Welcome to our easy-to-follow guide on how to hard reset your iPhone 12! Performing a hard reset, also known as a factory reset, may be necessary in certain situations, such as when you encounter persistent software issues, want to erase all data before selling or giving away your device, or need to restore it to its original factory settings. Whether you're a tech-savvy individual or a beginner, we'll take you through each step in a friendly and comprehensive manner.
Hard resetting your iPhone 12 will erase all data and settings, so it's crucial to back up your important files and information like contacts, photos, messages, and apps, prior to initiating the reset process. Once you've ensured that your data is safely backed up, you can proceed with the hard reset.
Now that you've prepared your iPhone 12 for the hard reset and backed up your data, let's dive into the step-by-step process to perform the reset:
How to Hard Reset iPhone 12
Follow these 8 important steps to hard reset your iPhone 12:
- Backup iPhone data
- Ensure backup completion
- Open Settings app
- Select General
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Choose Erase All Content and Settings
- Enter passcode (if prompted)
- Confirm reset action
Your iPhone 12 will now begin the hard reset process, which may take a few minutes. Once the reset is complete, your device will restart and you'll need to set it up again as a new iPhone.
Backup iPhone data
Before you hard reset your iPhone 12, it's crucial to back up your important data to prevent permanent loss. Here's how you can do it:
1. iCloud Backup:
- Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Backup.
- Enable iCloud Backup if it's not already.
- Tap Back Up Now and wait for the backup process to complete.
2. iTunes Backup (for Mac or Windows PC):
- Connect your iPhone 12 to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open iTunes on your computer.
- Click the iPhone icon when it appears in the iTunes window.
- Go to the Summary tab.
- Under Backups, select "This Computer" for a local backup.
- Click Back Up Now and wait for the process to finish.
3. Encrypted Backup (optional):
- When backing up using iCloud or iTunes, you can choose to encrypt your backup.
- Encrypted backups include sensitive data like passwords and health information.
- To enable encrypted backups, follow the steps above and select "Encrypt local backup" when prompted.
Once you've successfully backed up your iPhone 12, you can proceed with the hard reset knowing that your data is safely stored. Remember to keep your backup up to date regularly to ensure you don't lose any important information.
Ensure backup completion
After initiating a backup, it's important to ensure that the process completes successfully before proceeding with the hard reset. Here are a few ways to check the backup status:
- iCloud Backup:
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. If the backup is in progress, you'll see a message indicating the estimated backup time. Once the backup is complete, you'll see the date and time of the last successful backup.
- iTunes Backup:
Keep your iPhone 12 connected to your computer and open iTunes. Click the iPhone icon and go to the Summary tab. Under Backups, you'll see the date and time of the latest backup. If the backup is still in progress, you'll see a progress bar.
- Encrypted Backup:
If you chose to encrypt your backup, you'll need to enter your encryption password when restoring from the backup. Make sure you remember or have access to your encryption password before proceeding with the hard reset.
- Check Backup Size:
To ensure that your backup contains all your important data, compare the backup size with the total storage space of your iPhone 12. If the backup size is significantly smaller, it may not include all your data. Consider performing another backup to capture any missing information.
Once you've confirmed that your iPhone 12 backup is complete and contains all your necessary data, you can proceed with the hard reset process with confidence, knowing that your information is safely backed up.
Open Settings app
To initiate the hard reset process on your iPhone 12, you'll need to access the Settings app, which is the central hub for configuring various settings and options on your device.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to open the Settings app:
- Locate the Settings Icon:
On your iPhone 12's home screen, look for the Settings app icon. It typically resembles a gray gear or cogwheel. - Tap the Icon:
Once you've found the Settings icon, tap on it to launch the app. The Settings app will open, displaying a list of options and settings. - Explore the Settings Menu:
The Settings app is divided into various sections, each containing different settings and options. You can navigate through these sections to adjust various aspects of your iPhone's functionality. - Find the General Section:
To proceed with the hard reset, you'll need to locate the General section within the Settings app. This section contains general settings related to your iPhone's overall operation.
Once you've successfully opened the Settings app and located the General section, you're ready to proceed to the next step in the hard reset process: selecting the Transfer or Reset iPhone option.
Select General
After opening the Settings app on your iPhone 12, you'll need to locate and select the General section to proceed with the hard reset process.
- Find the General Section:
Within the Settings app, scroll down the list of options until you find the General section. This section typically contains settings related to your iPhone's overall operation, including software updates, storage management, and accessibility features.
- Tap on General:
Once you've located the General section, tap on it to open the General settings menu. This will display a new list of options and settings related to various aspects of your iPhone's functionality.
- Explore the General Settings:
The General settings menu provides access to a wide range of options, including language and region settings, keyboard settings, and reset options. To proceed with the hard reset, you'll need to locate the Transfer or Reset iPhone option.
- Find the Transfer or Reset iPhone Option:
Scroll down the General settings menu until you find the Transfer or Reset iPhone option. This option is typically located at the bottom of the menu, under the Reset section. Tapping on this option will open a new menu with various reset-related options.
Once you've successfully selected the Transfer or Reset iPhone option, you'll be presented with several choices, including the Erase All Content and Settings option, which is necessary for performing a hard reset on your iPhone 12.
Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
After selecting the General section and scrolling down to the bottom, you'll find the Transfer or Reset iPhone option. This option allows you to erase all content and settings from your iPhone, effectively performing a hard reset.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to tap the Transfer or Reset iPhone option:
- Locate the Transfer or Reset iPhone Option:
Within the General settings menu, scroll down to the bottom and find the Transfer or Reset iPhone option. It's typically located under the Reset section. - Tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone:
Once you've found the Transfer or Reset iPhone option, tap on it to open a new menu with various reset-related options. - Review the Reset Options:
The Transfer or Reset iPhone menu provides several options, including Erase All Content and Settings, Reset All Settings, and Transfer or Reset [Device Name]. For a hard reset, you'll need to select the Erase All Content and Settings option. - Confirm Your Selection:
Tapping on Erase All Content and Settings will bring up a confirmation message, warning you that all data and settings on your iPhone will be erased. Make sure you have a recent backup before proceeding.
Once you've confirmed your selection, your iPhone will begin the hard reset process. This may take a few minutes, and your device will restart once the reset is complete. You'll then need to set up your iPhone as a new device or restore it from a backup.
Choose Erase All Content and Settings
After tapping on the Transfer or Reset iPhone option and reviewing the reset options, you'll need to select the Erase All Content and Settings option to proceed with the hard reset process on your iPhone 12.
- Locate the Erase All Content and Settings Option:
Within the Transfer or Reset iPhone menu, find the Erase All Content and Settings option. This option is typically located at the top of the menu, under the Erase section.
- Understand the Implications:
Tapping on Erase All Content and Settings will permanently delete all data, settings, and media from your iPhone, including apps, photos, videos, contacts, messages, and accounts. Make sure you have a recent backup before proceeding.
- Confirm Your Selection:
Once you've confirmed that you have a backup and understand the consequences of erasing all content and settings, tap on the Erase All Content and Settings option.
- Enter Your Passcode:
If prompted, enter your iPhone's passcode to confirm that you want to erase all content and settings. This is an additional security measure to prevent unauthorized resets.
After you've entered your passcode and confirmed your selection, your iPhone will begin the hard reset process. This may take a few minutes, and your device will restart once the reset is complete. You'll then need to set up your iPhone as a new device or restore it from a backup.
Enter passcode (if prompted)
When you select the Erase All Content and Settings option to hard reset your iPhone 12, you may be prompted to enter your device's passcode. This is an additional security measure to prevent unauthorized resets and protect your personal data.
Here's why you might be prompted to enter your passcode:
- Passcode Protection:
If you have a passcode set up on your iPhone, you'll need to enter it to confirm that you're the authorized user and that you want to proceed with the hard reset. - Prevent Accidental Resets:
This passcode requirement helps prevent accidental resets, especially if your iPhone is handled by multiple people or if the reset option is accidentally triggered. - Data Protection:
By requiring your passcode, your iPhone ensures that only authorized individuals can erase all content and settings, protecting your personal data from unauthorized access.
If you've forgotten your passcode, you won't be able to proceed with the hard reset using this method. You'll need to use alternative methods, such as recovery mode or DFU mode, which may require connecting your iPhone to a computer and using iTunes or Finder.
Therefore, it's crucial to remember your iPhone's passcode or have access to your Apple ID and password in case you need to perform a hard reset or recover your device.
Confirm reset action
After entering your passcode (if prompted), you'll need to confirm the reset action to proceed with hard resetting your iPhone 12.
- Review the Warning Message:
Before confirming the reset, you'll see a warning message on your iPhone's screen. This message emphasizes that all data and settings will be erased permanently and cannot be recovered.
- Understand the Implications:
Take a moment to read and understand the implications of the reset. Make sure you have a recent backup of your important data, such as contacts, photos, and messages, before proceeding.
- Tap Confirm:
Once you're certain that you want to proceed with the hard reset, tap on the Confirm button. This action will initiate the reset process, which may take a few minutes to complete.
- Wait for the Reset to Finish:
Your iPhone's screen will go black during the reset process. Once the reset is complete, your device will restart and display the "Hello" screen, indicating that it has been successfully reset.
After the reset is complete, you'll need to set up your iPhone as a new device or restore it from a backup. If you choose to restore from a backup, ensure that you use a backup created before you performed the hard reset to avoid restoring any data that you wanted to erase.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to hard resetting an iPhone 12:
Question 1: Why should I hard reset my iPhone 12?
Answer 1: Hard resetting your iPhone 12 can resolve various issues, including persistent software problems, unresponsive screens, and boot loops. It can also be useful before selling or giving away your device to erase all personal data.
Question 2: Will a hard reset delete all my data?
Answer 2: Yes, performing a hard reset will erase all data and settings from your iPhone 12, including apps, photos, videos, contacts, messages, and accounts. It's crucial to back up your important data before proceeding with the reset.
Question 3: How can I back up my iPhone 12 before resetting it?
Answer 3: You can back up your iPhone 12 using iCloud or iTunes. To use iCloud backup, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. To back up using iTunes, connect your iPhone to your computer, open iTunes, select your device, and click Back Up Now under the Summary tab.
Question 4: What happens if I forget my passcode during the reset process?
Answer 4: If you forget your passcode, you won't be able to proceed with the hard reset using the standard method. You'll need to use alternative methods, such as recovery mode or DFU mode, which may require connecting your iPhone to a computer and using iTunes or Finder.
Question 5: How long does a hard reset take?
Answer 5: The duration of a hard reset can vary depending on the amount of data on your iPhone 12. Typically, it takes a few minutes for the reset process to complete, followed by a restart of your device.
Question 6: Can I restore my iPhone 12 from a backup after resetting it?
Answer 6: Yes, you can restore your iPhone 12 from a backup after a hard reset. When setting up your device after the reset, you'll have the option to restore from an iCloud backup or an iTunes backup. Make sure you use a backup created before you performed the hard reset to avoid restoring any data that you wanted to erase.
Question 7: What should I do after resetting my iPhone 12?
Answer 7: After resetting your iPhone 12, you'll need to set it up as a new device or restore it from a backup. You'll also need to reinstall any apps that you want to use and sign in to your accounts.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are some common questions and answers related to hard resetting an iPhone 12. If you have any further questions or encounter issues during the process, you can refer to Apple's support website or contact Apple support for assistance.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to hard reset your iPhone 12, let's explore some additional tips and tricks to make the process smoother and more efficient.
Tips
Here are some practical tips to help you hard reset your iPhone 12 smoothly and efficiently:
Tip 1: Backup, Backup, Backup:
Before resetting your iPhone 12, make sure you have a recent backup of your important data. You can back up to iCloud or iTunes. Having a backup ensures that you can restore your data after the reset without losing anything.
Tip 2: Sign Out of iCloud and Apple ID:
Before initiating the hard reset, sign out of your iCloud account and Apple ID. This will prevent activation issues once you set up your iPhone again after the reset.
Tip 3: Use a Stable Wi-Fi Connection:
If you're backing up to iCloud or restoring from an iCloud backup, make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection throughout the process. This will ensure a smooth and uninterrupted backup or restore.
Tip 4: Be Patient:
The hard reset process may take a few minutes to complete, so be patient and don't interrupt it. Once the reset is finished, your iPhone will restart and you'll need to set it up again.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
These tips can help you hard reset your iPhone 12 with ease and ensure that your data is safe and secure. If you encounter any issues during the process, refer to Apple's support website or contact Apple support for further assistance.
Now that you've learned how to hard reset your iPhone 12 and have some helpful tips, let's wrap up with a brief conclusion.
Conclusion
Hard resetting your iPhone 12 can be a useful solution for resolving software issues, erasing all data before selling or giving away your device, or simply starting fresh. Throughout this guide, we've covered the steps involved in performing a hard reset, from backing up your data to confirming the reset action.
Remember these key points:
- Always back up your important data before resetting your iPhone.
- Sign out of iCloud and Apple ID before initiating the reset.
- Use a stable Wi-Fi connection for iCloud backup and restore.
- Be patient and allow the reset process to complete without interruption.
Closing Message:
We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge and confidence to successfully hard reset your iPhone 12 if the need arises. However, if you encounter any difficulties or have additional questions, don't hesitate to refer to Apple's support resources or reach out to Apple support for assistance.
By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful hard reset experience, allowing you to restore your iPhone 12 to its factory settings or set it up as a new device.