How to factory reset your iPhone and wipe its data, whether you're selling it or troubleshooting issues

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It's easy to reset your iPhone to its factory defaults, but before you do, make sure to back up all your data.
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  • You can reset your iPhone to its factory settings and erase all the information stored on the device.
  • You may want to factory reset your iPhone if you're getting rid of it or troubleshooting issues.
  • Before you reset your iPhone, be sure to first back up your data so you can restore it later.
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If you're experiencing issues with your iPhone, like if it's freezing or glitching, resetting the device to its factory settings may solve the problem. Or, if you're selling or giving away your iPhone, you'll want to reset it so all your personal information is wiped from the device.

Resetting your iPhone to its factory settings will take it back to the basics it came with: no contacts, playlists, pictures, password memory, or anything else you've added since the day you bought it.

But before you begin the process of resetting your iPhone, it's important to back up all your data so you don't lose your important information. After your iPhone has been reset, you can then restore it with your backup.

Here's how to factory reset your iPhone and make sure your data is backed up.

Olivia Young is a full-time traveler who has spent two years abroad in New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. She enjoys writing about travel, food, cultures, and lifestyle topics.

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