No matter the trouble, whether 5G is not working, the iPhone is heating up, or the phone keeps losing network connection, resetting the iPhone is the ultimate fix. But what does reset mean on the iPhone and what happens when you reset your iPhone? Let’s find out the answers to these and more with this article.
In the simplest terms, reset means reverting back to default or factory settings, i.e., the way it was when you first bought your iPhone. However, the iPhone offers multiple resting options, and depending upon the reset option selected, only the chosen settings are reverted back to the original, without affecting the data or other settings.
What Happens When You Factory Reset Your iPhone
When it comes to action, Apple offers two major options, ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ and ‘Reset’. Notably, reset is further segregated into settings-wise reset, so you don’t have reset the whole device because of a small issue.
Reset vs. Erase All Content and Settings
As obvious from the term, Erase All Content and Settings completely wipes off your iPhone, i.e., erases all the current data and returns the phone back to its original settings. On the other hand, Reset simply resets the settings on your iPhone, without hampering any data, media, or apps stored on the device.
Will Resetting your iPhone Make It Faster or Improve Battery Life
Since it clears the cache, plus wipes out other unnecessary data and settings, generally resetting iPhone settings or factory resets will improve both the performance and battery life. However, unless you’re facing major performance or battery issues the difference will be negligible.
So, we advise that you don’t reset iPhone settings casually and reserve it for some major troubleshooting emergency. Instead, check out these guides to maintain battery health or fix iPhone lag.
What Does Reset Mean on iPhone
As shown and explained above there are several different settings available for a reset under the reset option. Here is a brief about each offering,
- Reset All Settings – While no data or media, this will reset all settings including,
- Reset Network Settings – This will erase all network-related settings such as,
- Stored Wi-Fi names and passwords.
- Saved Bluetooth devices and settings.
- Hotspot settings.
- Cellular data roaming may be disabled.
- VPN settings not installed via a configuration profile.
- MDM (mobile device management) data, if not installed via a configuration profile.
- All manually trusted certificates for websites or apps.
- The device name is reverted back to the iPhone.
- Reset Keyboard Dictionary
- Custom words added to the dictionary.
- Auto-correct and related settings.
- Name, address, or email prompts recorded by the keyboard.
- Reset Home Screen Layout – It wipes off all changes you’ve made to the Home Screen and returns to the built-in, original layout.
- Reset Location & Privacy – You will lose all location and privacy-based settings here, i.e., the location, camera, microphone, or other permissions given to apps will be revoked. To check out the list in detail go to Settings → Privacy & Security.
Notably, as and when you reset certain settings, you’ll be prompted to re-enter the passwords, permissions, and custom settings that were reset. So, remember to jot down important passwords or data before resetting.
How to Reset iPhone to Factory Settings
Before we move on to erasing data or settings on the iPhone, check out the section below to ensure your data or important passwords aren’t gone for a toss.
What to Do Before Factory Resetting Your iPhone
- Back up your iPhone – Even if you back up iPhone data regularly, it is wiser to check and ensure that it’s up-to-date, so you don’t accidentally erase any important data.
- Record settings and configurations – If you have specific settings, configurations, or application licenses you’d like to retain, make a note of them so you can set them up again after the reset.
Now, that’s pretty much it if you’re resetting your iPhone for troubleshooting or casual maintenance. However, if you’re passing or selling off your iPhone, also check the following settings and conditions,
- Sign Out of Accounts.
- Disable Find My iPhone.
- Disconnect Devices like Mac, Apple Watch, or iPad.
- Deauthorize your iPhone from the App Store.
How to Reset your iPhone
Step 1: Open Settings and go to General.
Step 2: Scroll to the bottom and select ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’.
Step 3: To factory reset all data, select ‘Erase all Content and Settings’ → Continue → enter your device passcode.
Step 4: To reset particular settings, select Reset → select the reset option → enter your device passcode.
FAQs About Restoring iPhone to Factory Settings
No, depending on the reset option selected, the iPhone will only delete/reset the changes made to the settings and data associated with it. It will not affect any data stored on your device unless you choose to erase all content and settings.
Well, it depends on the kind of malware you’re dealing with. Sometimes just resetting a particular setting might do the trick, while other times you’ll have to factory reset your iPhone. However, this might not be a guaranteed method, especially if you’re dealing with a sophisticated threat. So try doing that once, but if it doesn’t work connect with a professional.
Reset and Repeat
It’s not often that an iPhone requires a full-scale troubleshooting operation. Moreover, whenever it lands in trouble, some simple fixes like restarting the phone or restarting the troublesome app can do the task.
But when it comes down to resetting the iPhone or its settings to resolve problems, we’re happy that the iPhone offers a variety of options. So, we can resolve the issue without compromising on the data stored on the device.
What’s your take? Does this simplify things or make them complicated, share your take in the comments below.
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Last updated on 19 February, 2024
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