How to Erase iPhone

Erase iPhone

When you delete data, it no longer appears in apps on iPhone, but it isn’t erased from iPhone storage. To permanently remove all of your content and settings from your iPhone, erase (wipe) your iPhone. For example, erase iPhone before you sell it, trade it in, or give it away.

There are two ways to erase iPhone: using Settings  on your iPhone, or connecting iPhone to a computer with a USB cable and using the Finder or iTunes. The Settings method is the easiest. If you’re unable to open Settings, you need to connect iPhone to a computer and use the Finder or iTunes.

Before you begin

• If you intend to sell your iPhone, trade it in, or give it away, see the Apple Support article What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch for steps to take before erasing iPhone.

• To save your content and settings, back up your iPhone shortly before erasing it or when you’re given the option during the erase process. You can use the backup to later restore your data on a new iPhone or iPad.

• Have your iPhone passcode ready. If you don’t remember it, see the Apple Support article If you forgot the passcode on your iPhone, or your iPhone is disabled.

• Have your Apple ID password ready. If you don’t remember it, see the Recover your Apple ID website.

• If you received your iPhone from someone else and it’s still associated with their Apple ID, return it to them and ask them to follow the instructions in the Apple Support article What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Otherwise, you won’t be able to erase it.

Use Settings to erase iPhone

1. Go to Settings  > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

2. Do one of the following:

   • Prepare your content and settings to transfer to a new iPhone: Tap Get Started, then follow the onscreen instructions. When you finish, return to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone, then tap Erase All Content and Settings.

   • Erase all of your data from iPhone: Tap Erase All Content and Settings.