A factory reset erases everything on your iPhone 15 and restores it to factory settings. To do this safely, back up your data, sign out of your Apple ID, make sure the battery is charged, then go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings and follow the on-screen steps. You’ll need your passcode and Apple ID password to complete the process and remove Activation Lock.
Step-by-step tutorial: How to Factory Reset iPhone 15
This set of steps will guide you from preparing your iPhone 15 through completing the erase so your device is clean and ready to sell, give away, or start fresh.
Step 1: Back up your iPhone 15 to iCloud or a computer.
Back up to iCloud by tapping your name in Settings > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now, or connect to a Mac/PC and use Finder or iTunes to make a local backup.
Making a backup ensures you don’t lose photos, messages, apps, or settings. If you plan to move data to a new phone, a recent backup is the fastest way to restore everything.
Step 2: Sign out of your Apple ID and disable Find My.
Open Settings, tap your name at the top, scroll down and choose Sign Out, and enter your Apple ID password when prompted to turn off Find My.
Signing out removes Activation Lock so the next owner can set up the phone. If you cannot access the phone, sign out remotely at iCloud.com under Find My.
Step 3: Charge your iPhone or plug it in.
Make sure your battery is at least 50% or keep the iPhone connected to power while erasing.
A full erase can take several minutes and the process might stop if the phone dies mid-erase. Plugging in prevents interruptions.
Step 4: Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Open Settings, tap General, then choose Transfer or Reset iPhone to find the erase options on iOS 16/17 and later.
Apple grouped reset controls here to help with moving data or wiping the device. This is where you’ll select Erase All Content and Settings.
Step 5: Tap Erase All Content and Settings and confirm.
Tap Erase All Content and Settings, follow the on-screen prompts, enter your device passcode, and then your Apple ID password if asked.
The iPhone will warn you about backups and signed-in accounts before it erases. Confirm only when you are ready to fully remove personal data.
Step 6: Wait for the erase to complete and the device to restart.
The iPhone will erase, reboot, and eventually show the “Hello” setup screen like a new device.
This can take several minutes depending on how much data was on the phone. Do not interrupt the process or try to turn it off during the erase.
Step 7: Restore your backup or set up as new (optional).
If you backed up, follow the setup screens to restore from iCloud or a computer backup, or skip restore to set it up as a new iPhone.
Restoring brings back apps, settings, and content; setting up as new gives you a fresh start without old data.
After you complete the erase, your iPhone 15 will be returned to factory settings and display the initial setup screen. If you signed out of your Apple ID and disabled Find My, no Activation Lock will block a new owner from setting it up.
Tips for How to Factory Reset iPhone 15
- Backup first: Always make an iCloud or computer backup before erasing to avoid permanent data loss.
- Remove SIM card: Take out your SIM if you’re selling the phone or switching carriers.
- Check iOS version: Steps are the same for iOS 16 and 17, but menus may differ slightly in future updates.
- Note app passwords: Save two-factor codes and app passwords you might need after a restore.
- Use Find My to erase remotely: If your iPhone is lost, you can erase it via iCloud.com > Find iPhone.
- Make sure you know your Apple ID: You’ll need the Apple ID password to turn off Activation Lock during the erase.
- Erase before trade-in: Many trade-in services require a factory reset; verify with the buyer first.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a factory reset take on an iPhone 15?
A factory reset itself usually takes a few minutes, but the full process including reboot can take up to 15–30 minutes depending on data amount. Restoring from backup can add more time.
Will a factory reset remove iCloud activation lock?
A factory reset will not remove Activation Lock unless you sign out of your Apple ID or disable Find My before erasing. Always sign out to allow the next user to activate the device.
Can I factory reset an iPhone 15 without the passcode?
If you don’t know the passcode, you can use Recovery Mode with a computer to erase the device, but you’ll still need the Apple ID password to remove Activation Lock. Recovery Mode requires a Mac or PC and a cable.
Will erasing my iPhone delete everything?
Yes, Erase All Content and Settings deletes personal data, apps, and settings, returning the iPhone to factory defaults. That’s why a backup is essential.
Is a factory reset reversible?
No, once the phone is erased and no backup exists, the data is gone. You can only restore data from a prior backup after the reset.
Summary
- Back up device
- Sign out of Apple ID
- Charge or plug in
- Go to Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Erase All Content and Settings
- Wait for reboot
- Restore or set up new
Conclusion
Resetting your iPhone 15 is straightforward if you prepare first. Backing up your data prevents heartbreak, signing out of your Apple ID stops Activation Lock headaches, and making sure the phone has power avoids interruptions. Follow the steps I outlined and you’ll finish with a clean, factory-fresh device ready for a new owner or a fresh start.
If you’re selling or gifting the phone, remove the SIM card, wipe any paired Bluetooth devices, and include any original accessories if you have them. If you plan to keep the phone but want a fresh software start, consider updating iOS before resetting so your device returns to a current, stable state during setup.
Want more help? Look into Apple’s official support pages for visual guides, or use a Mac/PC for local backups and recovery. If you run into Activation Lock issues, contact the previous owner or Apple Support with proof of purchase.
Now that you know how to factory reset iPhone 15, take a moment to back up your data, then proceed confidently. If you want, tell me why you’re resetting and I can suggest the best backup and restore method for your situation.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.