What Really Happens When You Reset Your iPhone

Resetting your iPhone may seem like a simple process to regain control and restore your device, but do you actually know what happens when you reset your iPhone? Most people are unaware of the intricate details that occur behind the scenes. In this article, we will explore what truly happens when you reset your iPhone and provide you with valuable insights to better understand the consequences of your actions.

Before You Reset Your iPhone

Before you proceed with resetting your iPhone, it is crucial to take a backup. Apple provides two backup options: a local backup using iTunes on Windows or Finder on macOS, and a cloud backup using iCloud. While a local backup creates an offline copy of your data, we highly recommend utilizing Apple's iCloud for a seamless and secure backup experience. Additionally, services like Google Photos, OneDrive, or Google Drive can be used to store media files and other important documents.

To take an iCloud backup:

1. Open Settings and navigate to Your Name > iCloud.
2. Select iCloud Backup and enable Back Up This iPhone. It is advisable to connect to a Wi-Fi network before initiating the backup.

Ensure that you customize the data you want to be backed up to iCloud before proceeding with the reset.

How to Reset Your iPhone

Resetting your iPhone is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open Settings and go to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap on Reset at the bottom of the screen to access a menu with various reset options.
3. Enter your passcode to confirm the reset. If you choose the Erase All Content and Settings option, you will need your Apple ID details as well.

Now, let's delve into what happens when you choose each specific reset option on your iPhone.

What Happens When You Reset Your iPhone

Since there are multiple options available in the reset menu, let's explore each one individually:

Reset All Settings

Selecting the Reset All Settings option will erase network settings, location and privacy settings, keyboard dictionary, and Apple Pay card data. This means you will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords, reconnect forgotten Bluetooth devices, and provide permissions for location-dependent apps like Weather, Notes, and Strava. Other settings such as sound, display, screen time, and notifications will also be reset. Touch ID, Face ID, and passcodes will be removed, and accessibility settings will be lost. However, your data and media files will remain untouched.

Reset Network Settings

By choosing Reset Network Settings, all Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices will be removed from your iPhone. You will have to reconnect to these networks and re-enter passwords and permissions. The device name will revert to “iPhone” under Settings > General > About > Name. Additionally, any manually added trusted certificates for websites will be changed to untrusted certificates. Roaming on mobile data will be disabled, but you can easily re-enable it in the settings. VPN settings will also be removed unless they were saved through a mobile device management or configuration profile.

Reset Keyboard Dictionary

Resetting the keyboard dictionary will delete any words or phrases that have been manually added to your iPhone's dictionary. However, if you are using third-party keyboard apps like Gboard or SwiftKey, you don't need to worry as they sync their data to the cloud. There are also alternative methods available to remove learned words from the keyboard dictionary.

Reset Home Screen Layout

Choosing to reset the home screen layout will restore all pre-installed apps to their original positions. Any customizations, such as organizing apps into folders, will be undone. However, none of your apps will be uninstalled.

Reset Location & Privacy

Resetting location and privacy settings will restore them to their default configurations. This means that apps requiring access to services like GPS, Wi-Fi, camera, or phonebook will prompt you to grant permission again.

Erase All Content and Settings

The most comprehensive option, Erase All Content and Settings, essentially performs a factory reset of your iPhone. This means that all manually installed apps, local files, and data will be deleted. Settings will be reset to default, networks and devices will be forgotten, but files stored in the cloud, such as those in Drive or iCloud, will remain intact. This option is recommended when selling or exchanging your iPhone or when troubleshooting major errors.

What's Next

Apple offers several reset options, each serving a specific purpose. By understanding the consequences of resetting your iPhone, you can make informed decisions. If you want to enhance your iPhone experience further, consider setting up and changing focus modes on your iPhone lock screen.

Resetting your iPhone can be a powerful tool to troubleshoot issues or optimize your device. Just be sure to back up your data beforehand and evaluate each reset option's implications. By doing so, you can confidently navigate the reset process, knowing exactly what happens when you reset your iPhone.