Whether you're selling your iPhone 16, troubleshooting a software issue, or starting fresh — a factory reset erases everything and returns your device to its original state. This covers iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16e.
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings
Back up before you reset. This permanently deletes all photos, messages, apps, and settings. There's no undo. Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now
Reset from Settings
The standard method — works when your device is responsive and you know your passcode.
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings
Enter your passcode → account password → confirm
Your device erases and restarts to the setup screen. Takes about 2–5 minutes.
Recovery Mode
Use this if your screen is frozen, the phone won't respond, or you've forgotten your passcode. You'll need a Mac or PC.
Connect to a computer with USB-C
Open Finder (Mac) or Apple Devices (Windows)
On the iPhone: Volume Up (quick) → Volume Down (quick) → hold Side button
Keep holding until the recovery screen shows up
Click Restore on your computer
Reset settings only — keep your data
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings
Resets Wi-Fi, display, and preferences. Apps and data stay. Worth trying before a full erase.
Force restart — no data loss
Volume Up (quick) → Volume Down (quick) → hold Side button until the Apple logo shows up.
Just a reboot. Nothing is erased. Try this first if it's frozen.
Will a reset fix my problem?
If it's software — slow after an update, apps crashing, random reboots, storage full — a reset will probably fix it. If it's hardware, it won't.
Software — reset helps
Sluggish after an update
Apps crashing or freezing
Random reboots
System data eating storage
Preparing to sell
Hardware — needs repair
Cracked screen
Battery draining in 2–3 hours
Camera Control button not responding
Charging port damage
Speaker distortion
Quick test: reset, set up as new (skip the backup restore), and see if the problem returns. If it does — it's hardware.
eSIM
US iPhone 16 models are eSIM only. International models may have a nano-SIM tray. If you erase your eSIM, contact your carrier to set it up again.
Common questions
How long does it take?
The erase takes 2–5 minutes. Restoring from a backup adds 10 minutes to over an hour.
Will a reset remove my Camera Control settings?
Yes. All Camera Control and Action Button customizations reset to defaults.
Do I need a computer?
Only if your phone is frozen or you forgot your passcode. Otherwise, it's all in Settings.
Still not working after a reset? It's probably hardware. We do free diagnosis at FIXSTORY — no appointment, no pressure.
(424) 270-4369 · 800 S Flower St, Suite B, LA 90017 · Walk-ins welcome