If you’re looking for a quick and effective way to troubleshoot your iPhone 12, the process of hard resetting may just be the solution you need. Whether you’re experiencing unresponsive apps or a frozen screen, this ultimate guide will walk you through the step-by-step instructions on how to hard reset your iPhone 12. With these simple and easy-to-follow techniques, you’ll be able to resolve any software issues and get your device back to its smooth and optimal functioning in no time. So sit back, relax, and let’s delve into the world of hard resetting the iPhone 12.
Preparing for a Hard Reset
Before you proceed with a hard reset on your iPhone 12, it is essential to make a few preparations to ensure a smooth process. These preparations will help protect your data and avoid any potential issues during the reset.
Backup your iPhone
First and foremost, it is crucial to back up your iPhone before performing a hard reset. This step ensures that you don’t lose any important data such as photos, videos, messages, or app data. Fortunately, Apple provides various methods to back up your device easily.
You can choose to back up your iPhone using iCloud, which is the most convenient option as it automatically creates backups wirelessly. To back up using iCloud, go to Settings, tap on your name, select iCloud, and then iCloud Backup. Finally, tap on “Back Up Now” to initiate the backup process.
Alternatively, you can connect your iPhone to your computer and use iTunes or Finder (depending on your macOS version) to create a backup. Simply open the respective application and select your iPhone. From there, click on the “Back Up Now” button to initiate the backup process.
Charge your iPhone
Before proceeding with a hard reset, make sure your iPhone is adequately charged. A reset process can sometimes take a significant amount of time, and you don’t want your iPhone running out of power in the middle of it. Connect your iPhone to a charger and ensure it has sufficient battery level to complete the reset without any interruptions.
Remove any SIM or SD cards
To avoid complications during the hard reset process, it is recommended to remove any SIM or SD cards from your iPhone. While this may not be necessary for the actual reset, it ensures that you won’t encounter any issues with your cellular network or external storage devices.
Now that you have made the necessary preparations, you are ready to proceed with a hard reset on your iPhone 12.
Performing a Forced Restart
If your iPhone is frozen or unresponsive, a forced restart can solve many common issues. It is a quick and straightforward process that can help resolve minor software glitches. Here’s how you can perform a forced restart on iPhone 12:
Step 1: Press and quickly release volume up button
Start by pressing the volume up button located on the left side of your iPhone. Quickly release it after pressing.
Step 2: Press and quickly release volume down button
Next, press and quickly release the volume down button located on the left side, just below the volume up button.
Step 3: Press and hold the side button
Press and hold the side button, also known as the power button, located on the right side of your iPhone. Hold it until you see the Apple logo appearing on the screen.
Step 4: Release the side button once the Apple logo appears
Once the Apple logo appears, release the side button. Your iPhone will now restart, and hopefully, any minor issues will be resolved.
Performing a forced restart is a simple yet effective method to troubleshoot common software problems. However, if your iPhone continues to experience issues or if you want to perform a more comprehensive reset, you can consider a hard reset.
Hard Resetting from Settings Menu
If you prefer a more controlled and systematic approach to resetting your iPhone, you can use the settings menu to initiate a hard reset. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Open the Settings app
Unlock your iPhone and locate the Settings app on your home screen. It has an icon shaped like a gear.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on General
In the Settings menu, scroll down until you find the “General” option. Tap on it to access the general settings of your iPhone.
Step 3: Scroll down and tap on Reset
Within the General settings, scroll down until you see the “Reset” option. Tap on it to proceed with the reset process.
Step 4: Select the option ‘Erase All Content and Settings’
In the Reset menu, you will find various reset options. To perform a hard reset, select the option “Erase All Content and Settings.” This option will wipe all data on your iPhone and reset it to its factory settings.
Step 5: Confirm your selection and enter your passcode if prompted
After selecting the “Erase All Content and Settings” option, a confirmation prompt will appear. Confirm your selection by tapping on “Erase iPhone.” If prompted, enter your passcode to proceed with the reset process.
Please note that performing a hard reset from the settings menu will erase all data on your iPhone. Therefore, it is crucial to have a backup of your data before proceeding.
Using iTunes for a Hard Reset
If you are unable to access the settings menu on your iPhone or prefer using a computer to perform the reset, you can utilize iTunes. Here’s how you can hard reset your iPhone 12 using iTunes:
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a lightning cable
Using the lightning cable that came with your iPhone, connect your device to your computer’s USB port.
Step 2: Open iTunes and select your iPhone
Open the iTunes application on your computer. If you are using macOS Catalina or later, you will need to use the Finder application instead. Once opened, select your iPhone from the list of devices.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Restore iPhone’ button
In iTunes or Finder, locate the “Restore iPhone” button. It may be labeled differently depending on your version of iTunes or Finder. Click on this button to initiate the reset process.
Step 4: Confirm the reset process and wait for it to complete
A confirmation prompt will appear, informing you that restoring your iPhone will erase all data on the device. Confirm the reset process by clicking on “Restore” and follow the on-screen instructions. Wait for the process to complete, and your iPhone will be reset to its factory settings.
Using iTunes or Finder allows for a more controlled reset process and can come in handy if you encounter issues with your device’s settings or software.
Hard Resetting with Finder (macOS Catalina and later)
If you are using macOS Catalina or later, the process of performing a hard reset on your iPhone 12 is slightly different. Here’s how you can do it using Finder:
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a lightning cable
Using the lightning cable provided with your iPhone, connect your device to your computer’s USB port.
Step 2: Open Finder and select your iPhone under the Locations section
Open the Finder application on your computer and locate your iPhone under the “Locations” section in the sidebar. Click on your iPhone to access the device settings.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Restore iPhone’ button
Within Finder, you will find various options for managing your iPhone. Locate the “Restore iPhone” button and click on it to initiate the hard reset process.
Step 4: Confirm the reset process and wait for it to complete
A confirmation prompt will appear, asking if you want to restore your iPhone to its factory settings. Confirm the reset by clicking on “Restore.” Wait for the process to complete, and your iPhone will be reset.
Performing a hard reset using Finder in macOS Catalina and later provides a more integrated experience for Apple users and is a viable option if you prefer using Finder over iTunes.
Entering DFU Mode
DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is a more advanced state of reset that allows for a complete restoration of the iPhone’s firmware and operating system. It can be useful in certain situations, such as when your iPhone experiences severe software issues or needs a clean installation of the operating system. Here’s how you can enter DFU mode on your iPhone 12:
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a lightning cable
Using the lightning cable provided, connect your iPhone to your computer’s USB port.
Step 2: Open iTunes or Finder (depending on your macOS version)
Depending on your macOS version, open either iTunes or Finder on your computer.
Step 3: Press and quickly release the volume up button
Press and quickly release the volume up button located on the left side of your iPhone.
Step 4: Press and quickly release the volume down button
Continuing the sequence, press and quickly release the volume down button located on the left side, just below the volume up button.
Step 5: Press and hold the side button until the screen goes black
Next, press and hold the side button (power button) located on the right side of your iPhone. Continue holding it until the screen goes completely black.
Step 6: While holding the side button, press and hold the volume down button for 5 seconds
While still holding the side button, also press and hold the volume down button located on the left side of your iPhone. Hold both buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds.
Step 7: Release the side button but continue holding the volume down button for about 10 seconds
After 5 seconds, release the side button, but make sure to continue holding the volume down button for approximately 10 seconds. You should see a “Plug into iTunes” message on your iPhone’s screen.
Step 8: If the screen remains black, you have successfully entered DFU mode
If the iPhone’s screen remains black, you have successfully entered DFU mode. Congratulate yourself, as you are now ready to proceed with restoring the device or troubleshooting using advanced methods.
Entering DFU mode requires precise timing and can be a bit tricky at first. But with practice, you can master the process and utilize this powerful reset option when needed.
Restoring an iPhone in DFU Mode
Now that you have successfully entered DFU mode, you can proceed with restoring your iPhone’s firmware and operating system. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: A pop-up should appear in iTunes or Finder indicating that your iPhone is in recovery mode
When your iPhone is in DFU mode, a pop-up should appear in either iTunes or Finder, indicating that your device is in recovery mode.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Restore’ button
In iTunes or Finder, locate and click on the “Restore” button. This will initiate the restoration process and reinstall the firmware and operating system on your iPhone.
Step 3: Wait for the restore process to complete
The restoration process may take some time, depending on your internet connection and the size of the firmware file being downloaded. Be patient and wait for the process to complete. Once finished, your iPhone will be restored to its factory settings with clean firmware and operating system.
Restoring an iPhone in DFU mode is a powerful reset option and can help resolve complex software issues. However, it is essential to remember that this process will erase all data on your device, so ensure you have a backup before proceeding.
Hard Resetting with AssistiveTouch
If the physical buttons on your iPhone are not functioning correctly or if you prefer a more accessible way to hard reset your device, you can utilize AssistiveTouch. AssistiveTouch is an accessibility feature in iOS that provides virtual buttons on your screen. Here’s how you can use AssistiveTouch to perform a hard reset:
Step 1: Enable AssistiveTouch in Settings
Unlock your iPhone and navigate to the Settings app. Tap on “Accessibility” and then “Touch.” From there, select “AssistiveTouch” and toggle the switch to enable it. An AssistiveTouch button will now appear on your screen.
Step 2: Access the AssistiveTouch menu
Tap on the AssistiveTouch button that appears on your screen to access the AssistiveTouch menu.
Step 3: Tap on ‘Device’
Within the AssistiveTouch menu, tap on the “Device” option.
Step 4: Tap and hold on ‘Lock Screen’ until the slider appears
Under the “Device” option, locate “Lock Screen” and tap and hold on it. Keep holding until the slider to turn your iPhone off appears on your screen.
Step 5: Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone
Once the slider appears, drag it to the right to turn off your iPhone. Wait until your iPhone completely shuts down.
Step 6: Once your iPhone is turned off, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears
After your iPhone is turned off, press and hold the side button (power button) located on the right side of your iPhone. Continue holding it until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This indicates that your iPhone is undergoing a hard reset.
Utilizing AssistiveTouch provides an alternative method to perform a hard reset when the physical buttons on your iPhone are not functional. It offers convenience and accessibility while achieving the same result.
Contacting Apple Support
If you encounter any difficulties during the hard reset process or if your iPhone continues to exhibit issues, it may be necessary to seek support from Apple. Apple provides various avenues for users to contact their support team and troubleshoot any problems.
Step 1: Visit the Apple Support website
Open a web browser on your computer or access it on another device and visit the official Apple Support website.
Step 2: Choose your country and select ‘iPhone’
On the Apple Support website, choose your country or region from the available options. Once selected, navigate to the “iPhone” section.
Step 3: Select the issue or problem you are experiencing
Identify the specific issue or problem you are experiencing with your iPhone. Apple Support provides categories for different issues, ranging from hardware problems to software glitches.
Step 4: Follow the instructions provided to contact Apple Support
Once you have identified the issue, follow the provided instructions to contact Apple Support. They may offer email support, chat support, or even phone support, depending on your location and the nature of the issue.
Getting in touch with Apple Support can provide expert guidance and personalized assistance for resolving any complex problems you may encounter during the hard reset process.
Important Considerations
While performing a hard reset on your iPhone can be an effective troubleshooting method, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
Be aware of data loss
Performing a hard reset will erase all data on your iPhone, including photos, videos, contacts, and app data. It is crucial to have a backup of your device before proceeding with a reset. This ensures that you can restore your data after the reset is completed.
Ensure data backup
Before initiating a hard reset, make sure you have a recent backup of your iPhone. You can back up your data using iCloud or by connecting your iPhone to your computer and using iTunes or Finder. A backup gives you peace of mind, knowing that your data is secure and retrievable, even after a reset.
Check warranty and support options
If your iPhone is experiencing hardware problems or if you are uncertain about performing a hard reset yourself, it is advisable to check your device’s warranty status and consider seeking support from authorized service providers. Apple provides warranty coverage for eligible devices, and Apple Support can guide you through the process of seeking professional assistance.
In conclusion, performing a hard reset on your iPhone 12 can help resolve various software issues and restore your device to its factory settings. Whether you choose to perform a forced restart, a hard reset from the settings menu, use iTunes or Finder, enter DFU mode, utilize AssistiveTouch, or seek support from Apple, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and understand the implications of the reset process. By making necessary preparations and considering important factors such as data backup and support options, you can confidently proceed with a hard reset on your iPhone 12 and overcome any software-related obstacles you may encounter.
