How To Factory Reset an iPhone Or iPad

Each year, Apple releases a new iPhone. And in the weeks preceding and following the release, online auction sites see an abundance of newly superseded iPhones hit the market. But before you sell your iPhone, iPad or any other iOS device, you should remove all your personal data. The best way to do that is a factory reset. Here’s how to factory reset an iOS device.

  1. Connect the device to iTunes and back up all your data – just in case
  2. Tap on the Settings icon
  3. Scroll down a little until you can see General and tap on it
  4. Scroll the bottom of the list and tap on Reset
  5. Tap on Erase All Contents And Settings
  6. Enter your passcode when prompted
  7. A small panel will slide up from the bottom of the screen. Assuming you’re sure you want to wipe the device and you’ve saved all your data, tap on Erase iPhone
  8. Just to be sure, the panel will reappear and ask again. If you’re sure, tap on Erase iPhone

Once the process is complete, the iPhone (or iPad – the same process works on iPads) will be wiped of all your data and be ready for a new owner to set up.


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