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Learn how to factory reset your iPhone before you sell or give away your device.
There are two easy ways to perform a factory reset: right from your iPhone and using Mac or Windows PC.
Before you start, make sure you have an iCloud backup or a backup saved on your computer.
A factory reset erases all of the data on your iPhone, so you need a backup if you want to save your content or settings, or transfer them to a new device.
You’ll also want to have your Apple ID and password handy.
How to Factory Reset iPhone
1. Go to Settings > General.
2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Press Continue.
5. Enter your passcode.
If you have Screen Time enabled, you will also be prompted to enter your Screen Time passcode. Now, just wait for your backup to finish.
6. Type your Apple ID password.
7. Tap Turn Off in the top-right corner of your screen.
8. Tap Erase iPhone.
Your iPhone will start to wipe out all the data stored.
This may take a moment or two. When the process is complete, you’ll see the “hello” screen.
That being said, after you’ve done a factory reset to your iPhone, you can sell or give away your device.
How to Factory Reset your iPhone from Mac or Windows PC
You can also reset your iPhone to factory settings, using your Mac or Windows PC.
If you’re using macOS Catalina or later, you’ll use the Finder.
In macOS Mojave or earlier, or if you’re using a Windows PC, you’ll use iTunes instead.
Turn Off Find My iPhone
First, you’ll need to turn off Find My on your iPhone. You won’t be able to reset it until you do this.
1. Go to Settings, tap your name.
2. Tap Find My.
3. Tap Find My iPhone and turn it off.
4. When prompted, enter your Apple ID password.
5. Tap Turn Off in the top-right corner of your screen to confirm.
Reset iPhone from Mac or Windows PC
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open the Finder or iTunes.
2. Then, select your device from the sidebar.
3. To sync your computer with your iPhone, click Trust.
4. Now tap Trust on your iPhone to continue.
5. Then enter your passcode.
6. Now click Restore iPhone.
Next, you’ll erase all content and settings from your iPhone, so make sure you have an iCloud backup or a backup on your computer.
That way, you can retrieve your data later.
7. Click Back Up if you need to make a backup or click Don’t Back Up to continue without making one.
8. Click Restore to confirm.
Then, wait for your computer to install the latest version of iOS on your iPhone.
Your device will restart, and after a moment or two, you’ll see the “hello” screen.
And that’s it! You have successfully factory reset your iPhone from your Mac or Windows PC. Now, it’s safe if you want to sell or give it away.
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