Your iPhone 14 is acting up. Apps keep crashing, the storage is full, you need to know how to factory reset iPhone 14 without passcode, or you are getting ready to sell it.
A factory reset can fix all of that in minutes.
It wipes everything clean and gives your phone a fresh start. No more sluggishness. No more random errors.
Here you will learn two simple ways to factory reset your iPhone 14, how to back up your data before you begin, and exactly what happens once the reset is done.
Back Up Your iPhone 14 Before You Reset
A factory reset permanently deletes everything on your phone. Back up your data first so nothing important gets lost.
Back Up to iCloud
To back up on iCloud, open your iPhone and go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Stay on Wi-Fi and keep the phone charging until the backup finishes.
Back Up to a Computer (Finder or iTunes)
Connect your iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC using a Lightning cable. Open Finder on Mac or iTunes on Windows, select your device, and click Back Up Now. Wait for the progress bar to finish before moving on.
Methods to Reset Your iPhone 14
There are two ways to reset your iPhone 14. The first works directly from your phone settings, and the second uses a computer when your phone is locked or unresponsive.
1. Reset iPhone 14 via Settings
This is the simplest way to reset your iPhone 14. It takes just a few minutes and works directly from your phone without any extra tools or devices.
Step 1: Tap the grey gear icon on your home screen to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Scroll down the menu and tap General to open more phone options.
Step 3: Scroll all the way to the bottom of the General screen and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Step 4: Tap Erase All Content and Settings. A warning prompt will appear; tap Continue to proceed.
Step 5: Your phone will ask if you want to keep or erase your eSIM plan. Choose based on your situation.
Step 6: Enter your iPhone passcode when prompted to confirm the reset.
Step 7: Enter your Apple Account password to turn off Activation Lock and unlink your Apple ID from the device.
Step 8: Wait for the process to finish. Your phone will restart and show the “Hello” screen once the reset is complete.
Pro Tip: This method only works if you know your passcode.
2. Factory Reset iPhone 14 with Buttons
Use the factory reset iPhone 14 with buttons method if your iPhone is disabled, frozen, or you have forgotten your passcode. To get started, you will need a Mac or PC, a Lightning cable, and iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on Mac).
Once you have everything ready, follow the steps below to reset your iPhone 14 using Recovery Mode:
Step 1: Connect your iPhone 14 to your computer using a Lightning cable.
Step 2: Open Finder if you are on a Mac, or iTunes if you are on a Windows PC.
Step 3: Force restart your iPhone into Recovery Mode by pressing the buttons in this exact order:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button
- Press and hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears on your phone
Step 4: A pop-up will appear on your computer screen. Click Restore when prompted.
Step 5: Confirm the restore. This erases all content on your iPhone and installs the latest version of iOS.
Step 6: Once the process is complete, your phone will restart and show the “Hello” setup screen.
Note: Activation Lock still applies after the reset. You will need the Apple ID and password linked to this device to complete the setup.
Check out this helpful tutorial from Howfinity that visually demonstrates how to factory reset an iPhone 14; perfect if you want to see every step before touching your device.
What Happens After a Factory Reset?
Once the reset is complete, your iPhone 14 goes back to the exact state it was in when it left the factory. Here is what to expect next:
- All Personal Data Gets Wiped: Every photo, message, contact, and app is permanently deleted from the device.
- Settings Return to Default: All your customized settings are removed, and the phone goes back to its original configuration.
- The “Hello” Screen Appears: Your iPhone restarts and displays the setup screen, just like a brand-new device.
- Two Setup Options Are Available: Set the phone up as new or restore from the backup you made earlier.
Once the reset is done, your iPhone is completely clean and ready for its next use. Taking a backup beforehand makes sure nothing important is lost.
Conclusion
Knowing how to factory reset an iPhone 14 can save you a lot of stress when your phone acts up or when it is time to pass it on.
Both methods covered here are straightforward and get the job done. Always back up your data first so nothing important gets lost.
Whether you use Settings or Recovery Mode, the process takes just a few minutes and leaves your phone completely clean.
Got questions or ran into an issue? Drop a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a Factory Reset Remove a Carrier Lock?
No. A factory reset does not remove carrier locks. If your iPhone 14 is carrier-locked, you will need to contact your carrier directly to request an unlock.
Can Deleted Data be Recovered After a Factory Reset without a Backup?
Generally no. Once a factory reset is complete, data is not recoverable through normal means.
Will Resetting My iPhone 14 Remove a Virus or Malware?
Yes. A factory reset wipes everything from the device, including malicious software.
