How To Factory Reset and Wipe All Data From an iPhone XR Device

Resetting your iPhone XR to factory settings can be necessary for several reasons – before selling or giving away your device, to resolve software issues, or to start fresh with a clean slate. Performing a factory reset erases all data, settings, and content from your iPhone XR, restoring it to original factory conditions.

As an iPhone XR expert and longtime user, I will provide a step-by-step guide on how to fully factory reset your iPhone XR to wipe all personal data. This process is also commonly known as a “hard reset”.

Back Up Your iPhone XR Before Factory Resetting

Before resetting your iPhone XR, it is crucial to back up your data to iCloud or iTunes. A factory reset will permanently erase all content and settings, including:

• Photos, videos, music
• Contacts, calendars
• Text messages
• Apps and app data
• Settings and preferences

To back up your iPhone XR:

• Connect your iPhone to a WiFi network and plug into a power source to ensure the backup completes.
• Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top.
• Tap “iCloud” then tap “iCloud Backup”. Enable iCloud Backup if disabled.
• Tap “Back Up Now” to manually start an iCloud backup. Allow time for the backup to complete.
• Alternatively, you can back up to iTunes on a computer if preferred.

Once your iPhone XR data is secured on iCloud or iTunes, you are ready to proceed with the factory reset.

Method 1: Reset iPhone XR From Settings Menu

Resetting your iPhone XR from the Settings menu is the easiest way to perform a factory reset.

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap “General”
3. Scroll down and tap “Reset”
4. Tap “Erase All Content and Settings”
5. Enter your passcode if prompted
6. Tap “Erase Now”

Your iPhone XR screen will go black as the reset process begins. An Apple logo will appear as the reset completes. This process can take several minutes.

When the setup assistant appears, your iPhone XR has been restored to factory default settings without any personal data or content.

Method 2: Factory Reset iPhone XR Using iTunes

You can also factory reset your iPhone XR by connecting it to a computer with iTunes installed.

Here is how to reset iPhone XR using iTunes:

1. Connect your iPhone XR to your computer using the Lightning cable. Open iTunes if it doesn’t automatically launch.
2. Select your connected iPhone by clicking the device icon in the top left area of the iTunes window.
3. In the Summary section, hold the Control key and click “Restore iPhone”. This will factory reset your device.
4. A confirmation prompt will appear in iTunes. Click “Restore” to proceed.
5. Enter your iPhone passcode if prompted. The reset process will now begin, shown by a progress bar.
6. When the Apple logo appears on your iPhone XR screen, the reset is complete. You can unplug from your computer.

Using iTunes to reset your iPhone XR will install the latest version of iOS available. You can then set up your iPhone as new or restore a backup during setup.

Method 3: Erase iPhone XR From iCloud.com

If you cannot access your iPhone XR normally to factory reset it from Settings or iTunes, you can remotely wipe it from iCloud.com. This requires Find My iPhone to be enabled in advance on your device.

Follow these steps to remotely erase your iPhone XR from iCloud:

1. On a web browser, visit iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID
2. Click the “Find iPhone” icon
3. A list of devices connected to your iCloud account will appear. Click your iPhone XR.
4. Click “Erase iPhone” at the bottom of the screen
5. Click “Erase” again on the confirmation prompt

Erasing the device remotely will factory reset it and also activate Lost Mode as an anti-theft measure if needed.

Before Selling or Giving Away Your iPhone XR

If you plan to sell or give away your iPhone XR after wiping it, here are some additional steps I recommend:

• Sign out of iCloud and iTunes & App Store accounts in Settings after resetting
• Disable Find My iPhone in Settings if still enabled
• Remove SIM card
• Include accessories like chargers and cases if possible
• Obtain proof of factory reset for any private buyer

Doing these things will allow the next owner of your iPhone XR to set up the device themselves as new.

Factory Reset iPhone XR Without Passcode

If you are locked out of your iPhone XR because you forgot the passcode, you can still factory reset it without needing the code.

Here is how to reset an iPhone with a forgotten passcode:

1. Force restart the iPhone XR
2. As it boots up, quickly press Volume Up, Volume Down then hold the Side button
3. Keep holding the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen
4. Connect your iPhone XR to a computer with iTunes
5. In iTunes, click Restore to factory reset the iPhone without needing the passcode

This process will erase all data while allowing you to regain access to use the device again.

Frequently Asked Questions About iPhone XR Factory Resets

Here are answers to some common questions about resetting your iPhone XR:

Will I lose all my data if I factory reset?

Yes, a factory reset will erase all data, content and settings on an iPhone XR, restoring it to out-of-the-box conditions. Be sure to back up your iPhone before resetting it.

Can I reset an iPhone without Apple ID password?

No, you need to enter the password for your Apple ID account in order to approve the factory reset process. If you cannot remember your password, you will need to recover it before resetting your device.

Is there a way to factory reset without a computer?

Yes, you can reset your iPhone XR without a computer by using the Settings menu method described above. No computer or iTunes connection required.

How long does an iPhone XR factory reset take?

It usually takes between 2-10 minutes for the full factory reset process to complete on an iPhone XR. The device will be unusable during this time.

Will resetting delete everything from iPhone XR?

Yes, a factory reset erases all data, media, apps, accounts, and settings from your iPhone XR. It leaves your device at factory default conditions.

Conclusion

I hope this comprehensive guide gives you confidence to factory reset your iPhone XR to erase all content and personal data when needed. Remember to always back up your iPhone before resetting it.

Resetting your iPhone can resolve software issues, remove content before selling/giving it away, or wipe it clean before setting up the device again from scratch. Use one of the step-by-step methods provided above to factory reset your iPhone XR.

Let me know if you have any other questions! As an experienced iPhone user, I’m happy to provide advice or clarify anything about resetting your device.