Whether you're selling your iPhone 17, troubleshooting a software issue, or starting fresh — a factory reset erases everything and returns your device to its original state. This covers iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air.
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 or flickering display
Battery dies within hours
Broken USB-C port
Camera shaking or blurry
Phone runs hot constantly
Quick test: reset, set up as new (skip the backup restore), and see if the problem returns. If it does — it's hardware.
eSIM
Every iPhone 17 is eSIM only — no SIM tray. During the reset you'll choose to keep or erase your eSIM. Keep it if the phone stays with you. Erase it if you're selling, then call your carrier to reactivate on a new device.
Common questions
How long does it take?
The erase takes 2–5 minutes. Restoring from a backup adds 10 minutes to over an hour.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. Once it's done, it's done. That's why backing up matters.
Does iPhone 17 have a SIM tray?
No. Every iPhone 17 model worldwide is eSIM only.
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