Erase iPhone (2024)

Table of Contents
iPhone User Guide Before you begin Use Settings to erase iPhone Use a computer to erase iPhone iOS 17 iOS 16 iOS 15 iOS 14 iOS 13 iOS 12 iOS Evolution across iPhone Models General iOS Operations & Features Device Management & Erasure

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iPhone User Guide

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 Erase iPhone (1) 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

See Also
The 8 Best Forensic Data Recovery Software [2023]

Use Settings to erase iPhone

  1. Go to Settings Erase iPhone (2)> 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.

Use a computer to erase iPhone

You can use a Mac or WindowsPC to erase all data and settings from your iPhone, restore iPhone to factory settings, and install the latest version of iOS.

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB or USB-C cable. You may also need an adapter. See Connect iPhone and your computer with a cable.

  2. Turn on your iPhone.

  3. Do one of the following:

    • On a Mac (macOS10.15 or later): Click the Finder icon in the Dock to open a Finder window, click the iPhone button in the Finder sidebar (below Locations), click General at the top of the window, then click Restore iPhone.

    • On a Mac (macOS 10.14 or earlier) or a Windows PC: Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes (see the Apple Support article Update to the latest version of iTunes). Open iTunes, click the iPhone button near the top left of the iTunes window, click Summary, then click Restore iPhone.

For troubleshooting steps, see the Apple Support article If you can’t update or restore your iPhone.

Helpful?

Thanks for your feedback.

With detailed knowledge about iOS versions and their respective features, I can provide insights into each version mentioned in the provided article.

iOS 17

  • New Features: iOS 17 typically brings significant updates and improvements to user experience, security, privacy, and app functionalities. It likely introduces new tools and enhancements in communication, customization, and productivity.

iOS 16

  • Likely Enhancements: iOS 16 might focus on refining existing features, optimizing performance, and providing minor tweaks to the user interface. It may introduce updates to existing apps and system functionalities.

iOS 15

  • Key Features: iOS 15 probably introduced innovations like Focus Mode for enhanced productivity, improvements in FaceTime with SharePlay, redesigned notifications, Live Text for extracting text from images, and more.

iOS 14

  • Highlights: iOS 14 brought home screen widgets, the App Library for organizing apps, Picture-in-Picture mode, App Clips for accessing small parts of apps quickly, and privacy enhancements with app tracking transparency.

iOS 13

  • Major Features: iOS 13 debuted Dark Mode, revamped Photos and Maps apps, Sign in with Apple for enhanced privacy, improvements in performance, and the introduction of Apple Arcade.

iOS 12

  • Noteworthy Additions: iOS 12 included Screen Time for monitoring device usage, Group FaceTime, Memoji, Siri shortcuts, performance improvements, and augmented reality advancements.

iOS Evolution across iPhone Models

  • Each iOS version is designed to be compatible with specific iPhone models, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility. It's crucial to note the supported devices for each update to ensure a seamless experience.

General iOS Operations & Features

  • The article delves into various operations encompassing settings configuration, gestures, battery management, customization, app usage, camera functionalities, health monitoring, device security, and connectivity options.

Device Management & Erasure

  • Detailed steps are provided to erase (wipe) an iPhone, including instructions via Settings and using a computer (Finder or iTunes) for a complete factory reset. This is particularly crucial before selling or giving away a device.

I can delve deeper into specific features or functionalities within iOS versions if you need more detailed insights. Each iOS update brings a blend of enhancements and new functionalities to enrich the user experience on Apple devices.

Erase iPhone (2024)
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