How to Reset iPhone: A Full Factory Reset Guide [2026]

If your iPhone is freezing, preparing for sale, stuck after an iOS update, or simply needs a clean start, the word "reset" can mean very different things. A soft reset just restarts the iPhone. A hard reset forces it to restart. A factory reset erases the device and returns it to setup.

This guide explains how to reset iPhone safely, when each reset type fits, and which reset path to use when Settings, Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes cannot finish the job.

Quick answer

Use a soft reset for slow performance, a hard reset for a frozen iPhone, and factory reset only when you want to erase the device or fix a serious issue. If iOS 27 is stuck, Settings will not open, or a computer restore fails, use a guided system repair/reset workflow before repeating erase-based restore attempts.

There are three types of iPhone resetting: Soft Reset, Hard Reset, and Factory Reset.

They are used in different situations and carry different data risks. Use the comparison below before jumping to the most destructive option.

A soft reset is a normal restart. It is the best first step when your iPhone is slow, warm, lagging after iOS 27 indexing, or behaving strangely but still responds to touch.

The steps differ by model, so use the correct button combination below.

Soft reset iPhone 8 series and earlier (iPhone with the Home button):

Soft reset iPhone X/11/12/13/14/15/16/17 (iPhone with the Face ID):

Reset iPhone When Settings or Restore Fails

If your iPhone is stuck, cannot complete a reset, or keeps failing during restore, Fixppo can help you factory restore iPhone without pressing any buttons.

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If your iPhone is stuck on restore screen, frozen on the Apple logo, or not responding after an iOS update, a hard reset can force the device to restart without erasing it. If the same problem returns, move to the factory reset or system repair methods below.

The hard reset steps vary by iPhone model. Use the correct method so you do not accidentally enter recovery mode.

How to hard reset iPhone 4/5/6 series and earlier (iPhone SE 1st generation included):

How to hard reset iPhone 7/7 Plus:

How to hard reset iPhone 8/X/11/12/13/14/15/16/17 (iPhone SE 2nd generation and later included):

Factory reset is the reset type that erases the iPhone. Use it when you are trying to fix a serious issue that survived normal restart and repair steps. Back up first if you need the current data.

1. How to Factory Reset iPhone without Passcode

If you forgot about you passcode and can't reset you iPhone in Settings, a professional iPhone factory reset tool can save time and give you a clearer next step.

For reset failures and iOS-related stuck states, iMyFone Fixppo gives you a clear device reset and system repair workflow. It is a better fit when the problem is tied to iOS update failure, restore screen, Apple logo, reboot loop, or a device that cannot complete the reset from Settings.

Factory Reset iPhone Tool:

• Works without password: If you've forgotten your iPhone password or the password is not working, you can still reset your phone with Fixppo.
• Easy-to-use & Reliable: With 3 easy steps, you can restore your iPhone to factory reset with all content erased.
• Recent iPhone and iOS support: Works with supported iPhone models and recent iOS versions, including iOS 27 scenarios.
• Fully Support All iOS Versions & iPhone models: Supports iPhone 17 and iOS 27 or earlier.
• Other Features: Besides factory resetting iPhone, it also helps to fix 150+ iOS problems.
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This is a great video on how to factory reset iPhone when you forget password:

The reset workflow is guided on screen. Keep the iPhone connected during firmware download and reset, and do not interrupt the process once it starts.

Step 1: Download and install Fixppo to your computer, launch it and connect your iPhone to the computer. Then, click Device Reset to proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Choose the reset mode that matches your situation. If you can still enter Settings, Apple's built-in reset is usually enough. If the iPhone is stuck or restore keeps failing, use the guided reset path.

Step 3: Fixppo will detect your device automatically. Choose the firmware file you need and click on the Download button to get the firmware file needed for the factory reset process.

Step 4: With the downloaded firmware ready, click the start button and wait until the reset process finishes. The iPhone may restart during the process.

After the process finishes, set up the iPhone again and confirm whether the original freeze, restore failure, or reset problem is gone. If the iPhone still cannot boot, treat it as a deeper iOS or hardware issue.

2. Hard Factory Reset iPhone in Settings

To hard reset your iPhone, the iPhone passcode is required.

Go to Settings>General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Enter the passcode to begin erasing all data on the iPhone.

3. Force Factory Reset iPhone via Finder / Apple Devices / iTunes

You can also factory reset iPhone with Apple's computer tools. Use Finder on macOS, Apple Devices on newer Windows setups, or iTunes on older Windows systems. This method is useful when the iPhone can connect to a computer but Settings reset does not work.

Note

Apple's restore tools may require Apple Account credentials and Find My/Activation Lock verification during or after reset. Make sure you know the account details before erasing the iPhone.

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to the computer and open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes.

Step 2: When your device is detected, tap on the phone icon that appears on the screen, then tap the Summary option.

Step 3: Then you can see two options on the screen, and you can choose whether to update or restore. In this case, you should choose Restore iPhone.

Step 4: Confirm Restore and Update. The computer tool will download firmware and begin the iPhone factory resetting process.

If the computer cannot detect your iPhone, try the guided Fixppo workflow above or use recovery mode before repeating the restore.

4. Perform iPhone Factory Reset in iCloud

If you want to factory reset your locked or disabled iPhone without iTunes, try using iCloud. While it's not hard to try, there is one requirement: the Find My iPhone feature must be enabled. If everything is ok with you, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to the computer and go to iCloud.com.

Step 2: Log in to your Apple ID and passcode, then click on the Find iPhone option.

Step 3: Select All Devices Info window on the top and choose the device you want to factory reset.

Step 4: Tap Erase iPhone. For verification, it will ask for your Apple ID password. You can also answer security questions if you are using a trusted PC, or you can enter the verification code sent to your other Apple device.

5．Hard Factory Reset iPhone with Alternative Device

This option is useful if you do not have a PC but still have access to another trusted Apple device. You can erase the iPhone remotely with the Find My app on your alternative iPhone.

Note

If the iPhone you want to reset is locked, make sure you can receive verification codes for the Apple Account before starting the remote erase.

Step 1: Open the Find My app on the other iPhone and click on Go To Settings to log in with the Apple ID and the password of your locked iPhone.

Step 2: Once you're finished, click Next, enter the verification code sent to your other phone then wait for your iPhone to sign into iCloud.

Step 3: Go back to the Find My app, click on your locked iPhone. Scroll down to find the Erase This Device option. Click continue, and then the Erase option. Enter your Apple ID password again and click erase.

Step 4: Wait for Find My to erase the iPhone and return it to setup.

Resetting an iPhone starts with choosing the right reset type. Use soft reset for small glitches, hard reset for a frozen iPhone, and factory reset when you need to erase the device or recover from a serious issue.

If iOS 27 update problems, restore failures, or a stuck reset keep you from completing the process, iMyFone Fixppo gives you a guided computer path before you spend more time repeating manual restore steps.

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Article by

Melvin Cooper

Melvin Cooper has over 10 years of experience in the technology industry and is an expert at providing tips and handy solutions to Apple and Android users. Dedicated to helping millions of users improve their experience with mobile devices, he has maintained an impressive record of solving problems.