To factory reset an iPhone 7, open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings, tap Continue, enter your passcode and Apple Account password, and confirm. On iOS 14 and earlier, the path is Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. The iPhone erases everything and restarts to the Hello screen. Back it up first if you want to keep your data.
The iPhone 7 can run up to iOS 15. Below are the full steps, how to reset without your passcode, and what to do before selling or trading it in.
Before you reset
- Back up your iPhone. Go to Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now, or back up to a computer. See how to back up an iPhone to a Windows computer.
- Unpair your Apple Watch if you have one, so it’s backed up.
- Know your Apple Account password. You’ll need it to turn off Activation Lock.
- Transfer your eSIM or keep your SIM card. The iPhone 7 uses a physical nano-SIM, which isn’t erased.
How to factory reset an iPhone 7 from Settings
- Open Settings > General.
- Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone (or Reset on iOS 14 and earlier).
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Tap Continue and enter your passcode.
- If asked, let iCloud finish uploading, then enter your Apple Account password to turn off Find My and Activation Lock.
- Tap Erase iPhone to confirm.
The reset takes a few minutes. When the Hello screen appears, the iPhone is back to factory settings.
How to reset an iPhone 7 without the passcode
Option 1: Erase from the Lock Screen (iOS 15.2 or later)
- Enter the wrong passcode until you see iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout with an Erase iPhone option.
- Tap Erase iPhone, then enter your Apple Account password.
This needs a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
Option 2: Recovery mode with a computer
- On a Mac, open Finder. On Windows, open the Apple Devices app or iTunes.
- Turn off the iPhone.
- Hold the Volume Down button and connect the iPhone to the computer. Keep holding until the recovery mode screen (a computer and cable) appears.
- On the computer, click Restore. The software downloads iOS and erases the iPhone.
After a reset, you’ll still need the Apple Account password that was on the phone to get past Activation Lock. This protects stolen phones. If you can’t remember it, reset it at iforgot.apple.com. See how to connect an iPhone to iTunes on Windows 10 for computer help.
Soft reset vs. factory reset
| Type | How (iPhone 7) | Erases data? |
|---|---|---|
| Restart | Hold the Side button, then slide to power off | No |
| Force restart | Hold Volume Down + Side button until the Apple logo appears | No |
| Reset All Settings | Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings | No, only settings |
| Factory reset | Erase All Content and Settings | Yes, everything |
Selling or trading in your iPhone 7?
- Erase it using the steps above. That also removes it from Find My.
- If you already gave it away without erasing, sign in at icloud.com/find, select the device, and choose Erase This Device, then Remove from Account.
- Remove the SIM card.
Only frozen? Try a force restart first; it erases nothing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to factory reset an iPhone 7?
Usually 5 to 15 minutes from Settings. A computer restore takes longer because it downloads iOS.
Will a factory reset remove iCloud?
It signs the phone out of iCloud, but your iCloud data stays in the cloud and on your other devices.
Why is my iPhone asking for the previous owner’s Apple Account?
Activation Lock is on. The previous owner needs to remove the device from their account at icloud.com/find.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.