What Does Reset All Settings Do on an iPhone? Full Explanation, Effects & Safety Guide

Part 1. What Does Reset All Settings Do on iPhone?

Those who ask what does Reset All Settings do in the iPhone should understand that "Reset All Settings" restores system settings to factory defaults but keeps all personal data safe. It removes Wi‑Fi networks and passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and VPN settings. Additionally, it resets Home screen layout, wallpaper, brightness, dark mode, sound, notifications, Focus mode, location, privacy, and keyboard settings.

Thus, this reset fixes system issues while keeping photos, messages, apps, and files intact. So, users can start fresh with default settings without losing any important personal information on their device.

Difference Between Reset All Settings, Erase All Content, & Network Reset

As you know, what the iPhone Reset All Settings does, know that the iPhone gives options to reset settings, erase all content, or reset network settings for different purposes. Therefore, one needs to understand how these options differ and what purpose each serves.

Reset All Settings

Reset All Settings restores iPhone system preferences, including Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth, VPN, Home screen arrangement, wallpaper, display, sounds, and notifications. However, the personal data is not lost during this process.

It secures personal data; therefore, photos, videos, apps, app data, messages, contacts, and files remain on the device. Thus, it is the best choice when glitches or configuration problems are to be solved without losing any content.

Erase All Content and Settings

This Settings completely wipes the iPhone, removing apps, app data, photos, videos, messages, accounts, Apple Pay, and all settings. Moreover, the phone returns to its original factory state, and nothing personal remains unless restored later from a backup on iCloud or a computer.

So, this is best for selling or giving away the device or for fixing serious software problems after you back up your data. It clears everything, keeping the phone like-new and your personal information safe during transfers or troubleshooting.

Reset Network Settings

Reset Network Settings clears only network data on the iPhone, including saved Wi‑Fi networks, passwords, cellular settings, VPN, and some paired network connections. It does not remove photos, apps, messages, or other settings like wallpaper and notifications. Thus, this option works best for Wi‑Fi, mobile data, hotspot, or VPN issues when other fixes do not work.

Part 2. What Happens When You Reset All Settings on an iPhone? (What Changes & What Doesn't)

Since you know what does Reset All Settings do in iPhone, review the given detailed table and further learn what will change and what remains intact:

Pro Tip. Back Up Your iPhone Before Resetting All Settings (Recommended)

While knowing what does Reset All Settings do on an iPhone, if you decide to reset the settings, it's better to create a backup in case something goes wrong. In this regard, Dr.Fone - Phone Backup allows you to automatically and wirelessly back up iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The tool claims to have zero data loss during the transfer, backup, or restore process, and its usage is also seamless.

Additionally, with support for iOS 26/iPadOS 26 and iPhone 17 series, the tool also allows you to selectively choose the data to create a backup. Once created, users can preview it in folders, and incremental backups automatically save space. With no learning curve, users can either create manual backups or have them created automatically over Wi-Fi.

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Guide to Back Up iOS Manually with Dr.Fone - Phone Backup

As you have learned what does Reset All Settings do on iPhone, here is how you can create a backup of selected data if you are afraid of data loss:

• Step 1. Locate the My Backup Feature to Create a Backup

Within the "My Backup" tab, select the data you seek to create a backup for and press the "Back Up Now" button. Before that, tap the "File" icon in the "Backup Path" section to select the destination folder.



• Step 2. Monitor or Cancel the Backup If Needed

Monitor the iPhone backup process on the following interface, and select "Cancel" when needed.



• Step 3. Choose the Preview Option to Check the Backup

After the backup is done, pick the "View Backup" or "Open in Folder" option to preview it.

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Part 3. How to Reset All Settings on iPhone - Complete Guide?

Now that you understand what does iPhone Reset All Settings do, here is how you can perform it:

• Step 1. Access the "General" settings and choose the "Transfer or Reset iPhone" option on the new interface to select "Reset."



• Step 2. Pick the "Reset All Settings" option on the popup menu, enter the device passcode, and pick "Reset All Settings" to confirm the action.

Is Backing Up Required Before Using "Reset All Settings" on iPhone?

Backing up is not required before using "Reset All Settings," but it is a good safety habit. This reset changes system settings without deleting personal content like photos, messages, apps, or files, so normally you will not lose data. However, any reset carries some risk of bugs, errors, or later decisions that could fully erase the iPhone.

Therefore, a recent iCloud backup keeps your data safe if something goes wrong or if you later choose to use "Erase All Content and Settings." However, if you want to create a secure backup of selective data on your computer, Dr.Fone - Phone Backup is a recommended choice.

Why and When to Use Reset All Settings

Now that you know what does the Reset All Settings do on iPhone, here is when and why you need to perform it:

Conclusion

To wrap up, this article has answered what does Reset All Settings do on an iPhone while highlighting how it differs from Reset Network Settings and Erase All Settings. Additionally, this guide has provided clear steps for resetting all settings and the right time to use this option. Although personal data remains safe during the process, using Dr.Fone - Phone Backup is recommended as a precaution to create a secure backup on a PC.

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