Resetting your iPhone to factory settings can be a useful troubleshooting step if you’re selling or giving away your device. A factory reset erases all data and settings from your iPhone, leaving it like new. While you can factory reset an iPhone through the Settings app, you can also reset it using just the buttons on the device itself. Here’s how to factory reset an iPhone using only the buttons.
When to Factory Reset an iPhone
There are a few common reasons to reset your iPhone to factory default settings:
- You’re selling or giving away your iPhone – Wiping it protects your personal information.
- You’re experiencing technical issues – Resetting can often resolve software glitches.
- You forgot your passcode – A factory reset lets you regain access.
Resetting deletes all data and resets all settings, so make sure everything you want to keep is backed up to iCloud or iTunes before proceeding.
Back Up Your iPhone Before Factory Resetting
To avoid losing photos, messages, and other important data, be sure to fully back up your iPhone before factory resetting it. There are two main ways to back up an iPhone:
- Back up to iCloud – Enable iCloud Backup in Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Then connect to WiFi and plug your iPhone in to power. Go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup and select “Back Up Now.”
- Back up to iTunes – Connect your iPhone to a computer with the latest version of iTunes installed. Select your iPhone, then go to Summary > Back Up Now.
Once your iPhone data is fully backed up, you’re ready to proceed with the factory reset.
How to Factory Reset an iPhone Using Buttons
Here are the steps to factory reset an iPhone using just the buttons on the device:
- Make sure your iPhone is powered off.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- When you see the Connect to iTunes screen, release the Side button.
- Press and hold the Side and Volume Down buttons together for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo.
- Your iPhone will now boot up and complete the factory reset process.
That’s all there is to it! Using this button sequence, you can factory reset an iPhone without access to the Settings app or a computer.
Detailed Steps to Factory Reset iPhone with Buttons
Let’s go through the factory reset process in more detail:
- Make sure your iPhone is powered off – Press and hold the Side button until the “Slide to power off” prompt appears. Drag the slider to turn your iPhone completely off.
- Press and release Volume Up – Using the physical Volume Up button on the left side of your iPhone, press and quickly release Volume Up.
- Press and release Volume Down – Now press and quickly release the Volume Down button below the Volume Up button.
- Press and hold Side button until recovery mode – Hold down the Side button on the right side of your iPhone. Keep holding the button until you see the Connect to iTunes screen with the recovery mode icon.
- Release Side button when you see recovery mode – When the Connect to iTunes screen appears, you can release the Side button.
- Press and hold Side + Volume Down for 10+ seconds – Finally, press and hold both the Side button and Volume Down button together. Keep holding both buttons for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.
- iPhone resets and powers on – Once you see the Apple logo, you can release both buttons. The iPhone will now go through the factory reset process automatically and power back on.
That’s all there is to factory resetting an iPhone using only the device’s buttons! It will erase and restore your iPhone to factory default settings.
What Happens When You Factory Reset an iPhone
When you factory reset an iPhone through this button process, here’s exactly what happens:
- The iPhone boots into recovery mode and connects to Apple’s restore servers.
- All user settings and data are erased from the device storage.
- The latest iOS software is downloaded and installed.
- Default apps and settings are restored.
- The iPhone restarts with default settings, like it’s brand new out of the box.
So in essence, a factory reset completely wipes your iPhone and restores it to original factory conditions. This can fix many issues, and also allows a clean slate when selling or giving away your device.
What You Should Do After Factory Resetting iPhone
After resetting your iPhone to factory default settings, there are a few steps you should take:
- Set up your iPhone – If you’ll be using the iPhone, go through the setup assistant process.
- Restore from backup – To get your data back, restore your iPhone from your iCloud or iTunes backup.
- Turn off Find My iPhone – If you’re selling or gifting the device, make sure Find My iPhone is disabled.
- Log out of iCloud – Sign out of your Apple ID in Settings to completely unlink the device.
- Remove SIM card – Take out your SIM card if you won’t be using the iPhone anymore.
Following these steps ensures your data is protected and the iPhone is ready for its next owner.
Troubleshooting Factory Reset Issues
In most cases, factory resetting through the buttons sequence will successfully wipe and restore your iPhone. But occasionally issues come up. Here are some potential issues and fixes:
iPhone won’t turn on or respond
If your iPhone won’t power on or seems totally unresponsive, the reset process may have failed or the battery may have drained. Try plugging your iPhone into power – that should boot it back up so the reset can finish.
Buttons don’t seem to work
Make sure you are pressing the Volume and Side buttons fully when performing the reset sequence. Try repeating the steps again while firmly pressing the buttons. Go slowly to get the timing right.
iPhone keeps restarting
An endlessly rebooting iPhone is typically a sign that the reset process didn’t complete properly. Try the button reset sequence again, making sure to hold the final Side + Volume Down press for a full 10-20 seconds before releasing.
Reset doesn’t seem to solve issue
If your original issue still persists after the factory reset, it’s likely a hardware problem or something else unrelated to the system software. You may need to visit an Apple store or authorized service provider for additional troubleshooting.
As a last resort, you can restore and update your iPhone through iTunes on a computer. But in most instances, the button reset process works to fully wipe and restore an iPhone to factory conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does factory reset delete everything?
Yes, a factory reset will delete all data, media, settings, and accounts from your iPhone. Be sure to back up anything you want to keep before resetting.
Do I need a computer to factory reset an iPhone?
No, you can factory reset an iPhone using just the buttons on the device itself. No computer or iTunes required.
Will I lose iOS version after factory reset?
No, resetting your iPhone will not downgrade or erase the iOS version. Your device will be restored to the same iOS it was running before the reset.
Can iPhone be hacked after factory reset?
Factory resetting deletes all user data and settings, which eliminates most hacking risks. As long as you keep your iPhone updated and use good security practices afterwards, hacking risks are minimal.
Will reset disable Find My iPhone?
No, you’ll need to manually turn off Find My iPhone before or after the factory reset to fully unlink the device.
Conclusion
Factory resetting your iPhone using just the device buttons provides an easy way to fully erase and restore your iPhone without needing a computer. By remembering the button sequence, you can wipe your iPhone even if you forget your passcode or encounter other issues accessing the Settings app.
Just be absolutely certain to fully back up your iPhone before resetting it, so you don’t lose all your data and memories. As long as you properly prepare, resetting your iPhone can cleanly resolve a variety of issues and give you a fresh start.