How to Factory Reset iPhone Without Losing Your Photos & Data

Factory reset itself sounds stressful and makes one feel like everything will be wiped out. Users might lose their photos, messages, memories, applications, and contacts. However, the good news is that you can factory reset your iPhone securely without losing access to your photos and crucial information. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about factory resets, whether you are fixing bugs or starting fresh. 

Step 1: Back Up Your iPhone 

If you want to reset your Apple iPhone without losing your personal data, photos, contacts, or messages, you should back up first. There are two ways to create the backup. 

Method 1: Backup Using iCloud

Backing up your phone using iCloud is one of the easiest ways. 

• Firstly, connect to WiFi
• Navigate to Settings 
• Select your name at the top
• Tap on iCloud
• Select iCloud Backup
• Now, click on Back Up Now

You must wait a few minutes for the backup to complete; until then, do not disconnect from WiFi. Ensure you have iCloud storage available and that photos are turned on in iCloud settings. 

Method 2: Backup Using Mac or Windows 

If you want to create an offline backup on macOS Catalina, you must use Finder. Moreover, if you are using Windows or older versions, use iTunes. 

What Steps to Follow? 

• Connect your Apple iPhone using a cable 
• Search and open Finder or iTunes 
• Click on your device name
• Select Back Up Now
• Now, choose Encrypt Backup to protect health data and passwords. 

Step 2: Double-Check That Photos Are Safe

Before you move forward with a factory reset, confirm that your photos are safe and secure. 

• Navigate to Settings 
• Click on your name 
• Tap iCloud 
• Select Photos 
• Ensure you turn on Sync This iPhone

Consequently, if your photos are synced perfectly, they are stored safely in the cloud. You can also log in to iCloud.com from another device to confirm that your photos are safe. 

Step 3: Sign Out of Apple ID 

You must sign out of your Apple ID before resetting to prevent Activation Lock issues. This is an optional step, but it is recommended. 

• Navigate to Settings 
• Click on your name 
• Scroll down and select Sign Out
• Type and enter your Apple ID password 

Step 4: Factory Reset Your iPhone 

After following the above-mentioned steps, your device is now ready for a factory reset. 

How to do Factory Reset? 

• Select Settings 
• Click on General
• Scroll down and click on Transfer or Reset iPhone 
• Tap on Erase All Content and Settings 
• Confirm your password 
• Now, press confirm erase 

Do not panic, your data is all backed up. Just wait for your device to restart and erase everything. 

Step 5: Restore Your Data

Once your iPhone restarts, you will see the setup screen, similar to that of a brand-new iPhone. 

• Select your language 
• Connect it to WiFi
• In Apps & Data, click on Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from Mac/PC
• Sign in with your Apple ID

After following these steps, just wait patiently until your photos, apps, videos, and messages are back.