How to factory reset your iPhone

When preparing to sell, trade in or donate your iPhone, it’s crucial to perform a factory reset.

This step ensures all your personal data is wiped clean, protecting your privacy and preventing potential misuse.

Here are detailed steps to factory reset your iPhone to its original settings. (Android users, follow these steps)

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An iPhone and its original packaging (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why factory resetting is essential

Before handing over your old device, it’s vital to remove all traces of your personal information. This not only protects your privacy but also ensures the new owner receives a device in its original state, free from any of your custom settings or data.

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An iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Backing up your data

Before proceeding with a factory reset, back up your data to avoid losing important information.

iCloud backup using your iPhone:

Open the Settings app
Tap your name at the top of the screen
Scroll down and select iCloud
Tap iCloud Backup and ensure the backup option is turned on
Tap Back Up Now to initiate the backup process

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Steps to back up your iPhone using iCloud (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

iCloud backup using your computer:

Connect your iPhone to your computer using a cable
On macOS Catalina or later, open Finder; on older macOS or Windows, open iTunes
Select your device from the left of the screen
Click Back Up Now

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Steps to back up your iPhone using iCloud and your computer (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Disconnecting from Apple services

Before erasing your data, disconnect from services like Find My iPhone and iCloud:

Open the Settings app
Tap your name at the top of the screen
Scroll down and tap Sign Out
Confirm by tapping Sign Out again

By signing out of iCloud, Find My services are automatically disabled.

Steps to sign out of Apple services (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Performing the factory reset

Once you’ve backed up your data and signed out of Apple services, you’re ready to erase all content:

Go to Settings
Tap General
Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
Tap Erase All Content and Settings
Confirm by entering your passcode, if prompted
Click Continue

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Steps to perform factory reset on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Your device will be wiped clean and restored to factory settings, and it will be ready for its new owner.

How do I get rid of my old iPhone or iPad once I reset it?

If you are wondering how to securely get rid of your old cellphone, well, we’ve got you covered there, too. Click here to check out our steps on what to do before recycling, donating or selling your old device.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Performing a factory reset on your iPhone is straightforward and safeguards your personal information before passing the device on to someone else. Remember to back up important data and disconnect from Apple services before erasing content to ensure a smooth transition for both you and the new owner. By following these steps, you can confidently prepare your iPhone for its next chapter while maintaining peace of mind regarding your personal data security.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.