What do passwords, in-app data, emails, videos, photos, and information-sensitive memos have in common, Believe it or not, they’re all stored by everyday iPhone or iPad users in their device. What’s worse, is these users are handing over the potential identity theft data to strangers or even after selling the iPhone or iPad without resetting it.
So if you’re planning on selling your iOS device, it’s a damn good idea to get rid of all personal info before handing it over. Luckily, removing all data from your iPhone and iPad can be done in a few clicks by performing a factory reset and we’re gonna show you how. A factory reset takes your device back to its factory settings by resetting the entire system.
All the data and apps get erased because the drive in the device gets reformatted. 1. 1. Go to Settings and scroll down until you find a “Reset” tab. You will be presented with a few options of what you can reset, such as keyboard dictionary or home screen layout. 2. To bring your iPhone back to its factory default settings, tap on “Erase All Content and Settings” and then on “Erase iPhone”. If a Passcode or a Restrictions Passcode is set, you will be asked to enter it before being able to reset your device.
3. After you enter the Passcode you will be asked for your Apple ID password. Enter it to begin erasing all data from your device. 4. The reset back to factory settings will run and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. When you see the welcome screen, it means the factory reset is finished and no personal data is left on the device. There’s an alternative method to the one above, which can be done using iTunes.
It’s great for times when you can’t turn your iPhone on because it got disabled (too many wrong password attempts) or when you don’t remember the passcode. 1. Open iTunes. To prevent any potential obstacles during reset, make sure that your iTunes version is up to date - simply click on the ‘check for updates’ in the drop-down menu.
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer. If yo’d like to keep some files, you can do a backup by clicking “Back Up Now”. If you just want to delete everything without saving it first, you can skip the backup. 3. Click on the “Restore iPhone” option in iTunes and confirm your decision by clicking “Agree”.
If you ever change your mind and decide that you would like to get the data back on your phone, click “Restore from Backup…”. The above method can be used for both iPhone and iPad even if you don’t remember the passcode, which is required when using the option in the device menu. 1. Plug the USB cable to your PC but don’t plug your iPhone/iPad just yet. Don’t start iTunes either. 2. Grab your device and hold down the “Sleep/Wake” button for a few seconds.
After the slider appears, perform a finger swipe to turn it off. 3. Plug the USB cable to your iPad or iPhone while holding the “Home” button to turn the device on. 4. When “Connect to iTunes” message appears, release the button. 5. Launch iTunes. It will tell you that it detects your iPad in recovery mode. Click “OK” and then “Restore” to begin the reset.
Alternatively, you can use Find My iPhone. This is especially convenient if you have lost your iPhone or it has been stolen, and you want to make sure no one will access data on it. 1. Go to the Find My iPhone website and log in using your Apple ID. 2. If you have more than one device in this account, choose the one that you want to reset from the list of available devices.
3. Click the “Erase iPhone” (or iPad if you are resetting your tablet) option available in your device’s information box. You’ll be asked to confirm your decision. After that, the reset will start. If the device is offline, it will begin as soon as the device becomes online. Keep in mind that if you have “Family Sharing” setting set up, you can reset your family members’ devices back to their factory default too.
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