Updated: April 27, 2025

iPhone Reset Options Explained: Network, All Settings, Erase 2025

Resetting your iPhone might sound complicated, but it’s like giving your phone a fresh start—erasing old data, fixing glitches, or preparing it for a new owner. Whether you’re selling your device, troubleshooting issues, or just cleaning up, this guide will walk you through every step in simple terms.

We’ll cover backups, resetting directly from your iPhone, using a computer, handling cellular and eSIM settings, and more. Let’s dive in!

1: Before You Reset – Save Your Stuff!

1.1 Back Up Your iPhone
Imagine losing all your photos, messages, and apps forever—yikes! To avoid this, always back up your iPhone before resetting. You have two options:

  • iCloud Backup:
    Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Tap Back Up Now. This requires Wi-Fi and enough iCloud storage (check our guide to Apple ID & iCloud settings for help managing storage).

  • Computer Backup:
    Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC. On a Mac (macOS Catalina or later), use Finder. On older Macs or PCs, use iTunes. Select your device and click Back Up Now.

1.2 Sign Out of Apple ID & iCloud
Your iPhone is linked to your Apple ID, which includes Find My iPhone, iCloud data, and subscriptions. To remove this connection:

  1. Go to Settings > [Your Name].
  2. Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
  3. Enter your Apple ID password and confirm.

This step turns off Find My iPhone (a security feature that locks your device to your account) and disconnects iCloud. For more details, read our full breakdown of Apple ID settings.

1.3 Unpair Accessories
If you use an Apple Watch, unpair it first:

  1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap All Watches, then the ℹ️ icon next to your watch.
  3. Select Unpair Apple Watch.

For Bluetooth devices like headphones, visit our iPhone Bluetooth guide to safely disconnect them.

2: How to Reset Your iPhone

2.1 Reset Directly from Your iPhone
This is the easiest method:

  1. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
  3. Enter your passcode and Apple ID password if asked.
  4. Choose whether to Delete eSIM (if your phone has one).

Why delete an eSIM?
If you’re selling your iPhone or switching carriers, deleting the eSIM prevents the next owner from using your cellular plan. Learn more about managing iPhone cellular data.

2.2 Reset Using a Computer
If your iPhone isn’t working properly, use a computer:

  1. Turn off Find My iPhone:
    Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone and toggle it off.
  2. Connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable.
  3. Open Finder (Mac) or Apple Devices (PC). For older systems, use iTunes.
  4. Click Restore iPhone and follow the prompts.

This method reinstalls iOS, fixing software bugs. For troubleshooting connectivity issues, check our iPhone Wi-Fi settings guide.

3: Special Situations

3.1 Handling eSIM and Cellular Data
Modern iPhones use eSIMs (digital SIM cards). When resetting:

  • Keep eSIM: If you’re keeping the same carrier.
  • Delete eSIM: If switching carriers or selling the phone. Contact your carrier afterward to reactivate service.

Physical SIM Card? Remove it from the SIM tray (found on the iPhone’s side) before selling.

3.2 Switching to Android?
If you’re moving to an Android phone:

  1. Turn off iMessage: Go to Settings > Messages and toggle off iMessage.
  2. Deregister your number: Visit Apple’s Deregister iMessage page.

3.3 Cancel Subscriptions
Forgot to cancel Apple Care+ or apps? Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions to manage them.

4: After Resetting Your iPhone

4.1 Verify the Reset
Your iPhone will restart to the “Hello” setup screen, just like when it was new. If you see this, the reset worked!

4.2 Set Up as New or Restore

  • New iPhone: Follow the setup prompts.
  • Old iPhone: Restore from your backup during setup.

For help navigating setup, visit our Ultimate iPhone Settings Guide.

4.3 Check iCloud
Log into iCloud.com to ensure your old device no longer appears under Account > Devices.

5: Common Mistakes & Fixes

5.1 “Activation Lock” Error
If the new owner sees this, you didn’t sign out of iCloud. Fix it by entering your Apple ID at iCloud.com.

5.2 Slow Reset Process
Resetting takes time! Ensure your iPhone is charged or plugged in.

5.3 Forgotten Passcode
If you can’t remember your passcode, use a computer to reset (see Part 2.2).

Final Tips

  • Double-check backups: Test restoring a photo or app before resetting.
  • Clean your iPhone: Wipe it down and remove cases.
  • Keep proof of reset: Take a photo of the “Hello” screen for peace of mind.

For more tips on managing your device, explore our iPhone General Settings Explained guide.

FAQ: iPhone Reset Questions Answered

1. Do I really need to back up my iPhone before resetting it?
Yes! Resetting your iPhone erases everything—photos, messages, apps, and settings. If you don’t back up, you’ll lose your data permanently. Use iCloud(Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud Backup) or a computer (via Finder or iTunes) to save your files. For step-by-step help, check our Ultimate iPhone Settings Guide.

2. What happens if I forget to sign out of iCloud before resetting?
Your iPhone will still have Activation Lock, which ties it to your Apple ID. The new owner won’t be able to use it! To fix this, go to iCloud.com, sign in, and remove the device from your account. Learn more about Apple ID & iCloud settings here.

3. How do I handle my eSIM when resetting my iPhone?
If you’re keeping your phone number or carrier, select “Keep eSIM.” If you’re selling the iPhone or switching carriers, choose “Delete eSIM.” After deleting, contact your carrier to reactivate your plan on a new device. For more on cellular settings, visit iPhone Cellular Data Explained.

4. Can I reset my iPhone if I forgot my passcode?
Yes! Use a computer (Mac or PC) to reset it:

  1. Connect your iPhone to the computer.
  2. Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC).
  3. Follow the prompts to Restore iPhone.
    This erases the device and removes the passcode.

5. How long does resetting an iPhone take?
Usually 5–15 minutes, depending on how much data is stored. Keep your iPhone charged or plugged in to avoid interruptions. If it’s taking longer, don’t panic—just wait!

Conclusion
Resetting your iPhone is a safe and straightforward process if you follow these steps: back up your data, sign out of iCloud, handle your eSIM, and use the right reset method. Whether you’re troubleshooting, upgrading, or passing your phone to someone else, this guide ensures your personal information stays protected.

For more tips on managing your device, explore our iPhone General Settings Explained guide.