Which one do you want to do?
There are different options to choose from...
Reset All Settings...
What this effectively does is to reset some of your Settings to factory default. It’s not a complete removal of settings. It removes all of your preferences for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Do No Disturb, Notifications, General, Sounds, Brightness & Wallpaper and Privacy.
When to use it? If your iPhone is acting up and you want to avoid having the longer process of a complete erase.
When you complete the process, your iPhone will reboot. Despite the scary two step warning, this doesn’t affect your data. All of your email accounts will remain in tact, as well as any SMS text or iMessages.
What this effectively does is to reset some of your Settings to factory default. It’s not a complete removal of settings. It removes all of your preferences for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Do No Disturb, Notifications, General, Sounds, Brightness & Wallpaper and Privacy.
When to use it? If your iPhone is acting up and you want to avoid having the longer process of a complete erase.
Erase All Content and Settings
DELETES EVERYTHING.
This is the nuclear option. This will erase everything on your iPhone or iPad. So not only does this reset settings, it deletes media. Photos, music, email, videos and even your apps. This brings your iPhone back to its default factory state. I should note that it will still restore to the last iOS update you installed. So if you updated to iOS 8, a factory restore won’t magically downgrade your iPhone to iOS 7. To erase all content and settings:
1. Navigate to Settings > General > Reset
2. Select Erase All Content and Settings. Tap button twice to confirm.
3. Erase all content iPhone
Your iPhone or iPad will now reboot. At the conclusion, you’ll be guided through the setup process.
When to use it? You’ve exhausted all troubleshooting tips and have decided to delete everything. It’s also the option you’ll want to explore if you plan on selling your iOS device or gifting it to a lucky relative.
Bonus Tip: While it may delete your apps, Apple has a record of your purchase history in the App Store, making it easy to download to a new iPhone.
