iPhone Reset All Settings: What It Does & How to Use It

Resetting all settings on an iPhone returns every adjustable system setting to its factory default without deleting your personal data like photos, messages, or apps. It’s a powerful troubleshooting step that can fix many software glitches, but it also means re-entering Wi-Fi passwords, re-pairing Bluetooth devices, and customizing your preferences again. This article explains exactly what the option does, when to use it, what you’ll lose, and how to do it safely.

What Does “Reset All Settings” Actually Do?

When you tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings, iOS restores every system preference to its out-of-box state. This includes:

Wi‑Fi networks and passwords (you’ll need to rejoin networks)
Bluetooth pairings (headphones, speakers, car kits)
VPN and APN configurations
Wallpaper, brightness, and display settings
Notification preferences and Do Not Disturb schedules
Keyboard dictionaries, shortcuts, and text replacements
Privacy permissions (camera, microphone, location, etc.)
Apple Pay cards and Face ID / Touch ID (they are removed)
Screen Time restrictions and content limits
Default apps and mail/calendar accounts (they’re removed, but data stays)

Your photos, videos, contacts, messages, notes, and installed apps remain untouched. The reset only affects the “settings” layer, not the user data layer.

Why Would You Need to Reset All Settings?

This option is a middle step between simple fixes (restarting, updating) and a full erase. It’s most useful when you experience persistent, system‑wide issues that don’t seem tied to one app:

Wi‑Fi keeps dropping or won’t connect, even after forgetting the network
Bluetooth won’t pair or constantly disconnects
Battery drains unusually fast after an iOS update
Notifications stop appearing or appear for the wrong apps
Keyboard behaves erratically (autocorrect, haptics, shortcuts)
Face ID or Touch ID stops recognizing you reliably
Screen brightness, True Tone, or Night Shift act strangely
You’re selling or giving away the phone but want to keep your data (though a full erase is safer for privacy)

If the problem is limited to one app, try deleting and reinstalling that app first. If the issue is widespread and started after an iOS update, resetting all settings often clears the corrupted preferences that cause it.

How to Reset All Settings (Step by Step)

Open Settings.
Tap General.
Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone (on iOS 15 and later; on older versions it’s just “Reset”).
Tap Reset at the bottom.
Choose Reset All Settings.
Enter your passcode if prompted.
Confirm by tapping Reset All Settings again.

The phone will restart and show the “Hello” screen briefly, then return to your home screen. It may take a few minutes to finish. Afterward, go through the most important settings: reconnect to Wi‑Fi, pair your Bluetooth devices, re‑enable Face ID/Touch ID, and re‑add your mail accounts if you use them.

What You’ll Need to Set Up Again

Because the reset wipes all preferences, you’ll have to redo a handful of things manually. Here’s a practical checklist:

Wi‑Fi: Rejoin your home and work networks; you’ll need the passwords.
Bluetooth: Re‑pair your AirPods, Apple Watch, car stereo, and any other accessories.
Face ID / Touch ID: Re‑enroll your face or fingerprint.
Apple Pay: Re‑add your credit/debit cards.
Mail/Calendar accounts: Re‑add your iCloud, Gmail, Exchange, etc. (iCloud will re‑sync automatically, but third‑party accounts need to be added again).
Wallpaper & display: Reset to default; you’ll need to reapply your custom wallpaper and adjust brightness/True Tone if you changed them.
Notification preferences: Apps will ask for permission again, and your custom alert sounds/vibrations are gone.
Keyboard: Your learned words and custom shortcuts are cleared.

Your apps’ internal settings (like in‑app preferences) are not affected. Only the system settings are reset.

Reset All Settings vs. Erase All Content and Settings

These two options are often confused, but they are very different:

Reset All Settings: Clears system preferences only. Your photos, messages, apps, and other data remain. The phone is still “yours” and you can continue using it immediately.
Erase All Content and Settings: Wipes everything—all data, apps, and settings—and returns the phone to factory condition. This is the option to use before selling or giving away your device, or if you want a completely clean start.

If you’re trying to fix a software bug, start with Reset All Settings. If that doesn’t help, you can back up and then do a full erase, then restore from backup. A full erase is more disruptive but sometimes necessary for stubborn issues.

Common Problems After Reset (and How to Fix Them)

Most people find the reset fixes their original issue, but a few new annoyances can pop up:

“Cannot connect to Wi‑Fi” after reset: You need to re‑enter the password. If you don’t remember it, check your router’s label or ask the network admin.
Bluetooth devices won’t reconnect: Put the accessory in pairing mode and select it from Settings > Bluetooth. For AirPods, you may need to hold the button on the case.
Apple Pay cards missing: Re‑add them in Wallet. Your bank will send a verification code.
Apps ask for permission again: That’s expected. Grant permissions as you normally would.
Battery drains faster right after reset: This is often because the phone is re‑indexing and re‑syncing. Give it a day or two; if it persists, check your battery usage in Settings > Battery.

If the original problem returns or new ones appear, you can try a full erase and restore from a backup. If that still doesn’t work, contact Apple Support—there may be a hardware issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will reset all settings delete my photos or contacts?

No. It only resets system settings. Your photos, contacts, messages, notes, and apps are untouched. However, it’s always a good idea to back up before any reset, just in case something unexpected happens.

Do I need my Apple ID password to reset all settings?

No, you only need your device passcode. The Apple ID password is required for a full erase (to disable Activation Lock), but not for this option.

How long does reset all settings take?

The actual reset takes about 1–2 minutes, plus a restart. However, after the restart, you’ll need to spend 10–20 minutes re‑entering Wi‑Fi passwords, pairing Bluetooth, and setting up Face ID/Touch ID.

Will reset all settings fix battery drain?

Often, yes—if the drain is caused by a corrupted setting or a misbehaving background process. But if the battery is old or a specific app is the culprit, the reset won’t help. Check battery usage in Settings > Battery after resetting.

Does reset all settings remove my eSIM?

No, your eSIM profile remains intact. However, if you have a physical SIM, it stays in the phone. The reset does not affect cellular plans, but it may reset network settings like APN, so you might need to re‑enter those if you use a custom APN.

Can I undo a reset all settings?

No, there’s no “undo” button. You’ll have to manually reconfigure your preferences. That’s why it’s wise to note down important settings (like VPN details or custom keyboard shortcuts) before resetting.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →