How to Restore an iPhone: 5 Steps

How to Restore an iPhone: 5 Steps

Restoring an iPhone may be necessary if your iPhone has stopped working normally or if you are wanting a fresh start with your iPhone. Restoring will turn your iPhone back to factory default settings, and you will need to load a backup in order to access your old settings and data. Follow this guide to learn how.



Steps


1. Connect your iPhone to your computer. Open iTunes and make sure that is has been upgraded to the latest version. Your iPhone should appear in the Devices list in the left frame of iTunes. You will be using iTunes to both make a backup as well as restore the iPhone.

• If iTunes does not recognize your iPhone even if it’s plugged in, you may need to put it into DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. If you have to put the device in DFU mode, you will most likely be unable to back it up.
• Turn iPhone off.
• Hold Power button for 3 seconds and then the Power and Home together for 10 seconds (exactly).
• Release Power but keep holding home until the your iPhone shows up in iTunes.

2. Select your iPhone in the Devices menu. In the Summary tab, click the Restore iPhone… button.

3. Back up your device. Before the Restore process begins, you will be asked if you would like to backup the device. Use the Backup tool in iTunes or use iCloud from your iPhone to ensure you have a record of your iPhone's current state. This will allow you to easily reload all of your settings, pictures, and apps.

4. Wait for your iPhone to restore. This process can take several minutes, up to an hour depending on the device.

5. Reload your old backup. Once the restore process is complete, you will be given the option to load a backup or start using the iPhone as if it were new. If you want to load a backup, choose to restore it from either iCloud or iTunes. Click on the appropriate option and follow the on-screen directions.

Warnings

• Use at your own risk.