Resetting an iPhone can be a quick fix for when it starts acting up. Apple Support often recommends this troubleshooting method as a last-ditch attempt before bringing it in to be fixed by a professional. However, this isn’t the only reason an Apple user might have to reset their phone.

Another reason to reset an iPhone is in preparation for selling the phone. With the constant release of newer models, some users opt to sell their old phones and replace them with newer ones. This enables them to enjoy their new phone while knowing their old one didn’t go to waste. 

In order to avoid handing over private information, pictures, and contacts to the new owner, a reset is vital. The reset wipes all data from the phone and returns it to the factory setting. 

This article will be discussing how to reset an iPhone and the different types of resets that a user can implement.

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There are two different types of resets. The type of reset implemented will depend on the severity of the issue that the user is facing. The simplest reset method is the soft reset. If all the initial troubleshooting methods fail, a hard reset might be required.

What Are the Different Types of Resets?

This method is the perfect quick fix for when an iPhone is still responsive and only requires a quick reboot to start working correctly. It might sound like a complicated process. However, it only requires users to turn their phones off and then on again. 

To switch off the phone, open the Settings app. Then tap on General. After scrolling down to the bottom, users should find a Shutdown button. Pressing the shutdown button will cause a power-off slider to appear. Finally, drag the slider to turn the device off. 

There is also a shortcut. For phones released before the iPhone X, users only need to hold down the power button until the power off slider appears. The iPhone X and newer models vary slightly since users will need to hold the power button and volume control down simultaneously. 

After turning the phone off, users should wait at least 30 seconds before turning it on again.

How to Soft Reset an iPhone

A hard reset (also known as a factory reset) is for more severe cases of malfunctioning. A hard reset is often used as a last resort since it can cause users to lose all their data. 

Data lost may include contacts, photos, account information, and apps. Therefore, before attempting this method, it’s recommended that users back up all their data. 

Backing up a device will require either iCloud or a computer. Having a backup allows users to restore their old information onto either the same device or a new one. 

The backup procedure using iCloud is very simple. Users should open up the settings app and tap on the banner with the user's name at the top of the page. Then, users need to click on iCloud and scroll down to the bottom of the page. In the iCloud Backup section, the final step is pressing the Back Up Now button. 

Using a computer is just as simple. Users can use either a PC or a Mac. To back up the device, users will need to have iTunes installed. First, plug in the device, and then open up the iTunes app on the computer. Finally, click on the backup button. 

To restore old data, users should find a restore backup button that will allow them to restore all the data from the last backup.

It's almost impossible to predict when a phone might require a factory reset. Therefore, it's recommended that users regularly perform backups to avoid losing any data unnecessarily. 

Much like the soft reset, the factory reset journey begins in the settings app. 

The users should click on general and scroll down. At the bottom of the page, users can find a reset tab which they should click on. Next, users need to press on the Erase All Content and Settings button. Finally, users will need to enter their passcode.

There is another method that users can opt for if their phone is completely unresponsive. For this method, pressing the power and home button at the same time switches off the phone. The phone will switch off.

Then, a Connect iPhone to iTunes screen will appear. Users should connect their phones to their computers. On the computer, click on the restore button. 

The time the reset takes will vary depending on the phone and how much data was stored.

Some apps aren’t available on the iPhone app store. To overcome this issue, some people choose to jailbreak their phones. However, if a phone is jailbroken, the warranty becomes void. To get rid of any jailbreak software, users can simply reset their phone.
 

How to Hard Reset an iPhone

Users have two options when it comes to resetting their iPhone; a soft reset or a hard reset. Both methods are simple and easy to follow. 

A soft reset is used when a phone is still responsive. It requires turning the phone off and then on again to reboot it.

A hard reset is used when the phone is either unresponsive. This method erases all the data on the phone and reverts it back to the original factory settings. If a reset fails to fix the device, it should be taken to the nearest Apple-certified repair shop.

To avoid losing important data when resetting a phone, users should back up their phones regularly. Phones are unpredictable, so it's better to be safe than sorry! Backing up the device allows users to restore the data to the same device or a new device. 

A hard reset can also be used if the phone is going to be sold. This means that the phone can be handed over to its new owner with peace of mind that the previous owner’s personal information is safe!

How to Reset an iPhone

What Are the Different Types of Resets?

How to Soft Reset an iPhone

How to Hard Reset an iPhone

Conclusion

How to Reset an iPhone

What Are the Different Types of Resets?

How to Soft Reset an iPhone

How to Hard Reset an iPhone

Conclusion

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