Deleting all of your data from your iPhone is a step that you need to take into careful consideration. Once this step is performed, you will lose all your music, the apps installed on your iPhone, your emails, and all the Settings on your iPhone. If you plan on getting rid of all that data, you can take this step. But bear in mind that you will not be getting all of this data unless you have maintained backups.
When would you delete all of your iPhone’s data?
There could be situations when you would wish to delete all of your iPhone’s data. Situations when you would plan on deleting all such data include:
- You plan on selling your iPhone or giving it to somebody.
- You are stuck in a situation where your iPhone is messed and needs to go to some repair shop.
- Your Operating Software needs to be fixed from scratch and you need to reset your iPhone.
A good idea is to always have backups. When you sync your iPhone with your Personal Computer, you get all the important stuff backed up. Some of you might prefer having a backup using iCloud. This is also a good option when it comes to having all your photos, music and emails etc backed up.
Once you are done completing the backup, you have two options to proceed with deleting your data.
Method 1: Using iTunes to delete your data
If your iPhone is synced with your iTunes, you can delete your data using this very software. Using iTunes, click “Restore iPhone” button. You may then proceed with the instructions given there.
Method 2: Using iPhone itself to delete your data
You can simply use your iPhone to delete your data. Follow these instructions.
Step One: Locate Reset Options and Choose the Kind of Reset You Want
After getting your iPhone synced with your Personal Computer, and all the data is backed, you can follow these instructions and delete your data from your iPhone.
- Using your iPhone, go to Settings.
- Go to “General”
- Scroll down and tap “Reset”
- Once you have tapped the Reset button, you will be provided with the following options to delete your data.
- Reset all Settings: This does not delete any of the data on your iPhone but simply gets all the settings restored to the way they originally were when you bought your iPhone.
- Erase all Contents and Settings: You can avail this option when in a hurry. This will instantly delete all the data on your iPhone. This means all the photos, videos, and data in your apps will be gone.
- Reset Network Settings: If you are simply looking for getting your wireless network settings returned to the original, you may tap this.
- Reset Keyboard Dictionary: You might just be looking to remove all the custom words and spellings you’ve added to your phone’s dictionary, for that, tap this option.
- Reset Home Screen Layout: If you want to undo all of the folders and app arrangements you have created and return your iPhone’s layout to its default state, tap this option.
- Reset Location and Privacy: Generally, every app that uses the iPhone’s GPS for location awareness, or accesses other features of the iPhone like the microphone or address book, asks your permission while installing to use your private data. If you don’t want these apps to be using your private data anymore, tap this option.
In the scenario where you are sending your phone to some repair shop or are selling it, you should tap “Erase all contents and Settings”.
Step Two: Confirm iPhone Reset
Here you might be asked to enter your Passcode just in case some thief has his hand on your iPhone and wants to delete all your important data including your iPhone’s connection to Find my iPhone. Enter passcode as asked. At this point, you will be asked if you are sure about deleting all the data on your iPhone. You can go ahead by tapping “Erase iPhone”. On the contrary, if you have changed your mind, tap Cancel. Deleting your
Once you are done with this process, you can go ahead and give away your phone or send it for repairs as required.
Have you ever deleted all your data from your iPhone? Let us know in the comments down below!