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Wiping your iPhone? Here's the easiest way to erase all personal data
You may want to wipe your personal data from your iPhone for many reasons, whether you want to sell it, give it away, trade it in, or reset it for functionality reasons. There are a few things you should consider to properly wipe your personal data off your iPhone, especially if it's going to a new owner.
Also: How to clear your iPhone cache for a fresh (and faster) start in 2025
There are two reset options on the iPhone: a standard reset of the device and erasing all its data. While choosing the latter 'Erase all content and settings' option deletes all the data from the device, including your Apple ID, the standard 'reset' option doesn't delete your personal data; instead, it focuses on resetting settings like Wi-Fi, contacts, and battery to fix minor glitches.
How to wipe your personal data from your iPhone
What you need: Your iPhone and Apple ID credentials.
1. Back up your device
Before you wipe your personal data or reset your iPhone, you should back up your data to keep any important photos, videos, or files safe. I typically use OneDrive to back up my photos and videos from my iPhone. Still, there are several other services and methods to back up your data, including an iCloud backup, Google Drive backup, and a Mac or PC backup.
Also:How to back up your iPhone with iCloud or Mac
You should choose a service or method that you're familiar with while also asking yourself whether you prefer to keep your information secured on the cloud or locally. For more safety, you can always use both.
2. Open your Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone and select General. Then go to Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Choose Erase All Content and Settings
Find and tap on Erase All Content and Settings. Once you do, you'll be prompted to sign into your Apple ID to confirm that you'd like to erase your data from your iPhone.
4. Enter your password or passcode
Entering your password or passcode will erase all apps and data, including photos and videos, unlink your Apple ID account from your iPhone, disable the activation lock, delete your wallet information, and remove your eSIM.
5. Wipe your iPhone data
Confirming your choice to erase your iPhone data will delete everything from the device and restart your iPhone.
FAQs
How can I reset only some iPhone settings?
When you go to your iPhone's general settings, you can reset your device's settings or erase all of your content. If you have some functionality issues and want to troubleshoot, resetting settings can sometimes help with minor glitches. But this 'reset' option only works for your settings and doesn't erase all your personal data on the iPhone or remove your associated Apple ID.
What should I do before trading in my iPhone?
Trading in a device is a great thing to do -- you get credit towards a new purchase, and it often means you're helping recycle old parts to avoid e-waste. But before you trade in, sell, or give away your iPhone, you must know how to wipe your personal data.