Return iPhone settings to their defaults (2024)

Modifying this control will update this page automatically

iPhone User Guide

You can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content.

If you want to save your settings, back upiPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.

  1. Go to Settings Return iPhone settings to their defaults (1)> General> Transfer or Reset iPhone> Reset.

  2. Choose an option:

    WARNING: If you choose the Erase All Content and Settings option, all of your content is removed. See Erase iPhone.

    • Reset All Settings: All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, location settings, privacy settings, and ApplePay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.

    • Reset Network Settings: All network settings are removed. In addition, the device name assigned in Settings> General> About is reset to “iPhone,” and manually trusted certificates (such as for websites) are changed to untrusted.

      Cellular data roaming may also be turned off. (See View or change cellular data settings on iPhone.)

      When you reset network settings, previously used networks and VPN settings that weren’t installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management (MDM) are removed. Wi-Fi is turned off and then back on, disconnecting you from any network you’re on. The Wi-Fi and Ask to Join Networks settings remain turned on.

      To remove VPN settings installed by a configuration profile, go to Settings> General> VPN & Device Management, select the configuration profile, then tap Remove Profile. This also removes other settings and accounts provided by the profile. See Install or remove configuration profiles on iPhone.

      To remove network settings installed by MDM, go to Settings> General> VPN & Device Management, select the management, then tap Remove Management. This also removes other settings and certificates provided by MDM. See “Mobile device management (MDM)” in the Deployment Reference for iPhone and iPad.

    • Reset Keyboard Dictionary: You add words to the keyboard dictionary by rejecting words iPhone suggests as you type. Resetting the keyboard dictionary erases only the words you’ve added.

    • Reset Home Screen Layout: Returns the built-in apps to their original layout on the Home Screen.

    • Reset Location & Privacy: Resets the location services and privacy settings to their defaults.

If you want to completely erase your iPhone, see Use Settings to erase iPhone. If you want or need to use a computer to erase your iPhone, see Use a computer to erase iPhone.

Helpful?

Thanks for your feedback.

As a seasoned technology enthusiast with a deep understanding of iOS, let's delve into the concepts and features mentioned in the provided article related to iOS versions 12 through 17.

  1. iOS Versions (iOS 12 to iOS 17):

    • Each iOS version introduces new features, improvements, and updates to enhance the user experience on Apple devices.
    • iOS 17 is the latest version, and it's likely to include advancements in performance, security, and user interface compared to its predecessors.
  2. Compatible iPhone Models:

    • The article lists various iPhone models compatible with iOS 17, ranging from iPhone XR to iPhone 15 Pro Max.
    • Compatibility ensures that users with different iPhone models can benefit from the latest iOS features.
  3. Setting Up iPhone:

    • Topics include turning on and setting up the iPhone, connecting to the internet, signing in with an Apple ID, and subscribing to iCloud+.
    • iCloud+ likely offers additional features beyond the standard iCloud services.
  4. Battery Management:

    • Instructions on charging the battery, using cleaner energy sources, checking battery health, and using Low Power Mode for extended battery life.
  5. User Interface and Navigation:

    • Explains basic gestures, gestures for Face ID models, adjusting volume, opening apps, multitasking, and accessing features from the Lock Screen.
  6. Customization:

    • Customizing the iPhone with features like Control Center, changing sounds and vibrations, creating custom Lock Screen, changing wallpaper, adjusting screen brightness, and customizing text size.
  7. Organizing Apps and Widgets:

    • Organizing apps in folders, adding, editing, and removing widgets, moving apps and widgets on the Home Screen.
  8. Camera Features:

    • Basics of using the iPhone camera, applying Photographic Styles, taking various types of photos, adjusting camera settings, and viewing, sharing, and printing photos.
  9. FaceTime and Communication:

    • Getting started with FaceTime, making calls, creating FaceTime links, using Live Photos during a call, and managing communication settings.
  10. File Management and Sharing:

    • Connecting external devices, modifying files and folders, searching for files, organizing files, sharing files, and setting up iCloud Drive.
  11. Location Services and Find My:

    • Sharing location, adding devices to Find My, using AirTag for item tracking, and adjusting map settings.
  12. Health and Fitness:

    • Getting started with Fitness, tracking daily activity, subscribing to Apple Fitness+, using Freeform for creative tasks, and managing health data.
  13. Entertainment and Media:

    • Getting apps, subscribing to Apple Arcade, managing subscriptions, buying books and audiobooks, and controlling music and podcasts.
  14. Productivity Tools:

    • Creating and editing events in Calendar, using Notes, managing email, browsing the web with Safari, and using Siri for various tasks.
  15. Accessibility Features:

    • Overview of accessibility features, VoiceOver, Switch Control, Hearing devices, and other tools for a personalized user experience.
  16. Privacy and Security:

    • Setting up security features, managing passwords, controlling app tracking, using Hide My Email, and ensuring the privacy of browsing.
  17. Device Management and Maintenance:

    • Performing tasks like restarting, updating, backing up, restoring, and erasing the iPhone for troubleshooting or device management.

This comprehensive set of topics covers a wide range of iOS features, from basic setup to advanced customization, emphasizing the user-friendly and versatile nature of Apple's iOS ecosystem.

Return iPhone settings to their defaults (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Chrissy Homenick

Last Updated:

Views: 6251

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Chrissy Homenick

Birthday: 2001-10-22

Address: 611 Kuhn Oval, Feltonbury, NY 02783-3818

Phone: +96619177651654

Job: Mining Representative

Hobby: amateur radio, Sculling, Knife making, Gardening, Watching movies, Gunsmithing, Video gaming

Introduction: My name is Chrissy Homenick, I am a tender, funny, determined, tender, glorious, fancy, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.