© Gabo_Arts / Shutterstock.com

Key Facts

  • Resetting your iPhone might be necessary if it is burdened by excess data.
  • It may also be necessary to prevent lag as a result of software errors.
  • Resetting the device can also resolve file system errors.

Have you ever had a day when your iPhone started acting up, and you had no idea what to do? Well, you don’t need to worry. Here are some helpful steps on how to reset your iPhone so everything will be back to normal in no time.

Resetting your iPhone is easy. You just need to open the “settings app,” tap on General > Transfer or Reset iPhone, then tap Erase All Content and Settings. Now you will have to enter your passcode. Confirm your choice, and your iPhone will be back to normal.

Read on to find out how to reset your iPhone in 7 easy steps.

Why Do You Need to Reset Your iPhone?

Sometimes, your iPhone can get clogged with too much data, apps, and games you don’t use anymore. Resetting your phone will easily fix that issue. Now you will be able to use your iPhone without any glitches or lags.

Here are some reasons why you may consider resetting your iPhone:

Software Errors

If your iPhone gets lagged or it is suddenly unresponsive, you may have a software problem on your device. It would be best if you did a reset before the problem gets worse. It may even lead to the need of restoring your iPhone. Resetting will help fix your problem easily.

Apps Crashing

Apps can get stuck. Sometimes, they just stop working. This might be a bug in your phone’s software. To fix this, you will have to reset your phone to get rid of the error once and for all.

File System Errors

Suppose you are experiencing problems with your phone storage every time you try to do a backup. In that case, it automatically fills up again, or if you’ve tried restoring from an old backup and the process froze midway through the restore process, you should reset your device too.

You need to delete everything from your iPhone so that you can start over again. Resetting solves the problem of file system errors.

Issues Connecting to Networks

If you are having issues connecting to your carrier’s network, a reset can solve that problem effectively. You need to make sure that your iPhone software is up-to-date.

If it is not, then you may need to upgrade the device. Sometimes resetting your phone to its factory settings will also fix this issue.

Security Issues

If you are having issues with your phone’s security, then it may be time to reset your iPhone. Sometimes, the device can get corrupted files that cause issues in accessing the device. Resetting will solve this issue easily.

A reset is sure to fix whatever issue you are experiencing with your iPhone. You should do it once every month or so to help keep your iPhone running smoothly.

How to Reset Your iPhone

Resetting your iPhone
The Settings icon on an iPhone 7.

©Wachiwit/Shutterstock.com

Before you continue to Reset your iPhone, you have to make sure that you have a backup of your data stored in iCloud or on iTunes. You don’t have to lose any of your data. You can always restore it from a backup after you reset the device.

When you are ready to reset your iPhone, proceed with the following:

Step 1: Simply swipe your finger up from the bottom of the screen to launch the “Settings” app.

Step 2: Choose “General” from the list.

Step 3: Locate the “Reset” button, which you can find at the bottom of your screen. Tap on it.

Step 4: Tap on “Erase all content and settings” to continue.

Step 5: Now, you will have to enter your passcode. Remember, you can skip this step if you don’t have a passcode.

Step 6: Now you will have to tap on “Erase iPhone” to confirm that you want to reset your iPhone.

Step 7: Your iPhone will reset. This process can take some time, so be patient. This is the best course of action if you want to start fresh with a clean slate on your iPhone.

How to Hard Reset an iPhone

If you’re having issues with an iPhone, a hard reset may help. A hard reset will restore the settings to default and erase all data from the device.

Force-Restarting an iPhone 6/6s Plus/ iPhone SE

Hold the Sleep and the Home button together until you see an Apple logo on the screen. When the same Apple logo appears, release both buttons. The iPhone will restart, and the setup assistant will appear. Wait for the screen to clear.

Force-Restarting an iPhone 7 /7 Plus

Press the Sleep and the Volume Up button at the same time. Keep them pressed until you see a white screen with a red slider bar at the top left corner. When you see that, release all buttons and wait for 10 seconds.

Force-Restarting an iPhone 8

Press and hold the Sleep/Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time. Keep them pressed until you see the Apple logo.

Release the buttons when you see that white screen with the red slider bar at the top left corner. When you see that, wait for 10 seconds to complete the force restart and wait for the iPhone to set up again.

How to Fix an iPhone That Won’t Force-Restart

Several people have reported issues with their iPhones not being able to be forced restarted. While some people have managed to fix it, you might want to try this repair instead.

If your iPhone won’t restart, please try the following:

Put Your iPhone into Recovery Mode

Resetting your iPhone
When you put the iPhone in recovery mode, you should turn it off and Press the Home button until you see the Apple logo.

©sdx15/Shutterstock.com

The first thing you can try is to put your iPhone into recovery mode. To do this, use the following steps:

  • Turn off your iPhone and then press and hold the Home button for about 10 seconds until you see an Apple logo or a “Connect to iTunes” screen on some iPhones.
  • Wait for iTunes to recognize your device. If it doesn’t, force-restart your iPhone again and repeat the same step.
  • Now that your iPhone is in recovery mode, you can restore it using iTunes. Just plug your device into your PC or Mac and launch iTunes.
  • Select your device from the list of devices on the left pane and click “Restore.”
  • Confirm if you have backed up all data from your iPhone and then click on “Restore” again to continue the process.

Update Software

If your iPhone still doesn’t restart, go to the Settings menu and tap on “General” > “Software Update.” If this doesn’t help, you can try to update your iPhone’s software using iTunes.

Connect Your iPhone to A Computer

Apple has recommended this method, too. You can connect your iPhone to a computer using either a USB cable or the Dock Connector to USB Cable (sold separately) and then try to fix it using iTunes.

Contact Apple Support

The last thing you can do is contact Apple Support in order to get your iPhone serviced. Sometimes, there’s nothing that you can do. The best way to know what’s wrong with it is to bring it to the Apple store.

Since there are no hardware troubleshooting instructions for an iPhone, the best thing you can do is bring it to a certified technician at the nearest Apple Store.

Conclusion

If you are a true iPhone user, then you will not be able to resist the urge to freestyle your iPhone.

Resetting your iPhone is a way to eliminate all your data and settings, making it as if you have just bought a new phone. A fresh start is always good. If you are stuck with an issue, try resetting and see if that solves it. If it doesn’t solve your issue, then do some research on the subject, as it might be a common problem.

Up Next…

Interested in reading related articles? Click on the links below:

7 Steps to Resetting Your iPhone FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Should you reset your iPhone regularly?

The short answer is, “Yes.”  Regular resets ensure your iPhone remains stable, and also cleans away any corrupt data.

Does resetting iPhone make it faster?

Yes, when you reset, a lot of junk files are deleted that prevent your iPhone from accessing all of the memory.  This is a great way to free up space and receive more speed for your dollar.

Will I lose my phone number if I reset my iPhone?

No, your number is saved in iCloud via your Apple ID. You can always use the Restore from iTunes feature to restore your phone’s previous version. There are also other options if you already have backup copies of your contacts and messages located on another device such as an iPod or computer.

How often should I reset my iPhone?

It depends on your usage.  Most people should reset their iPhone once a week, but you may want to reset it more often if you are constantly working with your iPhone or are running a lot of apps that take up a lot of memory.

Will restarting my phone help?

Yes, restarting your iPhone can help to fix some issues and slow downs you might be experiencing. It is a great option when you want to see if it fixes the issue or not. If you are still having the same problem, then you need to reset your phone.

What happens after I reset my iPhone?

All of your iPhone’s content will be erased. This includes accounts, apps, and media, as well as your text messages, or other information that is stored on the iPhone itself.

About the Author

Follow Me On:

LinkedIn Logo

More from History-Computer

  • Apple Available here: https://support.apple.com/en-ke/guide/iphone/iph7a2a9399b/ios#:~:text=Use%20Settings%20to%20erase%20iPhone&text=Prepare%20your%20content%20and%20settings,Erase%20All%20Content%20and%20Settings.
  • Gwep Available here: http://gwep.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Factory-Reset-iPhone-Device-.pdf
  • Montclair Available here: https://www.montclair.edu/information-technology/phone-user-guide-iphone-factory-reset/
  • Forbes Available here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2022/03/19/why-you-should-factory-reset-everything-a-privacy-101-for-2022/?sh=181934c1111f
  • AppConfig Available here: https://www.appconfig.org/ios/