Resetting your iPhone can solve a lot of common problems—slow performance, forgotten passcodes, frozen screens, or even preparing your device for resale. While iPhones offer reset options through their settings, sometimes you can’t access the device directly, especially if it’s locked or unresponsive. That’s when iTunes becomes your best friend.
In 2025, iTunes still remains one of the most reliable tools for managing and restoring iPhones, especially for users on Windows PCs. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to reset your iPhone from iTunes, step by step. We’ll cover the different reset methods, the situations that call for them, what to expect during the process, and how to do it safely without losing important data—unless you intend to wipe everything clean.
What Does It Mean to Reset an iPhone from iTunes?
Resetting your iPhone via iTunes means erasing all content and settings on the device using the iTunes software installed on your computer. It’s sometimes referred to as:
- Restoring your iPhone
- Factory reset
- Hard reset via iTunes
This process will:
- Wipe all data (photos, messages, apps, settings)
- Remove any screen passcodes
- Restore the device to its factory state
- Install the latest version of iOS
You can choose to restore from a backup after the reset or start fresh as a new device.
When Should You Reset Your iPhone Using iTunes?
Here are some common situations where using iTunes to reset your iPhone is necessary or beneficial:
1. Forgot Your Passcode
If you’re locked out and can’t access your iPhone, iTunes is one of the only ways to reset it.
2. iPhone Is Disabled
After too many failed attempts, your iPhone may say “iPhone is disabled.” iTunes can fix this.
3. Preparing for Resale or Trade-In
Resetting your iPhone ensures all your data is wiped before handing it over to someone else.
4. Major Software Issues
When your iPhone is stuck in a boot loop, freezing constantly, or crashing, a full reset through iTunes can often fix it.
5. Can’t Access Settings App
If your device is malfunctioning and you can’t navigate to the settings, iTunes provides an external way to reset.
What You Need Before Starting
To reset your iPhone from iTunes, you’ll need:
- A Windows PC or Mac with iTunes installed (macOS Catalina and later use Finder instead of iTunes)
- A USB cable to connect your iPhone
- An active internet connection (to download iOS firmware if needed)
- Your Apple ID and password (to bypass Activation Lock later)
Tip: If possible, back up your iPhone before resetting, unless you intentionally want to erase all data.
How to Reset iPhone from iTunes: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Install and Open iTunes
If you’re on Windows or using macOS Mojave or earlier, make sure iTunes is installed and updated to the latest version.
- Open iTunes on your computer.
- On macOS Catalina or later, open Finder—it handles iPhone management now.
Step 2: Connect Your iPhone
Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer. You may see a message on your iPhone asking you to “Trust This Computer.” Tap Trust, then enter your passcode—if possible.
If your iPhone is locked or disabled, proceed to Recovery Mode in the next step.
Step 3: Put iPhone into Recovery Mode (if necessary)
If your iPhone is frozen or you can’t unlock it, you’ll need to force it into Recovery Mode. Here’s how:
For iPhone 8 or Later (Including iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16):
- Press and release the Volume Up button.
- Press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
- Press and hold the Volume Down + Side button at the same time.
- Keep holding until the recovery mode screen shows.
For iPhone 6s and Earlier:
- Press and hold both the Home button + Top (or Side) button.
- Continue until you see the recovery mode screen.
Important: Recovery Mode shows a screen with a laptop and a cable—not the Apple logo. If you see the Apple logo only, restart and try again.
Step 4: Choose “Restore” in iTunes
On your computer screen, iTunes (or Finder) will detect a device in Recovery Mode and show a message with two options:
- Update
- Restore
Click Restore.
iTunes will then:
- Download the latest iOS firmware for your device
- Erase the iPhone
- Install a fresh version of iOS
This may take 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your internet speed and system performance.
What Happens After the Reset?
Once the process is complete:
- Your iPhone will restart like it’s brand new.
- You’ll see the “Hello” setup screen.
- You can now choose to set it up as new or restore from a backup (either from iTunes or iCloud).
- You’ll be prompted to enter your Apple ID password to bypass Activation Lock—this is a security feature and cannot be skipped.
What If iTunes Doesn’t Recognize the iPhone?
Here are a few things to try:
- Use a different USB port or cable
- Restart both your iPhone and computer
- Reinstall or update iTunes
- Try another computer
If iTunes still doesn’t detect your device, consider using DFU Mode (Device Firmware Update), a deeper form of reset. It’s more advanced and ideal for stubborn devices with software corruption.
Backup Options Before You Reset
Resetting your iPhone will erase everything, so if your device is still functional, back it up first.
1. iTunes Backup
- Connect your iPhone
- Click the device icon
- Under “Backups,” choose Back Up Now
- Once complete, proceed with the reset
2. iCloud Backup
- Go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup
- Tap Back Up Now
After the reset, during the setup screen, you can choose “Restore from iCloud Backup” or “Restore from Mac or PC” depending on where you saved your backup.
Pros and Cons of Resetting via iTunes
✅ Pros:
- Works even when your phone is locked or unresponsive
- No need to access phone settings
- Installs a clean version of iOS
- Useful for fixing major software issues
❌ Cons:
- Erases all data
- Requires access to a computer and cable
- iTunes may fail if there are connectivity issues or corruption
Safety Tips During the Reset Process
- Make sure your computer stays connected to power
- Don’t disconnect the iPhone during the restore process
- Use official Apple cables to avoid interruptions
- Double-check your Apple ID login details to avoid Activation Lock issues afterward
Reset iPhone vs. Restore iPhone: What’s the Difference?
Though often used interchangeably, they have slight differences:
| Term | What It Does | Where It’s Done |
|---|---|---|
| Reset | Erases settings and/or content | Done through iPhone Settings |
| Restore | Reinstalls iOS & erases everything | Done via iTunes or Finder |
When resetting via iTunes, you’re performing a full restore, not just a settings reset.
Final Thoughts
Resetting your iPhone through iTunes remains a powerful solution in 2025 for users facing serious software issues, forgotten passcodes, or preparing to sell their device. Whether your iPhone is completely frozen or you simply want to start fresh, iTunes (or Finder on newer Macs) makes the process accessible, effective, and secure.
With just a few steps—and a little patience—you can give your iPhone a fresh start, resolve stubborn bugs, and enjoy a clean slate.
Would you like a follow-up guide on how to enter DFU Mode or tips for restoring from a backup after the reset?