How do I reset my iPhone or iPad to factory settings? / Apple iOS or iPadOS recovery / iPhone or iPad won't start / Reset Apple smartphone or tablet to factory settings
Are you having a problem with your Apple iPhone or iPad? In the vast majority of cases, this is not a technical hardware defect, but is instead caused by problems with the Apple iOS or iPadOS operating system, software and apps inadvertently configured incorrectly by the user, errors during updates or incorrect settings.
Tip: For all problems with your Apple device, please follow the instructions below step by step first. In our experience, this can help you resolve the issue quickly and easily.
➜ Force restart Apple iPhone and iPad (soft reset):
iPhone 8 and later and iPads without a Home button: If the screen of the iPhone or iPad is frozen, or the display remains "black", please do the following:
1. Volume up button: Briefly press the Volume up button and release it immediately.
2. Volume down button: Immediately afterwards, briefly press the Volume down button and release it immediately.
3. Side button (Power): Press and hold the Side button (the top button on the iPad) continuously. Ignore the power-off slider.
4. Release: Only release the button when the Apple logo appears on the screen (this takes approximately 10–20 seconds). Check: The device restarts and shortly afterwards displays your usual lock screen again.
All other models with a Home button: If the screen of the iPhone or iPad is frozen, or the display remains "black", simply press and hold the Home button and the Power button simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
➜ Reset Apple iPhone and iPad to factory settings (hard reset):
If the previous option did not work, you can alternatively reset the Apple device to its original factory state in the event of serious system errors. Also follow these instructions before returning or sending your iPhone or iPad back to us.
Warning: During this process, all photos, apps and personal data will be permanently deleted from the device. Create a backup beforehand, e.g. in iCloud, if you want to save your data.
To reset Apple iOS and iPadOS, please do the following:
1. Open the menu: Open Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone (or Transfer or Reset iPad).
2. Start deletion: At the very bottom, tap Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Confirm: Tap Continue and enter your device passcode and your Apple ID password to deactivate Activation Lock ("Find My").
4. Complete: Confirm the deletion process. Check: The device restarts and displays the "Hello" welcome screen after a few minutes.