Whether your iPhone is acting up, you’re planning to sell it, or you simply want to start fresh, resetting your iPhone can be a smart and necessary step. But the idea of “resetting” can sound intimidating—does it mean losing everything? What kind of reset do you actually need?
In this comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to reset your iPhone the right way, step-by-step. We’ll also break down the different types of resets, when to use each one, and how to keep your personal data safe in the process.
What Does “Resetting” an iPhone Mean?
Resetting an iPhone essentially means returning the device—or parts of its system—to a previous or factory state. But there’s more than one kind of reset, and not all resets are created equal.
There are two main types of iPhone resets:
- Soft Reset (Reboot): A simple restart of your device—no data is lost.
- Factory Reset (Full Erase): Deletes all data, returning your iPhone to the way it was out of the box.
We’ll explain both, along with other reset options available under iPhone settings, like network reset or keyboard dictionary reset.
When Should You Reset Your iPhone?
There are plenty of situations where resetting your iPhone makes sense, including:
- The iPhone is frozen or unresponsive
- Apps are crashing or glitching
- You’re selling or giving away your device
- You forgot your passcode
- iPhone is running slow or buggy
- iOS updates have caused issues
- You’re locked out of certain features
Before doing anything, it’s crucial to understand what kind of reset you need—and how to do it properly.
PART 1: How to Do a Soft Reset (Reboot)
A soft reset is just a fancy term for restarting your iPhone. It helps when the phone is lagging, freezing, or certain features aren’t working as expected.
How to Perform a Soft Reset:
For iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, and newer:
- Press and hold the Side button + Volume Up (or Down) together.
- Wait for the power slider to appear.
- Slide to power off.
- After the device shuts down, press and hold the Side button again until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 8 and earlier:
- Press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the power-off slider appears.
- Slide it to turn off.
- Press and hold the button again to turn it back on.
A soft reset is safe and won’t delete your data. It’s the first step for fixing minor issues.
PART 2: How to Force Restart (Hard Reboot)
If your iPhone is frozen or won’t respond to touches, a force restart can help. It doesn’t erase any data—it’s just a stronger reboot.
How to Force Restart:
iPhone 8 and later:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
- Press and hold Volume Down + Side button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 6s and earlier:
- Press and hold the Home + Power button at the same time until the Apple logo shows up.
Use this method only when your phone is unresponsive.
PART 3: How to Perform a Full Factory Reset (Erase All Content)
If you’re giving your iPhone to someone else or want a completely fresh start, a factory reset is what you need. It wipes everything—photos, messages, apps, settings—so it’s like starting brand new.
Warning: Back Up Before You Reset
Before you erase anything, back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer to avoid losing important data.
Steps to Perform a Factory Reset:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode or Apple ID password when prompted.
- Confirm to begin the process.
Once done, your iPhone will restart and take you to the Hello setup screen—just like a brand-new device.
PART 4: How to Reset Specific Settings Without Losing Data
If you’re having trouble with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or keyboard behavior, you don’t need to erase everything. Apple offers multiple reset options that target specific settings.
1. Reset Network Settings
- Useful if you’re having Wi-Fi, cellular, or Bluetooth issues.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings
This deletes saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings—but no media or data.
2. Reset All Settings
- Restores default settings like wallpaper, display, and system preferences.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Reset > Reset All Settings
No photos, apps, or data are deleted—but settings like Wi-Fi passwords and Apple Pay cards will be removed.
3. Reset Keyboard Dictionary
- Clears saved words and auto-corrections.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary
4. Reset Home Screen Layout
- Restores app layout to default. Custom folders will be removed.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout
5. Reset Location & Privacy
- Resets permissions and app location access.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Reset > Reset Location & Privacy
PART 5: What to Do If You Forgot Your Passcode
If you’re locked out of your iPhone, a factory reset via Recovery Mode is your best option.
Use Recovery Mode:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer.
- Launch Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).
- Force restart your iPhone (see steps above).
- Choose Restore when prompted.
This erases the device and installs the latest iOS version.
Note: You’ll need your Apple ID and password afterward due to Activation Lock—a security feature that prevents stolen devices from being reactivated.
How Long Does a Reset Take?
- Soft Reset / Force Restart: Under 1 minute
- Factory Reset: Around 5–10 minutes depending on storage
- Restoring from Backup: 10–30 minutes or longer depending on your internet speed and backup size
After the Reset: What Comes Next?
Once your iPhone is reset, you’ll be greeted with the setup screen. You can:
- Set up as new iPhone
- Restore from iCloud or computer backup
- Sign in with Apple ID and re-download apps
Take your time to customize settings, set Face ID/Touch ID, and update your preferences.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Will a reset remove iOS updates?
No. Even after a full reset, your iPhone keeps the latest installed iOS version.
Q: Will a reset remove viruses or bugs?
A factory reset can eliminate software bugs, crashes, and even potential malware.
Q: Can I reset my iPhone without a computer?
Yes, as long as you have access to the phone and remember the passcode.
Q: Is resetting the same as restoring?
Not exactly. A reset erases data; a restore reinstalls the operating system using a computer.
Final Thoughts
Resetting your iPhone doesn’t have to be scary or confusing. Whether you’re troubleshooting issues, preparing to sell your phone, or just craving a clean slate, knowing how to reset your iPhone the right way gives you control over your device.
Always remember:
- Back up your data
- Choose the right type of reset
- Understand what gets erased
From soft resets to full factory wipes, your iPhone has flexible options that keep your information safe while giving you the power to refresh and restart whenever you need.
Would you like a quick reference chart comparing all iPhone reset types?