Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

You cannot factory reset an iPhone 7 using a button combination alone. If the phone is frozen, Side + Volume Down force-restarts it without erasing data. To erase a passcode-locked iPhone 7, use its buttons to enter recovery mode, then restore it with Finder on a Mac or Apple Devices on a Windows PC.

Choose the right reset for your iPhone 7

Your situation What to do Does it erase data?
The iPhone is frozen or unresponsive Force restart with Side + Volume Down No
You forgot the passcode or cannot use Settings Enter recovery mode and restore with a computer Yes
You can unlock the iPhone and know the required credentials Erase it from Settings Yes

If the iPhone 7 is frozen: force restart it

This button combination restarts the phone; it does not return it to factory settings or remove its data.

  1. Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button together.
  2. Keep holding until the Apple logo appears, then release both buttons.

Apple’s force-restart instructions

If you forgot the passcode: restore the iPhone 7 with a computer

Apple’s recovery procedure erases the data currently on the iPhone. You need a Mac or Windows PC, an internet connection and a cable that can charge the iPhone. Apple estimates the process can take up to 60 minutes. If you want to keep data, check whether you have a backup before proceeding; recovery restore is an erase, not a way to bypass the passcode while preserving the phone’s current contents.

  1. Turn off the iPhone. Hold the Side button until the power-off slider appears, then drag the slider.
  2. Open the restore app. On a Mac, open Finder. On a Windows PC, open Apple Devices.
  3. Connect in recovery mode. Connect the cable to the computer. While quickly connecting it to the iPhone, press and hold Volume Down. Keep holding Volume Down through the Apple logo until the screen shows a computer and cable. Volume Down is the recovery-mode button for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
  4. Choose Restore. Select the iPhone in Finder or Apple Devices and follow the prompts. In Finder, choose Restore when offered Restore or Update; in Apple Devices, select the iPhone and choose Restore.
  5. Finish setup. Wait for the restore to complete. When the Hello screen appears, disconnect the phone and set it up.

Apple estimates the computer reset may take up to 60 minutes. If a software download takes more than 15 minutes and the iPhone leaves the recovery screen, let the download finish, turn off the phone, then repeat the recovery-mode steps. If the buttons do not work and you cannot reach the recovery screen, Apple says service may be needed. Apple’s computer reset and passcode instructions

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone 7 32GB Unlocked AT&T/T-Mobile - Silver
  • Unlocked and Compatible with AT&T / Tmobile and all Service providers that Use AT&T / Tmobile Network. NOT Compatible with Verizon or any service provider that uses Verizon Network. Check before Purchase
  • This device is Preowned, Tested and Passed in Excellent Condition, Battery Life Minimum 80% or more as compare to new.
  • IOS Version upgradable to 15.8.5 but the device continues to receive security updates under the iOS 15 branch.
  • Includes a new cable only. User manual and charger are not included. SIM card is provided by your wireless service provider and is not included with this device.
  • 4.7" Retina HD display, 12MP camera and 4K video at 30 fps / 7MP FaceTime HD camera with Retina Flash Black

If you know the passcode: erase it in Settings

If the iPhone is accessible and you know the credentials it requests, you can erase it without recovery mode. Back up first if you want to preserve data.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Apple iPhone 7 32GB Unlocked AT&T/T-Mobile - Silver
Apple iPhone 7 32GB Unlocked AT&T/T-Mobile - Silver
visit the manufacture website to check all specs before purchase.
$89.75
Bestseller No. 3
Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, 64GB, White - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, 64GB, White - Unlocked (Renewed)
Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$97.47
SaleBestseller No. 4
Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, US Version, 64GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, US Version, 64GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$91.50
Bestseller No. 5
Boost Mobile Apple iPhone 7 32GB Unlocked - Black
Boost Mobile Apple iPhone 7 32GB Unlocked - Black
Boost Mobile Apple iPhone 7 32GB Unlocked - Black; For new service either visit a Boost Mobile Store or visit Boost Mobile website.
$88.99
Best Value
Boost Mobile Apple iPhone 7 32GB Unlocked - Black
  • Boost Mobile Apple iPhone 7 32GB Unlocked - Black
  • Ditch the contract and mystery fees with the Refurbished iPhone 7 in Black on Boost Mobile. It’s equipped with a 12MP camera with autofocus, a 7MP FaceTime HD camera with Retina Flash and water and splash resistance so you can go, do and capture more. Boost Mobile has nationwide coverage on America’s largest and most dependable networks* with talk, text & data plans that work for you. Get your next iPhone and plan online boost mobile website
  • If you already have service from Boost Mobile then Swap your Sim card from your old phone to this phone, then power the phone on. Now it is ready for use.
  • For new service either visit a Boost Mobile Store or visit Boost Mobile website.
  • Compatible with talk, text & data plans from Boost Mobile
Rank #4
Sale
Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, US Version, 64GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 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.).
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
  • Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
  • Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
Rank #3
Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, 64GB, White - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 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.).
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
  • Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
  • Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
Rank #2
iPhone 7 32GB Unlocked AT&T/T-Mobile - Black
  • Unlocked and Compatible with AT&T / Tmobile and all Service providers that Use AT&T / Tmobile Network. NOT Compatible with Verizon or any service provider that uses Verizon Network. Check before Purchase
  • This device is Preowned, Tested and Passed in Excellent Condition, Battery Life Minimum 80% or more as compare to new.
  • 4.7-inch Retina HD display with crisp colors and sharp detail, 32GB internal storage for apps, photos, and everyday use, A10 Fusion chip delivers smooth and reliable performance, 12MP rear camera with 4K video recording and image stabilization, 7MP front camera ideal for selfies and video calls
  • Includes a new cable only. User manual and charger are not included. SIM card is provided by your wireless service provider and is not included with this device.
  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General, then Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  3. Tap Erase All Content and Settings and follow the prompts.
  4. Enter the device passcode and Apple Account password if requested. The Hello screen appears after the erase.

Apple’s on-device erase instructions

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.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi