There are two very different ways to “reset” an iPhone 11: you can reset selected settings while keeping your personal data, or you can erase the entire phone and return it to factory settings. Make sure you choose the procedure that matches your goal.
Reset Settings Without Deleting Your Photos and Apps
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Select the specific reset you need. Options can include Reset All Settings, Reset Network Settings, Reset Keyboard Dictionary, Reset Home Screen Layout, and Reset Location & Privacy.
- Enter the passcode and confirm.
Reset All Settings changes system preferences but does not intentionally erase your personal photos, messages, apps, or documents.
Factory Reset an iPhone 11
- Back up anything you need to keep.
- Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Review the information that will be removed.
- Tap Continue.
- Choose what to do with the eSIM if prompted.
- Enter the iPhone passcode.
- Enter the Apple Account password if requested.
- Confirm and wait for the erase to finish.
If the iPhone 11 Is Frozen
Do not factory reset it merely because the screen is unresponsive. Try a force restart first: quickly press Volume Up, quickly press Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
Reset Network Settings on iPhone 11
If the problem is limited to Wi-Fi, cellular configuration, VPN networking, or a stubborn connection issue, Reset Network Settings may be more appropriate than Reset All Settings or a factory erase. Be prepared to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and reconfigure affected network settings afterward.
Before Selling an iPhone 11
If you are erasing the phone for a new owner, verify your backup first and allow the normal Erase All Content and Settings procedure to complete. Do not simply delete photos or sign out of a few apps and assume the device is ready to transfer.