Restore device to factory settings

If you’re concerned someone may have had physical access to your device, tampered with its built-in security, and installed malicious software like stalkerware, you can restore the device to its factory settings. This helps ensure that your device can be accessed only by you.

IMPORTANT:

  • A factory reset erases all content and settings. Before restoring the device to factory settings, run Safety Check’s Manage Sharing & Access (option two). The issues you’re concerned about may be related to sharing settings or app access that you didn’t realize were in place.

  • If you’re erasing all content and settings because you’re concerned your device was tampered with and had malicious software installed, don’t restore from a backup. Restoring from a backup may reinstall the malicious software you’re trying to remove.

A factory restore:

  • Erases all data stored on the device, including Face ID and Touch ID data, passcode and passwords, messages, emails, photos, files, media, and more

  • Removes all apps, including any installed without your knowledge

  • Resets your privacy settings so you aren’t sharing location with any people or apps

  • Installs the latest version of the operating system software (regardless of the previously installed version)

A MacBook Pro, iPad, and iPhone

Requirements:

  • Internet access

  • Device passcode or password

  • Apple Account password

  • Time

If you want to use Erase All Content and Settings on your Mac, you must have macOS 12.0.1 or later. Alternatively, you can erase your Mac. See the Apple Support articles Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon and Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac.

An iPhone screen showing Erase All Content and Settings as the selected option.
A Mac window showing the Erase All Content and Settings Assistant.

Find out how: To view a task below, select the plus button next to its title.

For Mac

Published Date: October 2025
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