I reset all the data on my iPhone 3GS using the 'Reset all settings and data' option on the iPhone. I never took note of how long the iPhone said it would take to complete. It appears to be processing, although it has been going for over 4 hours. It's a 16GB model, and it was practically full, but still, should it really take this long? Thanks in advance.
iPhone 3GS, iOS 4.3.1
You're talking about Settings>General>Reset>Erase All Content & Settings, correct? If so, on a 3GS that should take no more than a minute or so, as the encryption key is all that is deleted. Are you positive you have a 3GS? On an iPhone 3G, this can take several hours as the 3G does not support hardware encryption. If not a 3GS, you need to plug it into a wall outlet.
You're talking about Settings>General>Reset>Erase All Content & Settings, correct? If so, on a 3GS that should take no more than a minute or so, as the encryption key is all that is deleted. Are you positive you have a 3GS? On an iPhone 3G, this can take several hours as the 3G does not support hardware encryption. If not a 3GS, you need to plug it into a wall outlet.
Gah! So my iPhone is just processing 'something' for no reason at all for the last 4 hours? What should I do: Do the button combination reset and hope it doesn't destroy my device? or just leave it and see if it finishes?
Also it's definitely a 3GS. 😝
Something has definitely gone wrong. See if you can force the phone into recovery mode:
Press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons at the same time. When your phone turns off, release the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons. Then, leave the USB cable connected to your computer, but NOT your phone, itunes running, press & hold the home button while connecting the USB cable to your dock connector, continue holding the home button until you see “Connect to iTunes” on the screen. You may now release the home button. iTunes should now display that it has detected your phone in recovery mode, if not quit and reopen iTunes. If you still don’t see the recovery message repeat these steps again. iTunes will give you the option to restore from a backup or set up as new. In your case, select "new".
Update - Did the reset, and plugged it into recovery mode. I'm now currently restoring to a blank 4.3.3 (or whatever it is nowadays) firmware. Considering you took the time to respond, I'll give you correct answer. 😉 Thanks...
You're welcome.
I encounters the same problem while attempting to reset my 3Gs to factory default. I nearly gave up holding the sleep/wake & Home buttons for over 60 seconds and another 30+ of holding the home button for iTunes to recognize the device. Mid way through the restor process, iTunes poped up a problem downloading software "Network Connection Timed out." I repeated the process and encounterd the same result, this time iTunes disconnected the device and I am unable to put it into recovery mode.
i held down the sleep and home button and it did not do anything?
Hard resetting iPhone - How long should it be taking?
