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What Are the iPhone Reset Options? Reset All Settings, Network Settings, and More

Reset All Settings preserves personal content, while Erase All Content and Settings removes it. Here’s what each iPhone reset changes and when to choose it.
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Choose the narrowest reset that fits the problem. Reset All Settings restores many preferences to their defaults but does not delete photos, messages, apps, or other personal content. To remove your data before selling or giving away an iPhone, use Erase All Content and Settings instead. Apple also offers individual resets for network settings, the keyboard dictionary, Home Screen layout, and location and privacy settings, plus a restore workflow using a computer.

How to choose the right iPhone reset

Start with the problem you want to solve, not the word “reset”: the options have very different effects. A temporary glitch may need only a restart. For persistent settings or system-feature problems, Reset All Settings is broader but preserves personal content. If only the network is affected, troubleshoot the connection first and consider Reset Network Settings only if other steps fail. If you are transferring ownership, erase the iPhone.

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Apple groups the settings resets under Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. Labels can vary with the iOS version and device. For Apple’s definitions of the individual options, see Reset iPhone settings to their defaults.

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What each reset does

Option What it changes When it fits
Reset All Settings Returns many preferences to defaults, including network, keyboard dictionary, location, privacy, and Apple Pay settings. It does not delete personal content or media. A persistent settings or system-feature issue remains after restarting, and you want to keep your content.
Reset Network Settings Removes saved network configuration, including previously used Wi-Fi networks and passwords and certain VPN settings; the iPhone disconnects from its current network. A network problem persists after basic troubleshooting.
Delete All eSIMs Deletes eSIM profiles stored on the iPhone. You intend to remove those cellular profiles.
Reset Keyboard Dictionary Erases words you added to the keyboard dictionary. You want to clear learned or custom dictionary entries without a broader reset.
Reset Home Screen Layout Returns built-in apps to their original Home Screen layout. You want to undo a changed app arrangement.
Reset Location & Privacy Returns location and privacy settings to their defaults. You want to reset permissions and related preferences.
Erase All Content and Settings Erases personal information, content, and settings, returning the iPhone to factory settings. You are selling or giving away the phone, or you deliberately want a full erase.
Restore using a computer Erases the iPhone and installs the latest software using Finder on Mac or Apple Devices on Windows; iTunes applies to certain older setups. You need or prefer Apple’s computer-based restore workflow.

Does Reset All Settings delete everything?

No. Apple states, “No data or media will be deleted.” The reset changes preferences, not your photos, messages, apps, documents, or other personal content. Apple says it is rarely necessary, but it may help with issues caused by incorrect or damaged settings; it does not guarantee a fix or repair a hardware fault. See Apple’s Reset All Settings guidance, published May 21, 2026.

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What you may need to set up again

Because preferences are returned to defaults, allow time to reconnect to Wi-Fi, pair Bluetooth devices and Apple Watch again, configure Face ID or Touch ID, and adjust settings to your preferences. Apple’s guidance describes what is reset and what to expect afterward in its Reset All Settings instructions.

When to use Reset Network Settings

Try ordinary Wi-Fi troubleshooting first, such as checking the connection and the router or network. Apple advises resetting network settings only if other solutions fail; see If you can’t connect to Wi-Fi on your iPhone or iPad. A reset removes saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so you will need to reconnect.

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If the iPhone is configured for a school or workplace network, ask IT before resetting. Network settings supplied through a configuration profile or mobile device management (MDM) may need an administrator to restore or change.

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When to erase the iPhone—and what to do about eSIM

For a sale or handoff, use Erase All Content and Settings, not Reset All Settings. Back up first if you may need the data later. Apple’s factory-reset instructions explain the erase process and the eSIM choice.

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During a full erase, decide whether to keep or delete the eSIM. Deleting it removes the cellular profile; service must be set up again, and you may need to contact your carrier to reactivate the plan. Do not delete an eSIM unless you intend to remove that profile.

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When to restore using a computer

A computer restore is a separate way to erase the iPhone and install the latest software. Use Finder on a Mac or Apple Devices on Windows; iTunes applies to certain older setups. Apple’s computer restore instructions note that the workflow does not delete the iPhone’s eSIM. Depending on the setup, Find My may need to be turned off before the Restore option is available. Follow the device- and computer-specific steps in Apple’s instructions.

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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.

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