Recommended Free Tools
Restoring an iPhone or iPad to factory settings erases the personal content and settings stored on the device and returns it to the Hello screen for setup. You can bring back data included in a usable backup, but erasing the device does not erase the copy of your data stored in iCloud. If you only want to undo customized settings while keeping your files, choose a settings reset instead.
What a factory restore erases—and what it does not
Erase All Content and Settings removes personal information and settings from the iPhone or iPad. When the erase finishes, the device displays the Hello screen, as it does when it is ready to be set up. Apple’s instructions for factory-resetting an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch recommend backing up first if you may need the device’s contents later.
The erase applies to the device, not to your iCloud account. Apple says erasing an iPhone or iPad does not delete the data already stored in iCloud. A backup can restore the content, settings, and apps it contains to a new or erased device, but it cannot bring back items that were not in a usable backup.
Choose the right kind of reset
“Reset” can mean changing settings or completely erasing the device. The right choice depends on whether you want to keep your personal data and whether you need to reinstall the operating system.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- MFi Certified Multi-function Flash Drive: This flash drive is MFi certified, high quality and excellent performance, allowing you to store your data more securely without worrying about data loss. Made of high quality metal material and advanced chip technology, it has excellent dustproof, drop-proof and anti-magnetic performance. The flash drive has a 256GB capacity, easily free up space on your device
- 256GB 3-in-1 Lightweight and Compact Memory Stick: The flash drive has USB/Lightning/Type C interfaces for USB/Usb C pcie port card compatible with iOS devices with iOS12.1 and above / OTG Android phones / PC with Win7 and above / MAC devices with MAC10.6 and above, convenient for data transfer between different devices. It is also lightweight and compact, easy to carry around and keep your data at your fingertips. Accompanied by a uniquely designed keychain, the product is more convenient for you to carry
- One Click Backup and One Click Sharing: You can easily backup photos, videos, and phonebook to your phone with just one click via the APP, freeing up space on your mobile device without using a data cable or iCloud. You can also share photos/videos/files from the flash drive directly to social media (Facebook, etc.) for easy sharing with family and friends. (Tips: iOS devices need to download the "U-Disk" APP when using flash drive; Android and PC devices do not need to download APP)
- Automatic Storage and On-the-Go Playback: All photos and videos captured by the in-app camera are automatically saved to U-Disk albums in real time and stored in a folder for easy editing and searching. Store your favorite movies and music on the flash drive, you can enjoy the stored movies or music anytime and anywhere when you are traveling or on a business trip
- High Speed Transfer and Data Encryption: This flash drive has high read/write speed, so you can enjoy the convenience of fast backup and save time. The flash drive uses stable APP software, you can choose to turn on Touch ID/Passcode to encrypt the whole flash drive, or you can choose to encrypt specific files to protect your data, so you can enjoy a more convenient and secure file storage experience
| Choice | What happens to content and settings? | Does it reinstall system software? | What happens to an iPhone eSIM? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reset All Settings | Settings return to their defaults; photos, apps, messages, documents, and other data or media remain. | No. It resets settings rather than reinstalling iOS or iPadOS. | Not stated in Apple’s Reset All Settings guidance. |
| Erase All Content and Settings in Settings | Personal content and settings on the device are erased. | Apple’s erase instructions describe erasing and returning to setup, not reinstalling system software. | You can choose to keep or erase the eSIM. |
| Restore using a computer | The device is erased. | Yes. The computer installs the latest applicable iOS or iPadOS software. | Apple says computer restoration does not delete an iPhone’s eSIM. |
Apple’s Reset All Settings instructions say this option preserves data and media. Use Erase All Content and Settings for a full wipe; use a computer restore when you need the system software reinstalled as part of the process.
Before you erase the device
- Decide whether you need anything on it. If you might want the data later, make an iCloud or computer backup first. Apple explains backup and recovery in its factory-reset guide.
- Check that you can sign in again. Have the Apple Account credentials you may need during setup available.
- For troubleshooting, consider Reset All Settings first. It can return preferences to defaults without erasing photos, apps, messages, documents, or other data and media.
- For a computer restore, prepare a Mac or PC and a compatible data cable. Choose a cable that fits the ports on both the device and computer; a cable is not needed to erase from Settings.
- If the device is changing hands, plan for the eSIM. Decide whether to keep or erase it, and contact the carrier if an erased cellular plan needs reactivation.
Erase from the iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [device] > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. Enter the device passcode or Apple Account password if requested.
- When prompted, choose whether to keep or erase the eSIM.
- Wait for the erase to finish. The Hello screen appears when the device is ready to be set up again.
If you erase the eSIM, the carrier must reactivate the cellular plan before you can use it again. Apple’s erase instructions cover the device erase, and its eSIM guidance explains the keep-or-erase choice.
Rank #2
- Capacity Display Variance: 1TB external ssd often appears as around 931GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 1 TB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Restore using a Mac or PC
A computer restore erases the device and installs the latest applicable iOS or iPadOS software. Apple’s computer-restore instructions use Finder on a Mac or Apple Devices on Windows. They direct users to iTunes in specified legacy or app-unavailable situations.
- Back up the device first if you may need its data afterward.
- Turn off Find My, as Apple requires for this restore process.
- Connect the device to the computer with a compatible USB cable.
- Open Finder or Apple Devices, select the device, and choose Restore. Use iTunes in the situations specified in Apple’s instructions.
- Let the computer complete the restore; the device can then be set up again.
Apple says restoring an iPhone using a computer does not delete its eSIM. That differs from the Settings erase, which offers a choice to keep or erase the eSIM.
Rank #3
- Made For iPhone Certified. Compatible with iPhone 15 or newer (USB-C) and iPhone 14 or older models (Lightning)(2). When connected via USB-C, works with SANDISK Memory Zone app or Apple iOS Files app—automatic backup requires SANDISK app(3). Lightning connection requires the SANDISK app for copy and backup functions(3).
- SANDISK Memory Zone App Required. Download the app(3) from the App Store and update firmware if prompted to optimize your file management experience or jump to the iOS Files app from the home screen.
- Free Up Space. Seamlessly transfer files to your SanDisk Phone Drive, then easily delete them from your phone to reclaim valuable storage(3).
- Smarter Backups. Choose manual or automatic backup within the SANDISK Memory Zone app with real-time progress tracking, background multitasking, and partial backup support when storage is limited(3).
- Reliable Transfers. Move content between your USB-C or Lightning iPhone, iPad Pro, Mac, and other compatible devices(2).
If you are selling, giving away, or trading in the device
Follow Apple’s pre-transfer instructions, including signing out and erasing the device. Apple says erasing turns off Find My and Activation Lock, while leaving data stored in iCloud untouched. Consider the eSIM before handing the device over; if you erase it and need the cellular plan again, the carrier must reactivate it.
If you suspect someone compromised the device
If you are erasing because you believe someone accessed the device or installed malicious software, Apple’s personal-safety guidance advises using Safety Check’s Manage Sharing & Access first. In this suspected-compromise situation, Apple cautions against restoring from a backup because it could reinstall the malicious software you are trying to remove. This is specific to a suspected compromise, not a general rule for routine erasing.
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.
