How to erase iPhone? Skipping the right steps can leave your personal photos, passwords, and banking apps exposed on a phone you no longer own. Apple provides three official methods to wipe your iPhone completely, each suited to a different situation.
Read the simple steps below to erase your iPhone safely and hand it off with confidence.
1. What to Do Before You Erase Your iPhone
Before you erase your iPhone, back up your data and sign out of iCloud.
Create a Fresh iCloud Backup
To avoid losing any data, start by creating a fresh iCloud backup:
- Open Settings
- Tap [Your Name]
- Go to iCloud > iCloud Backup
- Tap Back Up Now (keep your phone on Wi-Fi and power during this process)
Once the backup is complete, you need to sign out of your Apple account to clear the device:
- Return to Settings
- Tap [Your Name]
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Sign Out
- Enter your Apple ID password to disable Find My and Activation Lock
Decide What to Do with Your eSIM
During the erase, your iPhone will ask what to do with your cellular plan. Choose your option before you start:
- Choose Keep eSIM if you are moving your number to a new iPhone
- Choose Delete eSIM if you are selling, giving away, or trading in the device
If you delete the eSIM and need that number later, contact your carrier to reactivate it.
>>> Read more: How to Erase iPhone for Trade In: Complete Guide 2026
2. How to Erase iPhone
There are three ways to erase iPhone depending on your situation. The Settings method works for most users with a functioning device.
The computer method handles locked or unresponsive iPhones. The iCloud method works when the device is not physically in your hands.
Method 1: Erase via Settings
This is the standard method for most users. Use it when your iPhone is working normally and you know your passcode.
- Open Settings, tap General, then scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings, then tap Continue.
- Choose your eSIM preference if prompted.
- Enter your iPhone passcode, then enter your Apple ID password to turn off Find My.
- Wait for the progress bar to complete. Your iPhone restarts to the “Hello” setup screen.
Note: If Stolen Device Protection is enabled on iOS 17 or later and you are away from a familiar location, Apple applies a one-hour security delay before the erase begins. This is a built-in theft deterrent and cannot be skipped.
Method 2: Erase via Computer
Use this method when your iPhone is locked, frozen, or not responding to touch.
You will need a Mac with Finder or a Windows PC with the Apple Devices app installed.
First, put your iPhone into Recovery Mode using the steps for your model:
| iPhone Model | Recovery Mode Steps |
|---|---|
| iPhone 8 and later, all Face ID models | Press and release Volume Up > press and release Volume Down > press and hold the Side button until the Recovery screen appears. |
| iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus | Press and hold both Volume Down and Side buttons at the same time until the Recovery screen appears |
| iPhone 6s and earlier | Press and hold both Home and Side buttons at the same time until the Recovery screen appears |
Once the Recovery screen appears, connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using the USB cable.
- Open Finder (on Mac) or the Apple Devices app (on Windows).
- Click Restore when the prompt appears on your computer screen.
- Wait 10 to 20 minutes for the system to download and reinstall iOS.
Note: Apple no longer recommends iTunes on Windows. Download the Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store instead.
Method 3: Erase Remotely via iCloud
Use this method when your iPhone is lost, stolen, or not physically accessible.
Open any browser and go to Find Devices.
- Sign in using your Apple ID and password.
- Select your iPhone from the displayed device list.
- Click Erase This Device and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your action.
The erase begins the next time your iPhone connects to the internet. Activation Lock stays active after the erase to prevent anyone else from setting up or using the device.
>>> Read more: How to Recover Deleted Photos from iPhone Before They’re Gone Forever
3. Troubleshooting: Common Issues When Erasing iPhone
If something goes wrong during the erase process, check the table below for the most common issues and how to fix them quickly.
| Issue | What It Means | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Erase option is grayed out | Screen Time passcode is blocking the setting | Go to Settings, tap Screen Time, and tap Turn Off Screen Time first |
| iPhone asks for Apple ID password during erase | Find My is still active and must be disabled | Enter your Apple ID password to proceed, or sign out of iCloud before starting |
| eSIM prompt appears mid-erase | iPhone is asking what to do with your cellular plan | Choose Keep or Delete based on whether you are keeping your number |
| iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo after erase | Erase did not complete cleanly | Use Method 2 via Finder or the Apple Devices app to restore through Recovery Mode |
| Next user sees Activation Lock screen | Find My was not disabled before erasing | The original Apple ID owner must sign in at icloud.com to remove the lock remotely |
4. FAQ
1. Will erasing my iPhone delete my Apple ID account?
No. Erasing your iPhone only removes the data and settings from the device itself. Your Apple ID account, iCloud data, and purchases remain active and accessible on other devices or after signing back in.
2. Can I erase my iPhone if I forgot my passcode?
Yes, but you cannot use the Settings method. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or Windows computer and put it into Recovery Mode.
3. How long does it take to erase an iPhone?
The Settings method takes between 8 and 15 minutes on most modern models. The computer method takes 10 to 20 minutes because it downloads and reinstalls iOS.
5. Final Words
Now you know how to erase iPhone. The Settings method handles most situations and takes under 15 minutes to complete.
Always back up your data and sign out of iCloud before you start.
