 11.2 or a newer version of Apple’s firmware should navigate to the Settings App, go
to iCloud and choose which documents and other data they want to back up. It is recommended to back
up as many things as possible on their iPhone, including Mail, Contacts, Photos and Notes, so that
nothing gets lost.
After that’s done, scroll down and search for the Backup button that has a green icon next to it. Click it
and activate iCloud Backup via toggle button. Backing up the data takes a few minutes, and it’s essential
that Wi-Fi is turned on so that all data backs up properly.
Step 2:
Now you need to perform a factory reset on iPhone. Tap General in the Settings app and tap Reset button,
located at the bottom of the page. After that tap Erase All Content and Settings option at the top and
Erase iPhone option as the pop-up window greets you to confirm your decision.
If the resetting, that can last up to several minutes, was success, the iOS Setup Assistant will greet you as
your iPhone starts, guiding you through the restoring iPhone from your last backup you made using
iCloud.
Factory reset on iPhone: iTunes
Those who can’t perform factory using iCloud for some reason, there is always an older method,
restoring iPhone via iTunes. Connect your iPhone to computer or Mac. If you use Mac click the iTunes
menu that sits on the left side of the toolbar. On the other hand, if you use Windows go to the Help
menu on the right of the screen. Select Check for Updates from a drop-down menu in order to ensure
you’re using the newest version of the software.
After you ensured that your software is updated and click the gray Back Up Now button located under
the Summary tab for your particular device. When the backup process is over, click the gray button that
says Restore iPhone, on the Summary Tab. A pop-up menu will show up in order for you to ensure that
you’re okay with the restarting. Click agree and proceed with the process if you want to perform a factory reset on iPhone.
The device will download the necessary iOS software file that the device will use while restoring.
Similarly to the process with iCloud, this might take up to several minutes. Make sure to check if your
phone was properly restored to its factory settings. If everything has gone properly, you can restore
your phone from a backup you made previously or start fresh. Apple’s iOS Setup Assistant will guide you
through the restoration process.
Have you ever had to perform a factory reset on iPhone and why? Please, let us know!