Resetting an iPhone feels risky when you're not sure what disappears and what survives. No one wants their photos or messages disappearing for good. The good news is you won't automatically lose everything. It all depends on the type of reset you choose and the steps you take before starting it.
Key Takeaways
1️⃣Choosing Erase All Content and Settings wipes your device completely and returns it to the state of a brand-new iPhone.
2️⃣Data already uploaded to and stored in iCloud won't be lost. You can restore it simply by signing in to your Apple ID and enabling iCloud sync.
3️⃣To keep your data safe, create an iCloud or Finder/iTunes backup before you reset. Restoring from that backup will bring your iPhone back to how it was before the reset.
4️⃣A full reset isn't always required. You can selectively reset specific settings or system features without erasing your data.
Part 1. iPhone Reset Options: Which Ones Erase Data and Which Don't
When people think about resetting an iPhone, they usually picture the one that wipes everything clean. In reality, iOS offers several reset choices, and most of them don't touch your personal data at all. Each option targets a different part of the system, so you can fix issues without risking your photos, messages, or apps.
Reset All Settings: This restores system settings to default, like Wi-Fi networks, privacy permissions, and display settings.
Erase All Content and Settings: This is the full wipe. It deletes everything on your device and returns it to factory condition.
Reset Network Settings: This clears Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, and cellular configurations. It does not erase personal data.
Reset Keyboard Dictionary: This removes custom words you’ve added through typing. No other data is affected.
Reset Home Screen Layout: This puts your Home Screen back to the default layout. Your apps remain installed.
Reset Location & Privacy: This resets app permission settings.
Reset Using Finder/iTunes on a Computer: Restoring through a computer reinstalls iOS. You can choose to keep your data or perform a full erase, depending on the option you select.
Part 2. Which iPhone Data Will Be Lost or Saved When You Reset All Content
When you need to do a full factory reset, the biggest concern is usually data loss. While Erase All Content and Settings wipes your device and makes it look like a brand-new iPhone, it doesn’t mean everything is gone.
Many items return as soon as you sign in to iCloud, others can be restored from a backup, and some data lives safely on the app's own servers as long as you still have the login.
To help you understand what will be affected by resetting your iPhone, here’s a detailed table outlining each data type and how to protect it.
Data Type | Risk of Permanent Loss? | How to Prevent loss |
Photos & Videos | 🔴High | Sync to iCloud Photos or back up elsewhere. |
Operating System & Built-in Apps | 🟢Low | Part of the system; may update automatically during restore. |
iMessage & SMS | 🟡Medium | SMS follows SIM card; iMessage needs iCloud sync or backup. |
End-to-End Encrypted Apps (e.g., WhatsApp) | 🔴High | Must use the app's internal backup. |
Online App Data | 🟢Low | Stored on app servers; log in to restore. |
Game Progress | 🟡Medium | Online games save on servers; local games require backup restore. |
Apple Pay Cards | 🔴High | Cannot restore via backup or iCloud sync; must manually re-enter. |
Passes (Tickets, Membership Cards) | 🟡Medium | Sync via iCloud; log in to restore. |
Contacts | 🟡Medium | Sync via iCloud; log in to restore. |
Calendars | 🟡Medium | Sync via iCloud; log in to restore. |
Notes | 🟡Medium | Sync via iCloud; log in to restore. |
Files App Documents | 🟡Medium | Sync via iCloud; log in to restore. |
Music, Movies, and Podcasts | 🟢Low | Re-download from your iCloud account |
Location & Privacy Settings | 🔴High | Must reconfigure manually for each app. |
Passwords & Keychain | 🟡Medium | Sync via iCloud Keychain; log in to restore. |
Device Settings (Wi-Fi, Display, etc.) | 🟡Medium | Can restore via backup; otherwise, reconfigure manually. |
iCloud Data (already synced) | 🟢Low | Data already in iCloud stays safe after a reset. |
Email Accounts & Mail | 🟢Low | Re-add accounts; IMAP and iCloud mail sync automatically. |
Call History | 🟡Medium | Restore from backup or iCloud sync. |
Part 3. How to Reset an iPhone Without Losing Any Data
Resetting your iPhone doesn't have to mean losing everything. With a few careful steps, you can refresh your device while keeping your important data safe. Here are some tips to follow before you hit "Erase All Content and Settings."
Step 1. Consider Selective Deletion First
Before doing a full reset, see if you can remove only what you don't need. iPhone allows you to reset specific settings or data without touching your photos, messages, or apps. This way, you might solve the issue without risking data loss.
Step 2. Record Your App Login Information
Even though many apps store data on their servers, it's easy to forget your login credentials after a reset. Write down your usernames and passwords or save them securely in iCloud Keychain. This ensures you can quickly log back in without losing access to your accounts.
Step 3. Backup and Check Backup Time
Always create a backup before resetting. You can use iCloud or iTunes (Finder on Mac). Double-check the backup time to make sure it includes your latest data. A recent backup is your safety net in case anything goes wrong.
Step 4. Enable iCloud Sync
Make sure iCloud sync is turned on for your important data like Contacts, Calendars, Photos, Notes, and Messages. Combining backup with iCloud sync gives you the best protection, keeping most of your critical information safe even after a factory reset.
Tip
To check iCloud sync, go to Settings → [your name] → iCloud → See All, and make sure the toggle is on for each type of data you want to keep.
Step 5. Restore Data After Reset
If you ever need to recover your information, after factory resetting your iPhone, simply restore from your backup and download any iCloud-synced data. This process will bring your iPhone back to its previous state with all your key information intact.
Part 4. Bonus Tip: How to Get Back Data Lost During an iPhone Reset
Even if you take every precaution, sometimes data can still be lost. In that case, Gbyte Recovery can help you get it back.
1. Recover Data Even Without a Backup
Gbyte Recovery is a professional iOS data recovery tool. Even if you reset your iPhone without making a backup, Gbyte can help you recover lost data quickly and safely.
2. Find Previously Deleted Data
Unlike standard backup methods, Gbyte can detect data deleted months or even years ago, not just your latest backup. This means you can recover information you might have thought was gone forever.
3. Selective Data Restoration
With iTunes or iCloud backups, restoring data usually replaces your entire device, including things you may not want. Gbyte allows you to preview all recoverable items and restore only what you need—like just your photos, messages, or contacts.
4. Free Scan and Preview
You can start with a free scan to see all recoverable data. This gives you the chance to decide whether you want to back up or sync certain files before committing to a full restore. It's a safe and flexible way to get your iPhone back to the way you want it.
Part 5. Conclusion
Resetting your iPhone doesn't have to mean losing all your data. By using selective deletion, recording app credentials, backing up regularly, and keeping iCloud sync on, you can protect most of your important information. And if something still goes wrong, tools like Gbyte Recovery make it easy to recover lost photos, messages, and other data—often even from months or years ago. With careful preparation and the right recovery tools, you can reset your iPhone confidently, knowing your data is safe.
