{"id":66251,"date":"2026-04-04T20:46:39","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T18:46:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/?p=66251"},"modified":"2026-04-04T20:46:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T18:46:47","slug":"iphone-reset-all-reset-methods-ios-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/en\/tipps-tricks\/iphone-zuruecksetzen-alle-reset-methoden-ios-26","title":{"rendered":"Resetting your iPhone: All reset methods under iOS 26"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether your iPhone is frozen, you want to sell it, or it's simply not working properly anymore \u2013 a reset is often the quickest solution. However, not all "resetting" methods are created equal: Depending on the situation, a simple restart, a forced restart, or a complete factory reset might suffice. This article explains all methods step by step \u2013 currently for iOS 26 and later.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resetting an iPhone is one of the most common troubleshooting steps for Apple devices. Nevertheless, uncertainty often arises: Will data be lost? Should a backup be created beforehand? And what is the difference between a restart and a factory reset? The answer depends on which type of reset is meant. A soft reset simply restarts the iPhone \u2013 without data loss. A hard reset forces a restart on a frozen device. And a factory reset erases everything and restores the iPhone to its original factory settings. This article explains which method is the right one for each situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soft Reset: Restart iPhone normally<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A soft reset is a normal restart. It fixes minor problems such as a sluggish interface, apps that won't open, or slow Wi-Fi. No data is lost in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

iPhone without a Home button (iPhone X and newer)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Press and hold one of the volume buttons<\/strong> and the side button<\/strong> simultaneously<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Drag the Off<\/strong> slider to the right<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Wait 30 seconds until the iPhone is completely switched off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Press and hold the side button<\/strong> until the Apple logo appears.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    iPhone with home button (iPhone SE)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Press and hold the top button<\/strong> (or side button).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Drag the Off<\/strong> slider to the right<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Wait 30 seconds<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Press and hold the top button<\/strong> again until the Apple logo appears.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Restart via Control Center (iOS 26)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Since iOS 18, there's an additional option: Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to open the Control Center. Tap the power icon<\/strong> in the top right corner and drag the slider. This is handy if the physical buttons aren't easily accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Hard Reset: Force a restart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      If your iPhone becomes unresponsive \u2013 the screen is frozen, it's not accepting any input, or the device is completely stuck \u2013 a hard reset can help. No data will be lost during a hard reset. It simply interrupts all running processes and restarts the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) and newer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Briefly press and release the volume up button<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Briefly press and release the volume down button<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Press and hold the side button<\/strong> until the Apple logo appears \u2013 then release.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Important: The three steps must be performed quickly one after the other. There should be no more than one second between each keystroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Press and hold the volume down button<\/strong> and the side button<\/strong> simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        iPhone 6s and older (with Home button)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Press and hold the Home button<\/strong> and the top button<\/strong> (or side button) simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Reset settings \u2013 without data loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Sometimes the problem isn't with a single app, but with a faulty setting \u2013 such as a Wi-Fi issue, a broken Bluetooth connection, or a misconfigured keyboard. In such cases, iOS offers the option to reset only specific settings without deleting personal data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The path: Settings > General > Transfer\/Reset iPhone > Reset<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Several options are available here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Reset all settings<\/strong> \u2013 resets Wi-Fi passwords, privacy settings, wallpapers, and sounds. Photos, apps, and messages are retained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Reset network settings<\/strong> \u2013 deletes all saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, and VPN configurations. Often helps with persistent connection problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Reset keyboard dictionary<\/strong> \u2013 removes all user-added words from autocorrect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Reset Home Screen<\/strong> \u2013 restores the layout to the Apple default arrangement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Reset location & privacy settings<\/strong> \u2013 resets all app permissions for location, camera, microphone, etc. Each app will request access again the next time it is opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Factory settings: Completely reset iPhone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        A factory reset erases all data, settings, apps, and accounts from the iPhone, restoring it to its original factory state. This method is necessary if the iPhone is being sold, given away, or traded in\u2014or if there is a serious software problem that cannot be resolved otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Before a factory reset: Checklist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        1. Create a backup<\/strong> \u2013 Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap "Back Up Now". Alternatively, create a backup using Finder (Mac) or the Apple Devices app (Windows).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        2. Sign out of iCloud<\/strong> \u2013 Starting with iOS 15.2, this happens automatically when resetting. However, it's still recommended to check beforehand whether "Find My iPhone" is disabled: Settings > Apple ID > Find My iPhone > Find My iPhone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        3. Unpair Apple Watch<\/strong> \u2013 If an Apple Watch is paired, unpair it beforehand using the Watch app on your iPhone. This will automatically create a backup of the watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        4. eSIM settings<\/strong> \u2013 When resetting, you'll be asked whether to delete or keep the eSIM. If you're keeping the iPhone, you should keep the eSIM. If you're selling it, you should delete it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Reset iPhone via Settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        1. Open Settings > General > Transfer\/Reset iPhone<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Tap Delete all content & settings<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Enter the iPhone code<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. Enter your Apple ID password<\/strong> to disable "Find My iPhone".<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        5. Tap delete on iPhone<\/strong> and confirm.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Depending on the amount of data, the process takes a few minutes. The iPhone then restarts and displays the "Hello" welcome screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Resetting iPhone via Computer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          If the iPhone is unresponsive or the passcode has been forgotten:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC<\/strong> using a USB cable<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Open Finder<\/strong> (Mac) or the Apple Devices app<\/strong> (Windows).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. To put the iPhone into recovery mode<\/strong>: Briefly press the Volume Up button, briefly press the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the recovery screen appears.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          4. Click Restore<\/strong> on your computer<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            This method installs the latest iOS version and erases all data from the device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Which method when?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
            Problem<\/th>Solution<\/th>Data loss?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
            iPhone is slow to respond<\/td>Soft Reset (Restart)<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
            App crashes<\/td>Soft Reset<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
            iPhone completely frozen<\/td>Hard Reset (forced restart)<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
            Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not working<\/td>Reset network settings<\/td>Network data only<\/td><\/tr>
            Recurring software problems<\/td>Reset all settings<\/td>Settings only<\/td><\/tr>
            Sell or give away your iPhone<\/td>Factory settings<\/td>Yes \u2013 everything<\/td><\/tr>
            Forgot iPhone code<\/td>Recovery via computer<\/td>Yes \u2013 everything<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            Resetting your iPhone \u2013 the most important points at a glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            For most problems, a soft reset (normal restart) or a hard reset (forced restart) is sufficient \u2013 both without data loss. Network or settings issues can be specifically resolved using the reset options in Settings, without deleting personal data. A factory reset erases all data and is only necessary if the iPhone is being sold or if there is a serious software problem. Before any factory reset, a current backup should be created in iCloud or on a computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Which iPhone is best suited for which purpose? Our iPhone buying guide<\/a> will show you. If you're experiencing storage problems after a reset, you can find help in the article \"Clearing the iPhone Cache\"<\/a>. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront<\/a> offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock \/ pixjets)<\/p>\n\n\n\n