Is your iPhone frozen, unresponsive or just not working properly? We've all been there - staring at a screen that refuses to cooperate when we need it most.

A frozen phone is a common (and frustrating) phenomenon, but there are ways to bring your device back to life. Whether you need to perform a quick soft reset to fix minor issues or a complete factory reset iPhone procedure to start fresh, knowing how to reset iPhone properly can save you hours of frustration. However, it's important to understand that a factory reset will erase all content on your iPhone, including photos and videos. This is particularly significant when you consider that 35% of iPhone users have massive photo libraries with over 5,000 photos, and another 35% have between 1,000 and 5,000 photos.

In this foolproof guide, we'll first explain the difference between soft, hard and factory resets. Then, we'll provide step-by-step instructions on how to hard reset iPhone based on your specific model, as well as how to wipe an iPhone completely when necessary. We'll also cover what to do when things don't go as planned—because sometimes, they simply don't.

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Understanding iPhone Reset Options

Resetting your iPhone can mean different things depending on the issue you're facing. Understanding the various reset options will ensure you choose the right method without accidentally losing your precious data.

Soft reset vs hard reset vs factory reset

Soft reset is essentially restarting your iPhone by turning it off and back on again. This simple action clears temporary memory (RAM) and forces apps to close and start back up correctly. Moreover, a soft reset doesn't delete any of your data, apps, contacts, or settings.

Hard reset, also known as force restart, is a more intensive process used when your iPhone becomes completely unresponsive or frozen. Unlike some misconceptions, a hard reset doesn't erase your data - it merely forces your device to reboot when the normal restart method doesn't work.

Factory reset, furthermore, is the most comprehensive reset option. This method erases all content and settings, returning your iPhone to its original factory state - exactly as it was when you first took it out of the box. After a factory reset, your iPhone will be free of your personal information, apps, and settings.

When to use each type of reset

You should perform a soft reset whenever your iPhone experiences minor issues such as:

• Apps crashing or not responding properly
• Slow device performance
• Minor software glitches
• Connectivity problems with Wi-Fi networks

A hard reset becomes necessary when:

• Your iPhone screen is completely frozen
• The device doesn't respond to touches or button presses
• Your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo

Consider a factory reset only in these specific circumstances:

• You're selling or giving your iPhone to someone else
• Persistent software issues remain unsolved after trying other methods
• You want to completely clear all personal data and start fresh

Does resetting delete your data?

The answer depends entirely on which reset method you choose.

Soft and hard resets don't delete your data. These methods simply restart your device, though any unsaved work might be lost during the process.

Conversely, a factory reset will delete everything on your iPhone. Your device will return to the state it was in when you bought it, with all traces of your personal information erased.

Before performing a factory reset, creating a backup is absolutely essential. Without a backup, you'll permanently lose all your photos, videos, contacts, messages, and other personal data. As long as you back up properly, you can restore your information after the reset, making it appear as though nothing was ever lost.

Remember that despite factory resetting your iPhone, in some cases, advanced data recovery tools might still be able to access your information. Therefore, additional security measures may be necessary when disposing of your device.

How to Hard Reset iPhone by Model

When your iPhone freezes or becomes unresponsive, a hard reset might be your only solution. The process varies depending on which model you own, so follow these model-specific instructions carefully.

iPhone 8 and newer

For iPhone 8, X, XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and newer models, the hard reset process involves a three-step button sequence:

Initially, press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Subsequently, press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. This typically takes about 10 seconds. Once the logo appears, you can release the button and wait for your device to restart.

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iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

The iPhone 7 series introduced a haptic Home button rather than a physical one, correspondingly changing the hard reset method:

Press and hold both the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake (Side) buttons simultaneously. Keep holding these buttons for approximately 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Afterwards, release both buttons and allow your iPhone to complete the restart process.

iPhone 6s and earlier

Older iPhone models use the traditional hard reset method:

Press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button (located either on the top or side of your device). Continue holding these buttons for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. Once you see the logo, release both buttons and your iPhone will reboot.

What to do if your iPhone is locked

If you've forgotten your passcode and your iPhone is locked, you'll need to put it into recovery mode:

For iPhone 8 and later: Connect to a computer, press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Connect to a computer while holding the Volume Down button until you see the recovery mode screen.

For iPhone 6s and earlier: Connect to a computer while holding the Home button until the recovery mode screen appears.

Once in recovery mode, use iTunes or Finder to restore your device. Remember that this will erase all data, so hopefully you have a backup.

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How to Factory Reset iPhone Safely

Performing a factory reset on your iPhone requires careful preparation to ensure your data remains safe. A factory reset will completely erase your device, returning it to its original state—hence the importance of following these steps meticulously.

Back up your data first

Prior to wiping your iPhone, creating a backup is absolutely crucial. You have two primary options:

For iCloud backup, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. Ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and power for the process to complete successfully. Apple provides 5GB of free storage, but this might not be sufficient for extensive data. If you don't have enough free storage, consider getting one of the paid iCloud plans.

Alternatively, back up via computer by connecting your iPhone with a cable. For Mac (macOS 10.15+), select your iPhone in the Finder sidebar, click General, and choose "Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac." For Windows or older Mac versions, use iTunes, select your device, click Summary, and select Back Up Now.

Steps to factory reset via Settings

Once backed up, follow these steps:

1. Sign out of your Apple ID by going to Settings > [your name] > Sign Out
2. Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
3. Tap Erase All Content and Settings and then Continue
4. Enter your passcode or Apple ID password when prompted
5. If you have an eSIM, choose whether to erase or keep it
6. Tap Erase iPhone to confirm and begin the process

How to wipe an iPhone using a computer

Certainly, you can also reset using iTunes or Finder:

1. Ensure the latest version of iTunes is installed (Windows/older Mac) or use Finder (macOS 10.15+)
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB
3. Select your iPhone when it appears
4. Click Restore iPhone
5. If signed into Find My, you'll need to sign out first
6. Confirm by clicking Restore again

Removing iCloud and Find My iPhone

Importantly, removing these services protects your data:

1. Before resetting, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud
2. Turn off Find My iPhone
3. Alternatively, if you've already returned your device, visit iCloud.com/find
4. Sign in with your Apple ID, select All Devices, find your iPhone
5. Select Remove from Account to turn off Activation Lock

This complete process ensures your personal information remains secure while properly preparing your iPhone for its next user or a fresh start.

Troubleshooting and Reset Alternatives

Sometimes even the best-laid plans go awry, specifically when trying to reset your iPhone. Oftentimes, what seems like a straightforward process can become complicated.

What to do if reset doesn't work

When a full factory reset fails, consider targeted reset options instead. Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset and choose from specific options:

• Reset All Settings (preserves data but resets system configurations)
• Reset Network Settings (fixes connectivity issues)
• Reset Keyboard Dictionary
• Reset Home Screen Layout
• Reset Location & Privacy

If specific resets don't solve your problem, checking for iOS updates might help eliminate software bugs causing reset failures. In situations where software solutions prove ineffective, consulting Apple Support or an Authorised Service Provider becomes necessary.

Using recovery mode or iTunes

Recovery mode is your backup plan when standard reset methods fail. To enter recovery mode:

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer with the latest iTunes/Finder
2. For iPhone 8 or newer: press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold Side button
3. For iPhone 7/7 Plus: hold Side and Volume Down buttons
4. For iPhone 6s or earlier: hold Home and Side buttons
5. Release when the recovery mode screen appears

Afterwards, select "Update" in iTunes/Finder to fix software issues without data loss. If updating fails, restoration becomes the only option.

How to reset iPhone without buttons

Damaged buttons needn't prevent reset. Enable AssistiveTouch via Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch, then use the on-screen menu to restart your device.

Alternatively, drain the iPhone battery completely, then recharge to force a restart. For a faster option, toggling Bold Text on via Settings > Accessibility will prompt a restart.

Common issues after reset and how to fix them

Post-reset battery drain typically stems from background apps. Check Settings > Battery to identify power-hungry applications.

For persistent overheating, remove any case and avoid using the device while charging. If touchscreen responsiveness issues occur, removing screen protectors and performing another hard reset might resolve the problem.

Nonetheless, for hardware-related problems that persist after troubleshooting, professional assistance remains the safest course of action.

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Conclusion

Resetting your iPhone effectively requires understanding which method best suits your situation. Throughout this guide, we've walked through every reset option available for your device. Most importantly, knowing the difference between soft, hard, and factory resets ensures you won't accidentally erase precious photos, contacts, or messages.

Remember that a soft reset solves many common problems without data loss, while a hard reset forces your unresponsive iPhone back to life. Factory resets, however, completely wipe your device clean – making backups absolutely essential before proceeding.

The reset method varies depending on your iPhone model, but all follow logical button sequences that become second nature after a few attempts. After all, problems with our devices rarely happen at convenient times, so mastering these techniques saves significant frustration later.

For stubborn issues that persist after standard resets, alternatives like recovery mode or specific settings resets often provide solutions. Additionally, even those with damaged buttons can still reset their devices using accessibility features.

Your iPhone represents a significant investment filled with irreplaceable memories and important information. Therefore, approaching any reset with proper preparation protects what matters most. Armed with this foolproof guide, you can confidently troubleshoot any iPhone issue, knowing exactly which reset option to choose and how to execute it perfectly.