If I Reset My iPhone, Will I Lose Everything? Complete Guide & Precautions

Part 1. Will I Lose Everything If I Reset My iPhone? (Quick Answer)

To get your answer for if I reset my iPhone, will I lose everything, adhere to the given table. Understand each reset type and its effect on the data for better clarity.

Part 2. Different Types of iPhone Resets Explained (And What Each One Deletes)

In case you want a detailed answer on whether resetting my iPhone will lose everything, understand the listed Reset type and see what it actually deletes:

1. Soft Reset

A Soft Reset simply turns your iPhone off and back on. It refreshes the system and fixes minor glitches without changing any data.

What It Deletes: Nothing.

2. Force Restart

A Force Restart restarts the iPhone when it freezes or becomes unresponsive. This restart safely reloads the system without affecting stored data.
What It Deletes: Nothing.

3. Reset All Settings

This option resets all system settings to default while keeping apps, media, and personal files intact.
What It Deletes: Saved Wi-Fi Networks and Passwords, VPN and APN Settings, Display Settings like Brightness, True Tone, and Night Shift, Sound and Focus Settings, Notification Styles, Home Screen Preferences, Privacy and Location Permissions, Keyboard Settings, Apple Pay and Wallet Settings.

4. Reset Network Settings

As you Reset Network Settings, it clears all network-related settings and helps fix Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, and connectivity issues.
What It Deletes: Wi-Fi Networks and Passwords, Cellular APN Settings, VPN Configurations, Bluetooth Pairings, Personal Hotspot Settings.

5. Reset Keyboard Dictionary

This type of Reset removes words and shortcuts learned by the keyboard and restores default typing behavior.
What It Deletes: Learned Words, Custom Text Shortcuts, Autocorrect Data, Prediction History.

6. Rest Handwriting Style

Unlike others, the Rest Handwriting Style option clears handwriting recognition data used with Apple Pencil or handwritten input features.
What It Deletes: Handwriting Recognition Data, Learned Handwriting Style Patterns.

7. Reset Home Screen Layout

This Rest option returns the Home Screen to its original layout while keeping all apps installed.
What It Deletes: Custom App Icon Arrangement, App Folders and Their Organization, Widget Placement Layout.

8. Reset Location & Privacy

The Reset Location & Privacy option is used to restore all app permissions and privacy settings to their default state.
What It Deletes: Location Permissions, Camera Access Settings, Microphone Permissions, Contacts Access, Photos Access, Calendar Permissions, Bluetooth, and Motion Access Settings.

9. Erase All Content and Settings

This Rest option completely wipes the iPhone and resets it to factory condition, preparing it for resale or a fresh start.
What It Deletes: All Installed Apps and App Data, Photos, Videos, Messages, Call History, Voice Memos, Downloaded Files, Apple ID and All Other Accounts, System and Personal Settings, Apple Pay Cards, Face ID or Touch ID Data, Screen Passcode.

Part 3. How to Back Up Your iPhone Before Resetting

Now you know the answer to: if I factory reset my phone, will I lose everything, depending on the Reset type? So, if you have decided to factory reset the iPhone, make sure to back up all your important data via 3 listed methods:

Method 1: iCloud Backup

iCloud Backup is very useful before any reset because it saves most of your important iPhone data to Apple's servers. It automatically backs up app data and the Home Screen layout when your phone is on Wi-Fi and charging. Moreover, after a factory reset or on a new iPhone, you can restore everything easily with a few taps. So, to know how you can perform it, adhere to the listed steps for guidance:

• Step 1. Tap the Apple ID in settings, then choose the "iCloud" option in the Apple Account settings.



• Step 2. Stretch the menu for "iCloud Backup" and press the "Back Up Now" button. Now, stay connected to the Wi-Fi and wait for it to complete, and use this backup later when you restore after a reset.

Method 2: Backup via iTunes/Finder

While learning, if I reset my iPhone, will I lose everything? You can also create a backup via iTunes or Finder. This solution creates a full copy of your phone on your computer, and can include more data than iCloud. Additionally, computer backups have no storage limits other than your hard drive, and they are faster to back up and restore. Hence, here is how you can create a backup on iTunes via 2 simple ways:

• Step 1. Tap the small phone icon to access the "Summary" tab as you launch iTunes and connect the phone. There, choose "This Computer" under the "Backups" section and press the "Back Up Now" button.



• Step 2. In the popup, choose "Encrypt Backups" or "Don't Encrypt" and wait until the progress bar finishes.

Method 3: Third-party Backup Tools (e.g., Dr.Fone – Phone Backup)

Once you get an answer to whether I reset my phone, will I lose everything? If you seek to create a backup of selected items, choose Dr.Fone - Phone Backup. This tool can automatically and wirelessly back up iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch in just 3 simple steps. Users can choose the destination path and data type when creating a backup to the PC.

Additionally, it supports iOS 26/iPadOS 26 and iPhone 17 series, and guarantees zero data loss during the process. While giving the option to manually or automatically create a backup, users need no learning curve to use Dr.Fone. Thus, it makes it an ideal backup option for all types of users, and you can also get weekly updates to iOS solutions.

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• One-click to backup the whole iOS device to your computer.
• Enable scheduled Wi-Fi backups to automatically protect your iOS data without manual effort.
• Allow previewing and selectively export contacts from iPhone to your computer.
• No data loss on devices during the restoration.
• Works for all iOS devices. Compatible with the latest iOS version.

Available on: Windows Mac

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Guide to Create Your iPhone Backup Securely with Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS)

To know how you can use this tool to create a selective or complete backup of your iPhone, review these 3 simplified steps:

• Step 1. Choose Data and Start the Back Up Process

Opt for the "My Backups" section on the tool and choose the data you want to keep secure. After that, pick the "Backup To" location and press the "Back Up Now" button to commence.



• Step 2. Wait for the iPhone Backup to Complete

Wait until the tool completes the process, or choose to "Cancel" it if there is an issue. As it ends successfully, tap the "View Backups" or "Open in Folder" option to preview it on the saved destination path.

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Part 4. How to Factory Reset Your iPhone [All Models]

Once you get familiar with the "I reset my iPhone, will I lose everything?" query. Here is how you can factory reset your iPhone:

Prerequisites

• Backup iPhone: Save data using iCloud or Dr.Fone - Phone Backup before resetting.
• Sign Out of Apple ID/iCloud: Prevent Activation Lock by logging out before resetting.
• Note Apple ID/password: Keep credentials handy to confirm and complete the reset.

• Step 1. In the "General" settings, choose the "Transfer or Reset iPhone" option.



• Step 2. Choose the "Erase All Content and Settings" option and tap the "Continue" button. After that, enter your passcode and Apple ID password if asked, then confirm. The iPhone deletes all data, restarts, and shows the Hello screen; you can set it up or restore a backup.

Conclusion

To sum up, this guide has answered your query about if I reset my phone, will I lose everything. Not just that, possible iPhone Reset options are explained with detailed information on data loss. Additionally, simple steps to factory reset the iPhone are also shared with comprehensive prerequisites to create a backup. In this regard, Dr.Fone - Phone Backup is recommended if you want to back up specific items on your PC.

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