How to delete all content and settings (2024)

Table of contents

Personal Security User Guide for Apple Devices

Welcome
Personal safety in an instant
What's new in personal security
- Use Safety Control to stop sharing
- How security checks work
- Additional considerations when using Safety Check
- Introduction to assessment and action
- Secure AirDrop and NameDrop
- Securely manage who you share content with from iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch
- Securely manage who you share content with from Mac
- - Share or stop sharing your location
  - Manage automatic sharing of ETA in Maps
  - Manage location services settings
  - Stop and delete location metadata in Photos
  - Be safe with AirTag
- Securely manage how you forward content
- Deny unknown login attempts
- Report suspicious activities
- Keep your data safe in iCloud
- Remove suspicious content
- Manage your Family Sharing settings
- Avoid fraudulent requests to share information
- Control your home accessories safely
- How to delete all content and settings
- Restore the data you backed up
- Introduction to privacy and security tools
- Update uw Apple-software
- Set a unique password or password
- Protect your iPhone or iPad with Face ID
- Protect your devices with Touch ID
- Remove unknown fingerprints from iPhone or iPad
- Add or remove fingerprints on your Mac
- Keep your Apple ID safe
- Use two-factor authentication
- Help avoid being locked out of your device
- Keep your device, app and website passwords safe on iPhone and iPad
- Manage shared password and access keys
- App privacy features in Apple products
- Protect your devices from mercenary spyware
- Manage security settings in Messages
- Use Check-in for messages
- Block calls and messages
- Get alerts about sensitive photos and videos on iPhone, iPad and Mac
- Keep your browsing history private
- Place an emergency call or text message on iPhone or Apple Watch
- Obtain evidence related to someone else's account
- See who has access to your iPhone or iPad
- How to stop sharing your iPhone or iPad content
- How to stop sharing your iPhone or iPad location
royalty

How to delete all content and settings (1)

If you're concerned that someone has had physical access to your device and tampered with its built-in security, you can factory reset your device even if you don't have the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. A factory reset will erase the information and settings on your device. This includes uninstalling apps that were installed without your knowledge and resetting your privacy settings so that you don't share your location with people or apps. It also installs the latest version of the operating system.

How to delete all content and settings (2)

This process, known asDelete all content and settings, requires internet access and may take some time; However, it ensures that only you have access to your device.

Important:When you use Erase All Content and Settings, all your data will be deleted.

To use Erase All Content and Settings on Your Mac, runmacOS 12.0.1or later. Alternatively, you can erase your Mac. See the Apple Support articlesUse Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple SiliconInUse Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac.

Find out how:Select the plus button to view an assignment belownext to the title.

Erase your iPhone or iPad and restore it to factory settings

Go to Settings> General > Reset, then tap Erase all content and settings.
Enter your password orApple-idpassword.
Wait until all content is safely removed from your device.

Erase your Mac and restore it to factory settings

Do one of the following:
- Running on your MacmacOS 13of later:Select the Apple menu> System Settings, click General,Click Transfer or Reset, and then click Erase All Content and Settings.
- Running on your MacmacOS 12or earlier:Select the Apple menu> System Preferences, then select System Preferences > Clear All Content and Settings from the menu bar.
In Erase Assistant, enter your administrator credentials (the password you use to log in to your Mac).
View items that will be deleted in addition to your content and settings.
On your Mac with multiple user accounts, click the arrow next to your account name to view the topics.
Click Continue and follow the on-screen instructions.

Also seeApple Support article: How to reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to factory settingsApple Support article: Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple SiliconAdditional security resources

Download this manual as PDF

Helpful?

thanks for your comment.