How to Factory Reset iPhone or iPad (With or Without Passcode)

Thinking About Resetting Your iPhone or iPad?

There are plenty of reasons you might want to reset your iPhone or iPad . Maybe you’re upgrading to a newer device, selling or giving it away, or just want a completely fresh start.

Regardless of what your reasons are (including forgetting your passcode) a factory reset can help give your device a new start while removing your data.

Below is everything you need to know to reset your iPhone or iPad quickly, securely, and without stress.

Steps To Take Before Factory Reset

Before proceeding with a factory reset on your iPhone or iPad, make sure all your important data is safely backed up. This helps prevent permanent data loss and ensures a smooth transition if you’re upgrading, selling, or giving your device away.

Back Up Your iPhone or iPad:

To back up your device using iCloud:

Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup
Turn on “Back Up This iPhone”, then tap “Back Up Now”.

Sign Out of iCloud (Important Before Selling)

If you’re selling or giving away your iPhone or iPad, signing out of iCloud is critical. This disables Activation Lock, allowing the next owner to set up the device without issues.

Step	Action
1	Open the Settings app.
2	Tap your name at the top to access Apple ID settings.
3	Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
4	Enter your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off to disable Find My.
5	Choose any data you want to keep, then tap Sign Out again to confirm.

How To Factory Reset Your iPhone or iPad

The easiest way to reset your device is directly through the Settings app. Follow the steps below based on your device.

Factory Reset via Settings App

Steps To Reset iPhone	Steps To Reset iPad
Open the Settings app.	Open the Settings app.
Tap General.	Tap General.
Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.	Select Transfer or Reset iPad.
Tap Erase All Content and Settings.	Tap Erase All Content and Settings.

Final Confirmation Required

On both iPhone and iPad, you’ll be asked to enter your device passcode or Apple ID password. Once confirmed, your device will erase all data and return to factory settings.

How To Factory Reset your iPhone or iPad Through A Computer:

Even if you forget your passcode or maybe your device’s screen got badly damaged, you can still reset it using your computer: If you’re using an iPhone 8 or any newer model, here’s what to do.

Factory Reset iPhone or iPad Using a Computer:

If your device is locked, unresponsive, or you forgot the passcode, you can reset it using Recovery Mode and a computer.

iPhone	iPad
Turn off your iPhone and connect it to a computer.	Turn off your iPad and connect it to a computer.
Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.	If your iPad has a Home button, press and hold it.
Press and hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.	If no Home button: press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Top button.
Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows / older Macs).	Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows / older Macs).
When prompted, select Restore and confirm again.	When prompted, select Restore and confirm again.
Keep your iPhone connected until the reset process finishes.	Keep your iPad connected until the process is complete.

Final Thoughts: Reset Your iPhone or iPad With Confidence

Resetting your iPhone or iPad doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re preparing your device for resale, fixing a software issue, or starting fresh, Apple provides simple and secure ways to erase your data completely.

You can factory reset your device directly through the Settings app or, if it’s locked or unresponsive, by using a computer and Recovery Mode. Both methods ensure your personal information is removed and your device is restored to factory settings.

Once the reset is complete, your iPhone or iPad will be clean, secure, and ready for a new owner or a fresh start for you.

Pro Tip: Always sign out of iCloud before resetting your device. This disables Activation Lock and prevents setup issues for the next user.

FAQs: How To Reset Your iPhone or iPad?

How do I force my iPhone to factory reset?

If your iPhone is unresponsive or locked, use Recovery Mode. Turn off the device, connect it to a computer, then press the correct button combination for your model until the Recovery Mode screen appears. Restore the iPhone using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).

How do I hard reset a locked iPhone?

A hard reset works the same way as Recovery Mode. You don’t need the passcode. Simply connect your iPhone to a computer, enter Recovery Mode, and select Restore to erase the device completely.

How can I factory reset an iPhone without a passcode?

You’ll need a computer. Put the iPhone into Recovery Mode, open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), and choose Restore. This removes all data even if you’ve forgotten the passcode.

How do I factory reset my iPhone for a new owner?

First back up your data and sign out of iCloud to disable Activation Lock. Then go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings and confirm.

Can I factory reset a locked iPhone I found?

No. If the iPhone has an active Apple ID and Find My iPhone enabled, it cannot be fully reset without the owner’s credentials. The device will remain locked.