Resetting an iPhone with buttons is one of the most effective ways to solve serious problems like being locked out of the phone, fixing glitches, or wiping it clean for resale. But here’s the catch: the method varies depending on your iPhone model. So, in this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to factory reset an iPhone with buttons, no computer needed.
Whether you’re using an older iPhone 6 or the latest iPhone 15, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step button combinations to reset your device.
What is a Factory Reset?
A factory reset completely erases your iPhone’s data, settings, and apps. It restores your device to the condition it was in when it first came out of the box.
This can fix:
- iPhones stuck on the Apple logo
- Forgotten passcodes
- Crashes or freezes
- Poor performance
- Preparation for resale or gifting
Warning: A factory reset deletes everything. Always back up your iPhone before resetting.
Factory Reset iPhone Using Buttons – Model-by-Model
✅ iPhone 8, X, XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 Series
These newer models use Face ID and no home button. Here’s how to reset them using hardware buttons:
Steps:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- When the screen goes black and shows the Apple logo, release the Side button.
This enters force restart mode, but for a full factory reset, you must connect it to a computer or use iCloud/Find My. (We’ll explain both options below.)
✅ iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
These phones still use a home-like button, but it’s not mechanical.
Steps:
- Press and hold the Volume Down + Power (Side) buttons at the same time.
- Keep holding until the screen goes black and you see the Apple logo.
- Release both buttons.
Again, this triggers a force restart. To factory reset, move to recovery mode (explained below).
✅ iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and iPhone SE (1st Gen)
These older models have a real home button and require a different combo.
Steps:
- Press and hold the Home + Power (Top or Side) buttons.
- Wait until the screen goes black and shows the Apple logo.
- Release both buttons.
This only restarts the device. To fully factory reset, you’ll need to enter Recovery Mode using buttons + a computer.
Use Recovery Mode to Factory Reset iPhone with Buttons
If you want a full factory reset just using buttons and a computer, Recovery Mode is your go-to. It wipes your phone clean.
💻 What You Need:
- A Lightning-to-USB cable
- A Mac or Windows PC
- iTunes (for Windows or older macOS) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later)
🔄 How to Enter Recovery Mode by Buttons:
iPhone 8 or Later:
- Press and release Volume Up.
- Press and release Volume Down.
- Hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen shows up.
iPhone 7 or 7 Plus:
- Hold Volume Down and Side button together.
- Keep holding until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
iPhone 6s, SE (1st Gen):
- Hold Home and Top/Side button.
- Don’t let go until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
Once in Recovery Mode:
- On Mac: Open Finder, select your iPhone.
- On Windows: Open iTunes, select your device.
Click Restore to factory reset your iPhone.
Factory Reset Without Computer (Using iCloud)
No access to a PC? Use Find My iPhone on iCloud to erase it remotely.
Steps:
- Go to iCloud.com
- Log in using your Apple ID.
- Click Find iPhone.
- Select your device from the list.
- Tap Erase iPhone.
The phone will wipe itself completely once it’s connected to the internet.
Can You Factory Reset iPhone Without Apple ID?
No. To protect users from theft, Apple has Activation Lock. Even after a factory reset, you need the original Apple ID and password to unlock the device.
If you forgot your Apple ID, recover it at Apple’s recovery page.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
🔄 Stuck in Recovery Mode?
Try exiting it:
- Unplug your iPhone.
- Force restart using the proper button combo.
🔋 iPhone Not Turning On?
Charge it for 15–30 minutes first. Then try the button combination again.
⚠️ Error 4013 or 4005 in iTunes?
This often means a hardware issue or a bad cable. Try another port, cable, or restart your computer.
FAQs
How to factory reset with buttons (Android)?
To factory reset most Android phones using buttons:\n\n1. Turn off your phone. \n2. Press and hold Volume Down + Power until the Android logo appears. \n3. Use the Volume buttons to scroll to Recovery Mode, then press the Power button to select it. \n4. In Recovery Mode, use the Volume buttons to highlight Wipe data/factory reset, then press Power to confirm.\n\nThis will erase all data and return your phone to its original factory settings.
How to factory reset iPhone without Apple ID password?
You can factory reset an iPhone without the Apple ID password by using Recovery Mode with a computer:\n\n1. Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode using the correct button combination (depends on the model).\n2. Connect it to a Mac (use Finder) or a Windows PC (use iTunes).\n3. When prompted, choose Restore.\n\n⚠️ Note: Even after a reset, the iPhone will still require the original Apple ID and password due to Activation Lock.
Can you factory reset a locked phone (Android)?
Yes, if it’s an Android phone, you can reset it remotely using Google’s Find My Device:\n\n1. Visit google.com/android/find on another device.\n2. Log in using the Google account linked to your locked phone.\n3. Select the phone, then click Erase Device.\n\nThis wipes all data and resets the phone to factory settings.
How to reset iPhone only with buttons?
To reset your iPhone using buttons (force restart):\n\n1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. \n2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. \n3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.\n\nThis is a soft reset and doesn’t erase your data. To do a full factory reset, you’ll need to enter Recovery Mode or use Settings.
How to do a soft factory reset on iPhone?
A soft reset simply restarts the iPhone without erasing any data:\n\n1. Press and release the Volume Up button.\n2. Press and release the Volume Down button.\n3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.\n\nThis is helpful if your iPhone is frozen or unresponsive.
How do you factory reset an iPhone?
Here’s how to do a full factory reset from your iPhone settings:\n\n1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. \n2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. \n3. Enter your passcode and Apple ID password if prompted. \n4. Confirm and tap Erase iPhone.\n\nYour iPhone will erase all data and restart like a new device.
Final Thoughts
Using buttons to factory reset an iPhone can save time, fix bugs, or prepare your phone for a new owner. While a button-only reset doesn’t always wipe your phone clean, Recovery Mode via button combinations does.
Just make sure you have a backup and your Apple ID handy before starting the process.
