Why would an iPhone owner want to restore the smartphone to factory settings, wiped clean and empty as the day it arrived in its sleek case? Perhaps you want to sell the iPhone, or a company-issued device must be returned. Maybe you just bought the iPhone 4 and have a 3 or 3G you want to sell or give away. Whatever the reason, knowing how to restore an iPhone to factory settings, without losing or leaving data on the system, is vital.
Restore an iPhone to Factory Settings – Connect to iTunes
Restoring will wipe all personal data and all downloaded apps from the smartphone, so before you decide to wipe iPhones be absolutely certain you’re ready. You can’t undo after you clean an iPhone and strip the data, so go into the process with eyes wide open.
To restore an iPhone to factory settings, follow these steps:
Step 1: Turn on the iPhone. Charge it fully if the battery is low.
Step 2: Turn on your computer.
Step 3: Connect the iPhone to your computer using the USB cord.
Step 4: Back up any data from the iPhone that you need.
Step 5: Download the latest version of iTunes. This is critical for restoring factory settings.
If iTunes asks if you want to install the latest updates to your iPhone, accept. This is critical for keeping the device up to date.
Step 6: Finish upgrades.
Wipe iPhone to Restore to Factory Settings
Now you’re finally ready to wipe the iPhone of your files. Follow the next steps:
Step 7: Click “Restore.” iTunes will sync with the iPhone and proceed through the restoration and verification process.
Step 8: Leave the iPhone connected to iTunes and the Internet until the “Phone is Activated” screen appears.
That’s it! Your iPhone is brand new(ish) and shiny again.
Why Wipe an iPhone of Files?
Most owners wipe iPhones of files and restore to factory settings to sell, give away, or return the smartphone to a corporate division, but you might also want to wipe for a trade-in, because of a technical glitch, or for personal reasons.
If the restore steps don’t work, look at the Apple technical support website for restoring factory settings to an iPhone, and also look out for any information on the device that might help with technical glitches. Forums, information campaigns, and promotions all help users to find answers to questions, often with free advice.
To learn more about using the iPhone, please read How to Watch Streaming Movies on Netflix with an iPhone App.