4 Proven Ways to Erase All Content and Settings on iPhone/iPad

Whether you're preparing to sell your old iPhone/iPad, giving it to a family member, or simply troubleshooting major system issues, knowing how to erase all content and settings on iPhone (or iPad) is essential. This process wipes all your personal data, including photos, messages, apps, and accounts, returning your device to factory settings. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to safely erase all data from your iPhone or iPad in various situations.

Part 1. What to Do Before Erasing All Contents and Settings on iPhone/iPad?

Before officially erasing your device, be sure to complete the following preparation steps to avoid losing important data or getting your device locked.

Step 1. Back Up Your Device Data

Back up to iCloud: Go to "Settings" > [Your Name] > "iCloud" > "iCloud Backup". Then, tap "Back Up Now" to save your photos, contacts, app data, and more to iCloud.

Back up to iTunes/Finder: Go to iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) and connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using a USB cable. Then, select your device, choose "Back Up Now" under the "Backups" section to save your data locally to your computer.

Step 2. Sign Out of Apple ID (Disable "Find My iPhone")

To disable Find My iPhone: Go to "Settings" > [Your Name] > "Find My" > "Find My iPhone". Turn off Find My iPhone and enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

To sign out of Apple ID: Go to "Settings" > [your name] > "Sign Out". Enter your Apple ID password to confirm. (Can't sign out of your Apple ID?)

This will prevent the device from being locked to your account (known as the "Activation Lock" issue).

Step 3. Remove SIM Card and External Devices

If you're selling or giving away the device, remove your SIM card and any connected accessories.

Part 2. How to Erase All Contents and Settings on iPhone/iPad?

Once everything is ready, you can start erasing your device. There are four main ways to erase all content and settings on your iPhone or iPad, depending on your situation and needs.

2.1 Using Coolmuster iOS Eraser [Unrecoverable]

If you want a 100% secure and unrecoverable erase, Coolmuster iOS Eraser is the best choice. This professional tool permanently deletes everything from your iPhone or iPad, including hidden system data, caches, and private information. Even recovery tools cannot retrieve the data afterward.

Highlights of iOS Eraser:

• Securely and completely erase all data from iOS devices, including personal information, system settings, previously deleted files, and more.
• Guarantee permanent data removal—both existing and deleted—with zero chance of recovery.
• Choose from three erasure levels: Low, Medium, and High, based on your security needs.
• Permanently delete a wide range of data types, including contacts, SMS messages, call history, music, videos, photos, apps and their data, reminders, calendars, bookmarks, browsing history, voice memos, notes, and settings (including iCloud and iTunes account details).
• Run in 100% read-only mode to ensure safe and secure data wiping without damaging your device.
• Fully compatible with all iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models, including the latest iPhone 17 and iOS 26.

Free Download for PC

Here is how to erase an iPhone/iPad completely using iOS Eraser:

Video Tutorial:

2.2 Using the Settings App

If you don't want to download any software, this is the easiest built-in method to erase all content and settings on iPhone/iPad directly from the device itself. It's convenient and doesn't require a computer.

Here is how to erase all content and settings on iPhone/iPad without a computer:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Transfer or Reset iPhone (iPad)".

Step 2. Tap "Erase All Content and Settings".

Step 3. Enter your passcode or Apple ID password when prompted. (How to erase all content and settings on iPhone without a passcode?)

Step 4. Confirm by tapping "Erase iPhone/iPad" again.

Step 5. Wait for the device to reboot and complete the factory reset.

2.3 Using iTunes/Finder

If you have a computer, you can also use iTunes or Finder to erase all content and settings on iPhone/iPad.

Here is how to wipe an iPhone/iPad using iTunes:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 2. Open iTunes (or Finder for macOS Catalina and newer).

Step 3. Select your device icon once detected.

Step 4. Click "Summary" > "Restore iPhone (or iPad)".

Step 5. Confirm your selection, and iTunes will download the latest iOS firmware.

Step 6. Once the restore is complete, your device will restart as new.

2.4 Using iCloud

If your iPhone or iPad is lost or not physically accessible, you can still erase it remotely via iCloud's "Find My" feature.

Here is how to erase an iPhone/iPad remotely:

Step 1. Visit iCloud.com/find on a browser.

Step 2. Sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 3. Click "All Devices", then select your iPhone or iPad.

Step 4. Choose "Erase iPhone (or iPad)".

Step 5. Confirm the action. Once the device is online, it will be wiped remotely.

FAQs on How to Erase All Contents and Settings on an iPhone/iPad

Q1. How long does it take to erase all content and settings on iPhone/iPad?

The process usually takes 5–15 minutes, depending on your device's storage size. A deep erasure using Coolmuster iOS Eraser may take slightly longer but ensures total deletion.

Q2. What to do iPhone/iPad cannot erase all content and settings?

If your iPhone/iPad won't erase, you can try the following fixes:

• Make sure you've signed out of your Apple ID.
• Force restart your device and retry.
• Use iTunes to restore your device.
• If it still fails, use Coolmuster iOS Eraser for a forced deep wipe.

Summary

Resetting your iPhone or iPad is a simple yet powerful way to protect your privacy or start fresh.
If you just need a basic reset, the built-in Settings or iTunes method will work fine. But if you're selling, recycling, or handing over your device, Coolmuster iOS Eraser is the safest and most effective way to ensure your personal data is gone forever.

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