iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Choose the reset that matches the problem: Reset All Settings restores many preferences without deleting your personal content; narrower reset options target specific settings; and Erase All Content and Settings wipes the iPhone for a fresh start or transfer to someone else. These actions are not interchangeable. Apple groups the settings resets under Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset, though labels can vary by iOS version.
Which iPhone reset should you choose?
Start with the least disruptive option that addresses your issue. For a temporary glitch, restart the iPhone first. If a particular preference is the problem, use the matching narrow reset. If several settings or system features seem affected, Reset All Settings is the broader option that preserves personal content. To remove your data before selling or giving away the device, use Erase All Content and Settings instead.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $552.01 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $398.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $388.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| Option | Scope | Does it erase personal content? | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reset Keyboard Dictionary | Words added to the keyboard dictionary | No | Clear learned or custom keyboard entries |
| Reset Home Screen Layout | Built-in apps’ Home Screen arrangement | No | Undo a changed app layout |
| Reset Location & Privacy | Location and privacy settings | No | Reset permissions and related preferences |
| Reset Network Settings | Saved network setup and certain VPN settings | No | Troubleshoot a persistent network problem |
| Reset All Settings | Many iPhone preferences, including network, keyboard, location, privacy, and Apple Pay settings | No | Address a settings-related issue while keeping personal content |
| Delete All eSIMs | eSIM profiles stored on the iPhone | No | Remove cellular profiles when you intend to stop using them |
| Erase All Content and Settings | Personal information, content, and settings | Yes | Prepare the iPhone for a new owner or perform a full erase |
| Restore using a computer | Erases the iPhone and installs the latest software | Yes | Use Apple’s computer-based restore workflow |
What does Reset All Settings do?
Reset All Settings returns many preferences to their defaults, including network, keyboard dictionary, location, privacy, and Apple Pay settings. It does not delete photos, messages, apps, documents, or other personal data and media. Apple’s support article states, “No data or media will be deleted.” Apple Support explains what Reset All Settings changes.
Recommended Free Tools
Keeping content does not mean there is no setup afterward. You may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi, reconnect Bluetooth devices, pair an Apple Watch again, set up Face ID or Touch ID, and restore preferences to your liking. Apple describes this reset as a potential fix for problems caused by incorrect or damaged settings; it does not guarantee a fix or repair hardware faults.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
What do the narrower reset options change?
Reset Network Settings
This removes network settings, including previously used Wi-Fi networks and passwords and certain VPN settings, and disconnects the iPhone from its current network. Try basic Wi-Fi troubleshooting first; Apple advises resetting network settings only if other solutions fail. If the iPhone uses a school or business network, ask IT before resetting. Managed profiles or mobile-device-management settings may also require an administrator to restore the configuration. Apple’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting steps cover when to consider this reset.
Reset Keyboard Dictionary
This clears words you added to the keyboard dictionary. Use it when you want to remove custom or learned entries without changing broader settings.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Reset Home Screen Layout
This returns built-in apps to their original Home Screen layout. It changes the arrangement, not the contents of the iPhone, and is not a factory erase.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Reset Location & Privacy
This returns location and privacy settings to their defaults. Apps may ask for permissions again as you use them.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Delete All eSIMs
This removes the eSIM profiles stored on the iPhone. Choose it only if you mean to remove those cellular profiles: cellular service must be set up again, and you may need your carrier’s help to reactivate a plan.
How to reset settings without erasing your iPhone
- Open Settings and go to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. Menu wording may differ by iOS version.
- Choose the specific reset that matches your issue, such as Reset Network Settings or Reset All Settings.
- Follow the on-screen prompts and review the consequences of the option you selected before confirming.
- After Reset All Settings, reconnect networks and devices and restore the preferences you need.
For a network problem, do not jump straight to Reset Network Settings: first check whether Wi-Fi is available, restart the router if appropriate, and work through Apple’s troubleshooting guidance.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
When should you erase the iPhone?
Use Erase All Content and Settings when you intend to remove personal information and content from the device, especially before selling or giving it away. Reset All Settings is not enough for a transfer of ownership because it preserves personal content.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Make a backup first if you may need the information later.
- Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone and choose Erase All Content and Settings.
- Review the prompts carefully, including the choice about whether to keep or delete the eSIM, then confirm only when you are ready for the erase.
Deleting the eSIM means cellular service must be set up again and may require carrier reactivation. Apple’s factory-reset instructions describe the erase and eSIM decision.
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Can you restore an iPhone using a computer?
Yes. Apple documents a computer restore that erases the iPhone and installs the latest software. Use Finder on a Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows; iTunes applies to certain older setups. The computer workflow may require turning off Find My before the Restore option is available. Apple says this restore does not delete the iPhone’s eSIM. Follow the device- and computer-specific steps in Apple’s computer restore guide.
Before you confirm a reset
- Match the reset’s scope to the problem; settings resets are not all-purpose erases.
- For a Wi-Fi issue, try other troubleshooting steps before removing saved network settings.
- Ask your school or workplace IT team before resetting a managed network configuration.
- Back up before a full erase if you need to keep the data.
- Decide what to do with the eSIM before erasing; its removal can affect cellular service and reactivation.
Apple’s settings reference lists the available reset choices and their effects: Reset iPhone settings to their defaults.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
