DB LabsThe Direct Answer
"Erase All Content and Settings" (factory reset) deletes everything on the device — all apps, photos, messages, settings, and personal data. The iPhone returns to its out-of-box state. However, iCloud data stays in the cloud. If you had iCloud Photos enabled, your photos remain in iCloud. If you had an iCloud backup, that backup remains available. Other reset options like "Reset All Settings" only reset preferences without deleting data.
Types of iPhone Reset
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone to see these options:
Erase All Content and Settings (Factory Reset)
- Deletes all apps, photos, videos, messages, and personal data
- Removes all settings and accounts
- Signs you out of iCloud and Apple ID
- Disables Activation Lock (if you enter your password)
- Returns iPhone to setup screen ("Hello" screen)
- iCloud data remains in the cloud
Reset All Settings
- Resets WiFi passwords, display brightness, wallpaper, privacy permissions
- Does NOT delete photos, apps, messages, or personal data
- Useful for fixing software glitches without losing data
Reset Network Settings
- Resets only WiFi networks, Bluetooth pairings, VPN settings, and cellular settings
- Useful for fixing connectivity issues
What Stays After Factory Reset
- iCloud Photos: If enabled, all your photos remain accessible in iCloud
- iCloud Backup: Your most recent backup stays in iCloud for 180 days
- iCloud Drive files: Documents remain in iCloud Drive
- App purchases: Downloaded apps can be re-downloaded from the App Store for free
- Contacts, calendars, notes: If synced to iCloud, they remain in the cloud
What Gets Permanently Deleted
- Photos and videos stored only on the device (not synced to iCloud)
- App data and caches
- Messages not synced to iCloud
- Health data (unless backed up)
- Downloaded music, podcasts, and offline content
- Saved WiFi passwords and Bluetooth pairings
Before Resetting: Verify your important data is backed up. Check iCloud.com > Photos to confirm your photos are there. Create a fresh iCloud backup or connect to a computer for a local backup. Once you erase, local-only data cannot be recovered.
When to Factory Reset
- Selling or giving away your iPhone: Always erase before transferring ownership
- Persistent software issues: When other troubleshooting steps have failed
- Setting up as new: Starting fresh without restoring from a backup
- Trading in: Required before trading in to Apple or a carrier
Tip: Before resetting, clean up your photo library with Swype Photo Cleaner. This ensures you are not backing up and restoring thousands of photos you do not actually want to keep.
See our guides on preparing your iPhone for trade-in and switching to a new iPhone for complete walkthroughs.