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iPhone, iPad, or Android device

Phone or tablet reset: use the smallest reset that fits.

Fix a frozen phone, network problem, or broken preference without deleting photos, messages, authentication apps, and account access too early.

Phone is frozenWi-Fi or Bluetooth failsApps crash after a setting changePreparing the device for transfer

Reset levels in the correct order

Start with the first level that matches the failure. Do not jump to factory reset because a restart did not fix a hardware, account, service, or connection problem.

1
Restart

Restart or force-restart without erasing data

Use this for a frozen screen, unresponsive app, temporary battery drain, or connectivity issue.

Usually keeps
  • Photos, apps, accounts, and settings
May remove
  • Temporary memory and stalled processes

Steps

  1. Try the normal power menu first.
  2. Use the model-specific force-restart button sequence only when the screen does not respond.
  3. Allow the device to boot fully before reopening the failing app.
  4. Check free storage and install pending operating-system and app updates.
Stop instead of resetting when:
  • The battery is swollen, the device is unusually hot, or the screen is lifting.
  • The device has liquid exposure and is connected to power.
2
Network reset

Reset network settings only

Use this after persistent Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN, hotspot, or cellular configuration issues.

Usually keeps
  • Photos, apps, messages, and most account data
May remove
  • Saved Wi-Fi networks
  • Bluetooth pairings
  • VPN and some cellular network preferences

Steps

  1. Record Wi-Fi passwords and required VPN settings.
  2. Open the operating system reset or transfer menu.
  3. Choose Reset Network Settings, not Erase All Content or Factory Data Reset.
  4. Reconnect Wi-Fi and one Bluetooth accessory.
  5. Test without reinstalling third-party VPN or security profiles first.
3
Settings reset

Reset settings while keeping personal files

Use this after broad preference corruption, notification problems, keyboard issues, or accessibility settings that cannot be located.

Usually keeps
  • Personal files and installed apps on supported reset options
May remove
  • System preferences
  • Permissions, keyboard, privacy, display, or home-screen settings depending on the option

Steps

  1. Back up the device even when the option claims to keep data.
  2. Read the confirmation text carefully.
  3. Choose Reset All Settings or Reset App Preferences only when it explicitly says personal data remains.
  4. Restart and test before changing many preferences again.
4
Factory reset

Erase the device only after a verified backup

Use this for ownership transfer, severe software corruption, or a clean rebuild after other resets fail.

Usually keeps
  • Nothing stored only on the device unless restored from backup
May remove
  • Accounts, apps, photos, messages, authentication tokens, eSIMs depending on the choice, and local files

Steps

  1. Verify cloud or computer backup contents rather than assuming sync is complete.
  2. Transfer authentication apps, recovery codes, eSIM details, and messaging backups.
  3. Sign out or disable theft-protection features as required for ownership transfer.
  4. Use the official erase or factory-reset menu while the battery is adequately charged.
  5. Restore from backup, then verify calls, messages, authentication, and photos.
Stop instead of resetting when:
  • You cannot access the primary account or activation credentials.
  • Two-factor recovery depends only on this device.
  • A workplace management profile controls the phone.

Before any factory reset

After the reset

  1. Install operating-system updates first.
  2. Restore core accounts and authentication before optional apps.
  3. Verify calls, messages, camera, photos, and backups.
  4. Reinstall VPN, security, and device-management profiles last.
Still failing?

Search the exact symptom or error code.

A reset cannot repair a failed part, service outage, damaged cable, account lock, storage failure, leak, or power fault.