Resetting an iPhone doesn't have to mean starting from scratch. Many people avoid resetting their devices because they fear losing years of photos, contacts, messages, and app data. But here's what most people don't know: there are multiple ways to reset your iPhone while keeping everything that matters.
This guide walks you through the safest methods to refresh your iPhone without touching your personal data. From simple settings resets to full device restores with backups, we'll cover everything you need to know.
Understanding iPhone Reset Options
Before diving into the steps, it's important to understand that "reset" can mean different things on an iPhone. Not all resets delete your data, and knowing which option to choose makes all the difference.
There are essentially three types of resets:
Reset All Settings
This resets system preferences like Wi-Fi passwords, display settings, and privacy settings to factory defaults. Your photos, apps, messages, and personal data remain completely untouched. This is the safest option when your iPhone is misbehaving, but you don't want to lose anything.
Erase All Content and Settings (with Backup)
This wipes your iPhone clean but allows you to restore everything from a backup afterwards. It's useful when selling your device, fixing major software issues, or preparing for a fresh iOS installation, with the intention of restoring your data immediately after.
Factory Reset (Full Wipe)
This completely erases everything with no backup. Only use this if you're giving away or selling your iPhone and want to permanently remove all traces of your information.
Note: For keeping your data safe, we'll focus on the first two methods.
Method 1: Reset All Settings (Safest Option)
This is the quickest and safest way to fix most iPhone problems without touching your personal data. It resets system configurations but keeps all your photos, apps, messages, contacts, and files exactly as they are.
When to Use This Method
- iPhone running slowly or freezing frequently
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity issues
- Display or sound settings are acting weird.
- Privacy settings are causing app problems.
- General performance issues without a clear cause
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap General.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset
- Select Reset All Settings
- Enter your passcode when prompted.
- Tap Reset All Settings again to confirm
Your iPhone will restart automatically. After it turns back on, you'll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and reconfigure display preferences, but all your data remains exactly where it was.
What Gets Reset
- Wi-Fi networks and passwords
- Bluetooth pairings
- Display brightness and wallpaper
- Privacy and location settings
- Keyboard dictionary
- Home screen layout
- Apple Pay cards (you'll need to add them again)
What Stays Safe
- Photos and videos
- Messages and iMessage conversations
- Contacts and calendar events
- Apps and app data
- Music, podcasts, and downloaded content
- Documents and files
- Health and fitness data
Method 2: Backup and Restore (Complete Fresh Start)
If you need a more thorough reset while keeping your data safe, backing up first and then restoring is the way to go. This gives you a completely fresh iOS installation while preserving everything important.
Step 1: Create an iCloud Backup
Before resetting, make sure your data is safely backed up to iCloud.
- Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings and tap your name at the top
- Tap iCloud
- Tap iCloud Backup
- Tap Back Up Now
- Wait for the backup to complete (this can take 10-30 minutes depending on your data size)
Important: Keep your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into power during backup. Don't close Settings or let your screen lock until it finishes.
How to Check if Backup Completed Successfully
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup
- Look under "Last Backup" - it should show today's date and time.
- The backup size should reflect your data (typically several GB)
Step 2: Erase Your iPhone
Once your backup is confirmed:
- Open Settings
- Go to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
- Enter your passcode
- Enter your Apple ID password to turn off Find My iPhone
- Tap Erase iPhone to confirm
Your iPhone will restart and display the "Hello" setup screen, just like when you first bought it.
Step 3: Restore from iCloud Backup
Now bring all your data back:
- Follow the on-screen setup instructions (language, region, Wi-Fi)
- When you reach the "Apps & Data" screen, tap Restore from iCloud Backup.
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Choose your most recent backup from the list.
- Wait for the restore to complete (10-60 minutes, depending on data size)
Your iPhone will restart several times during restoration. Keep it connected to Wi-Fi and power throughout the process.
What Gets Restored
✓ All photos and videos ✓ Messages and iMessage history ✓ Contacts, calendars, reminders ✓ App data and settings ✓ Health and Activity data ✓ Home screen layout and app organisation ✓ Device settings and preferences ✓ Apple Pay cards (you may need to verify them)
Method 3: Use iTunes/Finder on Computer (Alternative)
If you prefer backing up to your computer instead of iCloud, this method works perfectly too.
For macOS Catalina or Later (Using Finder)
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac with a USB cable.
- Open Finder
- Click on your iPhone in the sidebar.
- Under "Backups," select "Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac"
- Click "Back Up Now"
- After backup completes, click "Restore iPhone"
- Choose your backup file to restore
For Windows or Older macOS (Using iTunes)
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Open iTunes
- Click the iPhone icon when it appears.
- Click "Back Up Now" under Backups
- After backup completes, click "Restore iPhone"
- Select your backup to restore from
Computer backups are often faster than iCloud and don't count against your iCloud storage limit.
Important Tips Before Resetting
Check Your iCloud Storage
Free iCloud accounts get 5GB of storage. If your data exceeds this, you'll need to upgrade temporarily or use a computer backup. Check your storage: Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage.
Verify Your Apple ID Password
You'll need this to turn off Find My iPhone and restore from backup. If you've forgotten it, reset it at iforgot.apple.com before starting the reset process.
Update iOS First
Sometimes updating to the latest iOS version fixes problems without needing a reset. Check for updates: Settings > General > Software Update.
Write Down Important Passwords
While most passwords are restored from your iCloud Keychain, it's smart to write down important ones, especially for email and banking apps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Skip the Backup
Never erase your iPhone without confirming your backup is recent and complete. Check the backup date and size before proceeding.
Don't Interrupt the Process
Keep your iPhone connected to power and Wi-Fi throughout the entire backup and restore process. Interruptions can corrupt data.
Don't Forget About Two-Factor Authentication
Some apps require re-verification after restoration. Make sure you have access to your authentication codes or backup phone numbers.
Don't Assume All Data Backs Up Automatically
Some third-party apps store data only on their own servers. Check important apps before resetting to ensure their data is backed up properly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
"Not Enough iCloud Storage" Error
Solution: Delete old backups (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups), temporarily upgrade iCloud storage, or use a computer backup instead.
Backup Taking Forever
Solution: Connect to a faster Wi-Fi network, delete large, unnecessary files before backing up, or switch to a computer backup, which is typically faster.
Restore Stuck or Failing
Solution: Restart your iPhone and try again. Make sure you're on a stable Wi-Fi connection. If it keeps failing, restore using a computer with iTunes/Finder instead.
Apps Not Restoring Properly
Solution: Some apps need to be re-downloaded from the App Store. Your data will sync once you log back in.
After the Reset: What to Expect
Your iPhone will feel noticeably faster and more responsive. Settings that were causing problems should be cleared, and performance should improve significantly.
Reconnect and Reconfigure
- Add your Wi-Fi networks again (passwords restored from the keychain)
- Re-pair Bluetooth devices
- Set up Face ID or Touch ID
- Add Apple Pay cards back
- Adjust display settings to your preference.
- Review privacy settings and app permissions.
Apps Will Download Gradually
After restoration, apps download in the background. Priority apps download first, but the complete process can take 30-60 minutes, depending on how many apps you have.
Preventing Future Problems
Enable Automatic Backups
Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Toggle On. Your iPhone will back up automatically when connected to Wi-Fi, plugged in, and locked.
Keep iOS Updated
Enable automatic updates: Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates > Toggle On.
Regular Maintenance
- Clear Safari cache monthly (Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data)
- Delete unused apps and old photos periodically.
- Restart your iPhone weekly to clear temporary files.
- Check storage regularly (Settings > General > iPhone Storage)
Final Thoughts
Resetting your iPhone doesn't mean losing everything you care about. Whether you need a quick settings refresh or a complete device restore, the methods above keep your photos, messages, and important data perfectly safe. Most problems are solved with the simple Reset All Settings option, which takes just a few minutes and doesn't touch your personal information.
The key is backing up before you make any major changes. Enable automatic iCloud backups, keep your iOS updated, and restart your phone regularly to prevent issues before they start. With these habits, your iPhone will run smoothly for years, and you'll always have peace of mind knowing your data is protected.
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If you're also experiencing app-related issues on your Android device, check out our detailed guide on How to Fix Android App Keeps Crashing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I Lose My Photos If I Reset All Settings?
No. Reset All Settings only changes system preferences like Wi-Fi, display, and privacy settings. All your photos, videos, messages, contacts, and apps remain completely untouched.
How Long Does iCloud Backup Take?
Typically, 10-30 minutes for the first backup, depending on how much data you have and your Wi-Fi speed. Subsequent backups are much faster because they only back up changes.
Can I Reset My iPhone Without a Computer?
Yes. You can reset settings directly on your iPhone, and you can back up and restore your entire device through iCloud without ever connecting to a computer.
What If I Don't Have Enough iCloud Storage?
You have three options: upgrade your iCloud plan temporarily (starting at $0.99/month for 50GB), delete old backups and unnecessary data, or back up to a computer using iTunes/Finder instead.
Does Resetting Fix All iPhone Problems?
Reset All Settings fixes most software glitches, connectivity issues, and performance problems. However, hardware problems such as a cracked screen or a faulty battery require physical repair.
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