Learning how to factory reset iPhone with buttons can help you erase a locked, disabled, or unresponsive device. However, the buttons cannot complete the reset alone. They place the iPhone in recovery mode, while a connected Mac or Windows PC erases the data and reinstalls iOS.
A factory reset removes stored apps, settings, accounts, photos, and files. Therefore, you should back up your data first and keep your Apple Account credentials available.
1. Can You Factory Reset an iPhone Using Only Physical Buttons?
No, you cannot fully factory reset an iPhone using only physical buttons. The button sequence only puts the device into recovery mode, and the actual restore is completed through Finder on Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows.
It’s important not to confuse Reset with Erase All Content and Settings. Reset only adjusts settings without deleting data, while the erase option removes all apps, files, accounts, and settings.
2. Steps Before You Erase Your Device
A factory reset permanently erases locally stored data. Follow the preparation steps below to protect your data and make the setup process easier.
Back Up Your Data If Possible
You should create an iCloud or computer backup if you can still access the iPhone. A backup can preserve your messages, device settings, app data, photos, and other information that does not already sync with iCloud.
For an iCloud backup, you should follow these steps:
- You should connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi.
- You should open Settings and tap your name.
- You should select iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- You should tap Back Up Now.
- You should keep the device connected until the backup finishes.
Supported 5G models can also back up over cellular when Back Up Over Cellular is enabled. However, a Wi-Fi connection can help you avoid excessive mobile data usage.
You can also connect the iPhone to a Mac, open Finder, select the device, and choose Back Up Now. On a current Windows PC, you should use the Apple Devices app to create and manage the backup.
Charge the Battery to at Least 50%
Apple does not specify a minimum 50% battery level for a factory reset.
However, you should charge the iPhone and keep the laptop connected to power because an interruption can delay the restore.
Keep Your Apple Account Credentials Available
You should keep the email address or phone number and password for your Apple Account, formerly called an Apple ID. The iPhone may request these details to disable or clear Activation Lock.
If your device remains linked to another person’s account, a factory reset will not bypass Activation Lock. Only the account owner can remove that protection.
3. How to Factory Reset iPhone With Buttons Using Recovery Mode
How to factory reset iPhone 16 with buttons? You should use recovery mode when the iPhone remains locked, disabled, unresponsive, or stuck during startup. Before you start, you should update your Mac or install the latest Apple Devices app on your Windows PC.
iPhone 8 and Later
This method supports iPhone 8 and newer models, including iPhone SE models from the second generation onward. It also supports iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 models.
- You should connect the iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.
- You should press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- You should press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- You should press and hold the Side button.
- You should continue holding the Side button after the Apple logo appears.
- You should release the button when the Connect to Computer screen appears.
You must perform the first two button presses quickly. Otherwise, the device may complete a normal restart instead of opening recovery mode.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
The iPhone 7 series uses a different button combination.
- You should connect the iPhone to the computer.
- You should press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button together.
- You should continue holding both buttons after the Apple logo appears.
- You should release both buttons when the Connect to Computer screen appears.
iPhone 6s and Earlier
Older models use the physical Home button for recovery mode.
- You should connect the iPhone to the computer.
- You should press and hold the Home button and the Top or Side button together.
- You should keep holding both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
- You should release the buttons when the recovery-mode screen appears.
A broken or stuck button can prevent the required sequence. In that situation, an Apple Authorized Service Provider may need to inspect the device.
>>> Also read: How to Unlock iPhone Without Passcode: Safe Methods to Regain Access
4. How to Restore Your iPhone From a Computer
Once the iPhone enters recovery mode, the computer should display Update and Restore options. The Restore option erases the device and installs the latest compatible version of iOS.
If you want to resolve a software problem without deleting data, you can try Update first. However, you should select Restore when you need to remove a forgotten passcode or complete a factory reset.
Using a Mac with Finder
A Mac running macOS Catalina or later uses Finder for device restoration.
- You should open Finder.
- You should select the iPhone under Locations.
- You should choose Restore when Finder displays the available options.
- You should select Restore again to confirm the action.
- You should keep the iPhone connected while Finder downloads and installs iOS.
- You should wait until the multilingual Hello screen appears.
A Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier uses iTunes instead of Finder.
Using a Windows PC with Apple Devices
A current Windows PC should use the modern Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store.
- Open Apple Devices.
- Select the connected iPhone in the sidebar.
- Open the General section.
- Select Restore iPhone.
- Confirm the restore and follow the onscreen instructions.
- Keep the iPhone connected until the process finishes.
Some older Windows configurations can still use iTunes as a legacy fallback. However, the Apple Devices app provides Apple’s current restoration experience on supported Windows computers.
5. What to Do After the Reset
After completing factory reset iPhone with buttons, the iPhone will display the Hello screen. From there, you can restore a backup, set up the device as new, or prepare it for another owner.
Restore From an iCloud or Computer Backup
During setup, you can choose Restore from iCloud Backup and sign in to your Apple Account. You should select the most relevant backup by reviewing its date and size.
You can also connect the iPhone to Finder or Apple Devices and select Restore Backup. You should leave the phone connected until the computer finishes restoring and synchronizing the data.
Set Up as a New iPhone
You can set up the device without transferring apps or data. This option gives the iPhone a clean configuration and avoids restoring old settings that may have contributed to a software conflict.
However, this choice cannot recover files that existed only on the erased iPhone. You should confirm your backup before selecting a clean setup.
Remove Activation Lock Before Selling or Giving Away the Device
If you still have access to the phone, you should sign out of your Apple Account and erase it through Settings before transferring ownership. This process removes your personal information and disables Activation Lock after you provide your password.
If you already erased the phone or no longer possess it, you can visit Find Devices, select the iPhone, and choose Remove This Device.
You should never remove a lost or stolen iPhone from Find My merely because you erased it remotely. Removing the device also removes Activation Lock and allows another person to activate it.
6. Troubleshooting Common Problems
The process may fail because of incorrect timing, outdated software, or an unreliable connection.
- iPhone starts normally: You should repeat the sequence and continue holding the required button after the Apple logo appears.
- Computer cannot detect the device: You should try another USB port or compatible cable.
- Download exceeds 15 minutes: You should let the download finish and then place the iPhone into recovery mode again.
- Computer displays an error: You should update the Mac, Apple Devices app, or legacy iTunes installation.
- Restore remains stuck: You should restart the computer.
- Computer and reconnect the iPhone directly without a USB hub.
- Button does not work: You should request professional service because recovery mode requires functional buttons.
- Phone requests another person’s account: You should ask the previous owner to remove the device from their Apple Account.
A factory reset can correct some persistent software conflicts. However, the procedure cannot repair a faulty charging port, damaged button, degraded battery, or broken internal component.
7. FAQs
How to factory reset iPhone 14 with buttons?
Just quickly pressing Volume Up, Volume Down, and then continues with holding the Side button until the Connect to Computer screen appears.
How do I factory reset iPhone 12, 13 with buttons?
You should connect the phone to a computer, quickly press both volume buttons in sequence, and hold the Side button until recovery mode appears. Similarly, how to factory reset iPhone 13 with buttons? It requires Finder on a Mac or Apple Devices on Windows. The buttons cannot erase either model without a computer.
How long does a factory reset usually take?
A factory reset often takes several minutes, but the full process may require 15 to 60 minutes. Your internet speed, iOS download size, computer performance, and device condition can affect the total time.
8. Conclusion
So, how to factory reset iPhone with buttons? When you learned it, it can protect your information before a trade-in or restore access to a locked iPhone. You should create a backup whenever possible, keep your Apple Account password available, and use Settings when the device remains accessible.
