Factory resetting your iPhone 6S is an easy process that allows you to wipe the device and restore it to its original factory settings. This is useful if you are selling or giving away your phone, troubleshooting software issues, or want to start fresh with a clean device.
Based on my 10 years of experience helping people with iPhone issues, here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly factory reset an iPhone 6S to erase all data and settings.
Table of Contents
Back Up Your iPhone 6S Before Factory Resetting
Before resetting your iPhone 6S, it is crucial to back up your data first. This allows you to restore your information later if needed. Here are two ways to back up an iPhone 6S:
Back Up to iCloud
- Connect your iPhone to a WiFi network and launch the Settings app
- Tap on your name at the top of the screen
- Select “iCloud”
- Tap on “iCloud Backup”
- Tap “Back Up Now” to perform an iCloud backup of your iPhone data
Back Up to iTunes on a Computer
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using the Lightning cable
- Open iTunes on your computer
- Select your iPhone when it appears in iTunes
- Click “Summary” in the sidebar
- Check “This computer” for backups
- Click “Back Up Now” to perform a backup of your iPhone data
Once your iPhone 6S is successfully backed up either to iCloud or your computer, you can safely proceed to the factory reset steps.
Factory Reset an iPhone 6S From Settings
Resetting your iPhone 6S from the Settings menu is the easiest way to factory reset the device. Here is how to do it:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone 6S
- Tap on “General”
- Scroll down and tap on “Reset”
- Tap on “Erase All Content and Settings”
- Enter your passcode if prompted
- Tap on “Erase iPhone” to confirm and factory reset your device
The iPhone will now erase all data, reset all settings back to default, and reboot. This process can take several minutes to complete.
Once finished, you will be greeted with the iOS welcome screen to set up your iPhone as new or restore a backup.
Factory Reset iPhone 6S Using iTunes
You can also factory reset an iPhone 6S by connecting it to a computer with iTunes and restoring it from there. Here is what to do:
- Connect your iPhone 6S to your computer using the Lightning cable
- Open iTunes on your computer
- Select your iPhone 6S when it appears in iTunes
- Click “Summary” in the sidebar
- Click “Restore iPhone”
- Click “Restore” again to confirm
- Enter your Apple ID password if prompted
- iTunes will download software for your iPhone and factory reset it completely
This iTunes restore method will factory reset your iPhone 6S and install the latest iOS software version in the process.
Before Selling or Giving Away Your iPhone
If you plan on selling or giving away your iPhone 6S after factory resetting it, here are some additional things you should do:
- Remove any SIM card, SD card, or case from your iPhone
- Sign out of iCloud and iTunes & App Store accounts in Settings
- Turn off Find My iPhone in Settings
- Obtain proof of purchase or proof of deactivation from your carrier
- Include accessories like chargers, cables, headphones, etc to increase value
Doing these things will make sure personal data is removed, prevent the phone from being activation locked, verify ownership for the new owner, and raise the resale value of your device.
Factory Resetting iPhone 6S – Final Thoughts
In closing, factory resetting an iPhone 6S before selling or gifting it is simple process that makes sure all of your personal data is permanently erased. Just remember to back up your iPhone to either iCloud or iTunes first, then you can safely reset your device back to factory default settings with no issues. This article has provided step-by-step instructions to factory reset an iPhone 6S from both the Settings menu and iTunes. Let me know if you have any other questions!
