If your iOS device has crashed or stalled, and you only wish to reset (reboot) it, then you can do so easily without deleting any of your data by pressing and holding the Home and Power buttons simultaneously for 5-10 seconds.įor newer model iPhones you won’t have a home button so try this instead: How to Reboot (Soft Reset) Your iPhone or iPad If you run into errors or your device won’t power on, Apple Support has an excellent article here to help you troubleshoot and correct the problem.

If you’re using a PC with iTunes to perform these steps you’ll need to click on the Summary tab to access the Restore iPhone option. Once done, select Restore iPhone and confirm that you want to proceed when the pop-up window appears.

iTunes should open automatically, giving you the option to select your device on the left-hand side.

Your device will ask for your screen unlock code.

Connect your device to your computer using the charging cord.

To begin, make sure that everything is updated and running the latest Apple Software.

An iPhone or iPad running the latest version of iOS.

A computer running the latest version of iTunes.

Choose your iPhone, iPad, or iPod when the device list appears and click Backup Now. Now you’re free to factory reset your iPhone or iPad.Īlternatively, open iTunes, connect your device to your computer (enter your passcode or tell it you ‘Trust This Computer’) and follow the on-screen steps. This will reveal the time and size of your last backup.

You can check this backup has been successful by going to Settings > iCloud > iCloud Storage > Manage Storage.

After you’ve hit Back Up Now, your files will be stored on your iCloud account and linked to your Apple ID.

To back up on iCloud, connect to your Wi-Fi network and go to Settings > iCloud > iCloud Backup.

This means erased files aren’t simply hidden and displayed as free space, they are completely removed – no software can revive deleted files.Īpple has support pages explaining the methods you can use to back up your iOS device, and these include via iCloud or via iTunes. Apple devices are encrypted out of the box. Backup Your DeviceĪn important reminder: before you factory reset your iPhone or iPad, make sure you’ve backed up anything you want to keep on the iCloud or iTunes. Follow along in this article to learn how it’s done. If that’s the case, performing a factory reset is the quickest way to delete everything and start all over again.

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