Restore ios6 to factory settings

Hello Kenneth B,

It sounds like you would like to know if restoring your phone with iTunes will keep iOS 6.1.4 on it, or not. If you restore with iTunes it will automatically install the latest version of iOS on your phone, which in this case will be iOS 8.

You can use iTunes to restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to factory settings and the latest version of iOS. Restoring iOS software deletes all your data and content from your device, including songs, videos, contacts, photos, and calendar info.

From: Use iTunes to restore your iOS device to factory settings

You can use your Settings to Erase all Content and Settings, granted this does not reinstall the iOS, but does 'wipe the slate clean' and when finished will leave the phone with none of your data or settings as though you had just restored it. This article will help you do that if you wish to go that route:

iOS: Understanding 'Erase All Content and Settings'

To remove all content and settings from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:

1. If you wish to recover the data again, ensure that you have an iCloud or iTunes backup and that it is up to date.
2. Tap Settings > General > Reset > Erase all Content and Settings.

When you select to "Erase All Content and Settings," the process can take from a few minutes to several hours. The time this process takes will vary by iOS device:

• Devices that support hardware encryption: Erases user settings and information by removing the encryption key that protects the data. This process takes just a few minutes.
• Devices that overwrite memory: Overwrites user settings and information, writing a series of ones to the data partition. This process can take several hours, depending on the storage capacity of your iPhone or iPod touch. During this time, the device displays the Apple logo and a progress bar.

  Note: If possible, connect your device to a charger and leave it connected until the process is complete.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Cheers,

Sterling